1,721,514 research outputs found
Nonspecific provocation of target organs in allergic diseases: EAACI-GA(2)LEN consensus report
No full textAllergy. 2007 Jun;62(6):683-94. Nonspecific provocation of target organs in allergic diseases: EAACI-GA(2)LEN consensus report. Bonini S, Rasi G, Brusasco V, Carlsen KH, Crimi E, Popov T, Schultze-Werninghaus G, Gramiccioni C, Bonini M, Passali D, Bachert C, van Cauwenberge PB, Bresciani M, Bonini S, Calonge M, Montan PG, Serapiao Dos Santos M, Belfort R Jr, Lambiase A, Sacchetti M. Source Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy. Abstract It is widely accepted that nonspecific tissue reactivity is a distinct pathophysiological hallmark of allergic diseases, influenced by genetic and environmental factors different from those involved in causing sensitization and allergen response of target organs. This consensus document aims at reviewing procedures currently used for nonspecific provocation of the bronchi, nose and eye and for measuring their responsiveness to nonspecific stimuli. PMID: 17508974 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
Anti-inflammatory and healing properties of nerve growth factor in immune corneal ulcers with stromal melting
No full textAllergy and infections: long-term improvement of vernal keratoconjunctivitis following viral conjunctivitis
No full textVernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a severe, chronic allergic inflammatory disease of the ocular surface poorly responsive to antiallergic treatments and possibly leading to permanent visual impairment. VKC, because of mast cell, eosinophil, and Th2-type inflammation, polyclonal IgE activation, and tissue remodeling, is considered to be a typical Th2- driven disease. Viral infection stimulates a Th1 type immune response, potentially attenuating allergen-induced inflammation. The purpose of this report is to describe the effect of viral keratoconjunctivitis in a patient with VKC
The pattern of the ocular late phase reaction induced by allergen challenge in hay fever conjunctivitis
No full textThe purpose of this study was to describe the pattern of the ocular late phase reaction in patients with ocular hay fever. The authors monitored the clinical and cytological conjunctival response after topical allergen challenge. A conjunctival provocation test was performed in six ryegrass-sensitive patients and six healthy volunteers with 320,000 Biological Units (Pharmacia, Uppsala) of ryegrass antigen, diluted in albumin, in one eye; albumin diluent alone was used in the second (control) eye. Clinical symptoms were evaluated before challenge after 20 min, then hourly for 12 hours and 24 hours after challenge. Cell counts in the tear fluid were performed at the same time interval The results obtained show a significant clinical reaction during the entire period, differing in peaks in individual cases. This reaction was associated with a persistent inflammation, with neutrophils in the early phase and eosinophils and lymphocytes in the late phase period The data thus show that ocular challenge with high allergen doses induces clinical and cellular evidence of an ocular late phase reaction and suggest that the conjunctival provocation test may be used for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of mild but persistent ocular inflammation in ocular hay fever
Innovative medicines: New regulatory procedures for the third millennium
No full textDespite tremendous progress in science and increasing investment in research and development, patients' access to innovative medicines remains limited. This is in part due to increasing regulatory requirements for product authorisation and cost-constrained national health systems. At the European Medicines Agency (EMA), we have tried to address these constraints by adapting our organisation and activities to changing business models, new technologies, and the current and emerging health needs in Europe. The main EMA initiatives to provide patients with effective, safe and affordable medicines are reviewed
The multifaceted aspects of ocular allergies: Phenotypes and endotypes
No full textLike the lung, skin, and nose, the external eye is a common target of allergic inflammation. Ocular allergy (OA) represents a collection of underestimated diseases of the eye observed in children and adults. The ocular manifestations are the expression of multifactorial immune mechanisms that generally have a good prognosis, but for a few patients, long term inflammation may remarkably reduce the visual function. Evidence suggests that other co-participant systems, including epigenetic, genetic, environmental, individual factors, sex hormones, and the central and autonomic nervous systems may influence the ocular response from distant sites. This is consistent with the concept that the eye is an organ fully integrated with the rest of the body and that the therapeutic approach should be holistic, dynamic, and personalized. For instance, androgens and estrogens binding to receptors on the ocular surface and the continuous cross-talking of neuromediators and growth factors with immune cells act to maintain the ocular surface homeostasis in response to environmental challenges. The immune system links and regulates the response of the ocular surface. Complex and incompletely understood mechanisms influence the innate and adaptive immune responses and generate different OA phenotypes and endotypes discussed in the present review
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