BACKGROUND Leukotriene receptor antagonists have been shown to attenuate physiologic changes in the upper and lower airways induced by allergen challenge. However, it is unknown whether these drugs modulate airway inflammation after exposure to allergen in a natural setting. OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of the oral leukotriene receptor antagonist zafirlukast upon symptoms, changes in pu...

BACKGROUND Toll-like receptors enable the host to recognize a large number of pathogen-associated molecular patterns such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide, viral RNA, CpG-containing DNA and flagellin. Toll-like receptors have also been shown to play a pivotal role in both innate and adaptive immune responses. The role of Toll-like receptors as a primary part of our microbe defense system has bee...

The allergen-induced late nasal response (LNR) is associated with high expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-5 messenger RNA (mRNA) in the nasal mucosa, suggesting a role for Th2-type cytokines in the development of the LNR. Moreover, topical corticosteroid-mediated inhibition of the LNR is accompanied by inhibition of IL-4, but not IL-5, mRNA expression, IL-13 shares a number of functions ...

INTRODUCTION Nasal provocation testing involves an allergen-specific local reaction of the nasal mucosa to the administered allergen. AIM To determine the most objective nasal occlusion assessment technique that could be used in nasal provocation testing. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 60 subjects, including 30 patients diagnosed with allergy to common environmental allergens and 30 health...

Background: There are many therapeutic methods for allergic conditions. CpG oli-gonucleotides play a critical role in immunity via the augmentation of Th1 and suppres-sion of Th2 responses. Objective: In the present study we aimed to estimate the effec-tiveness of intranasal administration of CpG ODN plus Chenopodium album allergen in allergic asthma compared with the administration of allergen...

BACKGROUND The neuropeptide secretoneurin, with potential relevance to leukocyte trafficking, is present in nerves of the nasal mucosa in allergic rhinitis and may be released in response to allergen and histamine exposure. There is no information on the occurrence and mechanisms of release of secretoneurin in healthy human airways. METHODS The presence of secretoneurin in nasal biopsies and ...

Cologne, Germany; Praxisgemeinschaft im Kapuzinerkarree, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Aerodynamics, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany. Background: Our investigation aimed to visualize the 3-D spatial distribution of nasal cavity mucosal swelling under levocetirizine prophylactic treatment on exposure to allergens. This study made use of standard rhinologic diagnostics such as rhinomanometry and aco...

Cologne, Germany; Praxisgemeinschaft im Kapuzinerkarree, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Aerodynamics, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany. Background: Our investigation aimed to visualize the 3-D spatial distribution of nasal cavity mucosal swelling under levocetirizine prophylactic treatment on exposure to allergens. This study made use of standard rhinologic diagnostics such as rhinomanometry and aco...

Cologne, Germany; Praxisgemeinschaft im Kapuzinerkarree, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Aerodynamics, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany. Background: Our investigation aimed to visualize the 3-D spatial distribution of nasal cavity mucosal swelling under levocetirizine prophylactic treatment on exposure to allergens. This study made use of standard rhinologic diagnostics such as rhinomanometry and aco...