Multidisciplinary clinical management of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare, acquired disease caused by clonal expansion of one or more hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) lines due to a somatic mutation of the phosphatidylinositol glycan anchor (PIG-A) gene located on Xp22.1. PNH incidence is 1.

Early suppression of basophil activation during allergen-specific immunotherapy by histamine receptor 2.

Background: Early desensitization of FcεRI-bearing mast cells and basophils has been demonstrated in allergen-specific immunotherapy and drug desensitization. However, its mechanisms have not been elucidated in detail. Histamine is one of the main mediators released on FcεRI triggering of basophils and mast cells, and it exerts its functions through histamine receptors (HRs).

Diagnostic value of specific IgE analysis in latex allergy.

Background: The precision of the methods used to diagnose latex allergy is of great importance due to false-positive results. Neither the skin prick test (SPT) nor the latex-specific IgE assay has 100% diagnostic accuracy. We analysed the diagnostic value of latex-specific IgE by the first-ever concomitant use of the SPT and nasal provocation test (NPT).

Vitamin D deficiency in the absence of enteropathy in three cases with common variable immunodeficiency.

Background: Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia and a defect in antibody production. Herein we describe 3 patients diagnosed with CVID in whom vitamin D deficiency was detected in the absence of enteropathy.

Methods: Biochemical and immunological analysis, serum osteocalcin, parathyroid hormone, 25-OH vitamin D, 1,25(OH)(2) vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin E, urinary calcium, and deoxypyridinoline measurements were carried out.

Comparison of Der p1-specific antibody levels in children with allergic airway disease and healthy controls.

Although children, with allergic airway disease, who are sensitized to house-dust mite (HDM) are known to have increased levels of allergen-specific IgE and IgG, the association between the quantity of those immunoglobulins and the clinical features of disease is not yet well established. The purpose of this study was (i) to evaluate Der p1-specific IgA, IgG1, IgG4, and IgE levels of children with HDM-allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis and to compare it with that of healthy controls (ii) to assess the association with disease duration. A total of 73 patients were included.

Chlamydia pneumoniae arthritis in a patient with common variable immunodeficiency.

Background: Arthritis is an important and sometimes life-threatening complication in patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID).

Objective: To describe a patient with CVID and arthritis due to Chlamydia pneumoniae, which is usually regarded as a respiratory tract pathogen and has not previously been detected in the synovial fluid by cell culture technique.

Methods: Routine bacteriologic, virologic, mycologic, and tuberculosis cultures were performed.

Is the menstrual cycle affecting the skin prick test reactivity?

Allergen skin prick tests (SPT) are very sensitive and specific tests to detect allergic sensitization in atopic patients. Certain factors like antihistamines, antidepressant therapies or circadian rhythms can alter the results of SPT. In women, the changes in endogenous hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle may affect the allergic responses and natural course of allergic diseases.

Latex allergy and associated risk factors in a group of Turkish patients with spina bifida.

Allergic reactions to latex are common in patients with spina bifida. Its incidence varies between 28% and 67%. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of latex allergy and its risk factors in patients with spina bifida in Izmir, Turkey.

The determinants of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in patients with allergic rhinitis.

Background: Patients with allergic rhinitis and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) may be at higher risk of developing asthma.

Objective: To investigate whether reactivity to aeroallergens in skin prick testing (SPT) and serum eosinophil cationic protein levels can be used to predict BHR in allergic rhinitis patients.

Methods: Fifty-nine consecutive patients with allergic rhinitis underwent SPTs using grass, tree, weed, parietaria, Alternaria, Aspergillus, mites, and cat and dog dander extracts.

Characterization of the cellular response during apoptosis induction in cadmium-treated Hep G2 human hepatoma cells.

Cadmium is a toxic transition heavy metal of continuing occupational and environmental concern, with a wide variety of adverse effects on regulation of gene expression and cellular signal transduction pathways. Injury to cells by cadmium leads to a complex series of events that can culminate in the death of the cell. It has been reported that cadmium induces apoptosis in many cell lines.

Sensitization to cat allergens in non-cat owner patients with respiratory allergy.

Background: Cats represent one of the most important sources of indoor allergens. The sensitization rate can reach up to 60% in western countries. Keeping cats indoors is uncommon in big cities in Turkey, but cats living in the streets are common.