Cow’s milk allergy in children
October 9, 2009 · Leave a Comment
Cow’s milk (protein) allergy is one of the most common food allergies in children in their first years of life, with diverse manifestations such as urticaria, wheeze, vomiting, skin problems and gastrointestinal symptoms. It affects 2-3% of children in their first your of life, usually with symptoms beginning within the first month of life, or within a week after introduction of cow’s milk formula.
Discovery can reduce the severity of allergic reactions and save lives
August 3, 2009 · Leave a Comment
A new method to reducing the impact or symptoms of anaphylactic shock has been identified by researchers from Glasgow University (Scotland)
Source: University of Glasgow News
A team of researchers from Glasgow University are the first in the world to pinpoint a molecule which amplifies the allergic reaction and have successfully developed a biological agent to reduce the symptoms. The breakthrough could lead to a huge reduction in the number of fatal cases of anaphylactic shock across the world.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction – the extreme end of the allergic spectrum. Symptoms may include generalised flushing, difficulty in breathing and can result in cardiac arrest and death.
Common causes of anaphylaxis include foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, fish, shellfish, dairy products and eggs. Non-food causes include wasp or bee stings, natural latex (rubber), penicillin or any other drug or injection.
Led by Dr Alirio Melendez and Prof Eddy Liew, both of the University of Glasgow, the team found that the novel cytokine (immune hormone) – IL-33 – plays a key role in the development of anaphylaxis. Dr Melendez said: “An anaphylactic shock prompts a massive inflammatory reaction which often is so severe that it constricts breathing. In our study we found that the severity of the shock is linked to the IL-33 molecule, which acts as an amplifier to the inflammatory reaction. This can lead to a fatal constriction of the airway and, ultimately, death.” “Our study suggests that patients with the most severe anaphylactic reactions have very high levels of IL33 in their system”. “In basic terms, without the IL33 molecule, the allergic reaction experienced would be far less severe, greatly reducing the risk of death.”
The findings have been published in the highly respected international journal, Proceedings of the National Association of Sciences of the USA (PNAS). The team successfully used a mouse model to show that blocking the IL-33 molecule reduces the severity of the attack. “This approach does not stop the allergic reaction altogether. It blocks the amplification of the reaction triggered by IL-33, not the allergic response itself.”. “Our current strategy is to utilise the soluble receptor for IL-33 (sST2) to validate as a potential biological agent that can potentially be used to target IL-33 during an anaphylactic shock”.
Lynne Regent, Chief Executive of The Anaphylaxis Campaign (UK), said: “The results of the study, led by Dr Melendez and Prof. Liew at The University of Glasgow, are encouraging. We would hope to see this work developed further to a point where it could be of real benefit to people living with Anaphylaxis or at risk of severe allergic reaction”.
For more information, contact Eleanor Cowie in the University of Glasgow Media Relations Office on 0141 330 3683 or email e.cowie@admin.gla.ac.uk
The cytokine interleukin-33 mediates anaphylactic shock. Pushparaj PN, Tay HK, H’ng SC, Pitman N, Xu D, McKenzie A, Liew FY, Melendez AJ. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009 Jun 16;106(24):9773-8. Epub 2009 Jun 8.
University of Glasgow
Fish oil supplementation in pregnancy and food allergy
June 18, 2009 · Leave a Comment
Fish oil supplementation in pregnancy and lactation may decrease the risk of infant allergy
The reported increase in the incidence of allergic diseases over the last decade has prompted a number of research studies aimed at identifying treatments and potential strategies of prevention. Now, a new study published in Acta Pediatrica by researchers from the Linkoping University (Sweden), suggests that Maternal intake of omega-3 (through fish iol supplementation) may decrease the risk of food allergy and eczemas during the first year of life in infants with a family history of allergic disease.
To conduct the study, the swedish researchers recruited one hundred and forty-five pregnant women, affected by allergy themselves or having a husband or previous child with allergies. Half of the women received the supplementation (omega-3 fatty acid, corresponds to a meal of approximately 100 g salmon daily) during pregancy (25th week of gestation onwards) and lactation (first 3-4 months of breastfeeding), whereas the other half received placebo (a daily capsule for the same period.
Their results showed that the risk of developing food allergy in the first year of life was reduced 10 times in the children whose mother received the supplements. The prevalence of eczemas was also lower for the children whose mothers received the supplements. These results highlight the importance of an appropriate nutrient intake of omega-3 during pregnancy, but please not that you should never take any dietary supplements and undergo dietary changes – especially during pregnancy and lactation – without consulting a health professional.
Food Allergies May Be Linked to Obesity
May 29, 2009 · Leave a Comment
Researchers studying more than 4,000 children ages 2 to 19 enrolled in a larger survey of childhood health found a significant association of overweight and obesity with allergic reactions to eggs, peanuts and other common allergens. For example, overweight and obese children were over 50 percent more likely than those of normal weight to be allergic to milk. Over all, the obese and overweight children were about 25 percent more likely to have one or more food allergies.
“While there’s nothing conclusive about our findings,” said Cindy M. Visness, the lead author, “this is one more motivation to try to prevent obesity in children.” Dr. Visness is an epidemiologist with Rho Inc., a company that provides research and statistical services for clinical trials.
The scientists also found an association between being overweight and levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, which suggests that systemic inflammation may also play a role in the development of allergies. The authors acknowledge that their study, published in the May issue of The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, does not prove that obesity causes allergies, and that other explanations for the association are possible.
Source: The New York Times
