Allergy Research

Back in 2011, we posted a blog about a vaccine for cat allergies, and at that time, it discussed the Phase II trials of the vaccine. Well, two years later, the results are in, they look promising, and Phase III is about to begin.

Nearly two years ago, more than 200 cat allergy sufferers took part in the second phase trials which involved four doses of the vaccine, ToleroMune®, over the course of 12 weeks. In the fall of 2012, the company responsible for the study, Circassia, released initial results of the patients who returned to be exposed to the cat allergen and reassessed. Then in February of 2013, they announced full results of this double-blind, randomized study.

The results of this stage of human trials continued to show the same promise that began about a decade ago - the development of a vaccine against cat allergies. Those who received the actual vaccine (and not the placebo) continued to show sustained improvement when reassessed two years after the trial began. With this major milestone, Phase III trials have already started.

During this last stage of the trials, 1200 participants are involved in what will ultimately be another two year study that is broader and more in-depth. Upon completion in 2015. The vaccine could potentially be available shortly after the completion of this final phase in 2015. For the tens of millions of cat allergy sufferers, this novel approach represents a more longterm solution particle allergies, and ultimately, this type of development could lead to greater understanding of allergies and bring us one step closer to a cure.

In addition to their work on a cat allergy vaccine, Circassia has also started testing on similar treatments for grass and dust mite allergies.

Author: Kevin G.

Viruses, bacteria, and germs... they seem like a terrifying lot sometimes, particularly when the evening news shows stories of salmonella food poisoning, some ultra rare microbes with devastating effects or a story about how research on the mutating the Avian flu virus to affect people will continue. For all the negatives we hear day in and day out about the microscopic organisms, millions of them are on our skin and even inside of us at any given time. As science focuses more on how they interact with our bodies and effect our health, the picture of a positive relationship is becoming much clearer.

Over the last few months new studies have shown that bacteria in our digestive system play a key role in everything from losing weight and fighting colds to lowering cholesterol and even alleviating asthma. In addition to the longer known relationship between bacteria in our GI tract and digestion, new research is showing a symbiotic relationship on many levels.

The lungs have long been thought to be sterile, devoid of the types of microorganisms that are so commonly found in the digestive system. A recent study by the Cardiff University of Medicine has revealed that not only was that assumption wrong, but that some of the organisms found in the lungs may play a key role in whether or not a person develops asthma.

With over 100 different types of fungi found in sputum samples, the study showed differences in not only the types but also the number of fungal species found in samples from asthmatic and control patients. For asthmatic samples certain fungal species were found that were either not found or found in much lower numbers in the control group - Psathyrella candolleana and Malassezia pachydermatis are just two. The reverse was also true for control patients. Systenostrema alba and Eremothecium sinecaudum were found in healthy patients and were either not found in asthmatics or found in much lower numbers.

While the study of numbers, types and more importantly the role of fungal species in the lungs is still in its infancy, it offers a new avenue of study in terms of the development and treatment of asthma.

To read the full text of the study.

Author: K. Gilmore

In a recent study presented at the European Respiratory Society conference in Vienna, researchers defined the link between the use of a common asthma treatment drug and a child's height. For years it has been believed that budesonide, the primary active drug in Pulmicort, temporarily slowed the growth of children but that as the children grew into adults, their height eventually "caught up." This most recent study finds that the long term effects on adult height, though minimal, are permanent.

When accounting for all factors across multiple age groups, researchers found that prepubescent children who took a twice daily dose of the inhaled glucocorticoid were an average of 1.2 cm (just under half an inch) shorter than those in the placebo group. As the children grew to be adults, the slowing in growth was not cumulative nor was it progressive.

Overall, this is likely a case of not wanting to throw the baby out with the bathwater. While height is minimally effected, particularly with higher doses and with younger children, the overall effect of fewer asthma attacks ultimately outweighs this potential side effect.

For doctors and parents, this study should prompt a discussion about the use budesonide and finding the minimal dose required to control asthma while limiting any potential growth issues.

To read the original articles published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Author: Kevin Gilmore

Keep an eye out the next three days as this week is VIRUS WEEK!

An article published in the most recent issue of the Journal of National Cancer Institute touches on a subject that we first wrote about several years ago - the link between cancer and allergies. At that time we pointed out recent research that seemed to point to a link between allergies and a decrease in the risk of developing cancer. This most recent study goes beyond the survey style methodology that was the basis of much of the earlier research. Instead, these newest results rely on a more quantitative measure - blood samples.

Blood samples taken from nearly 600 patients diagnosed with glioma and a matching control group free of tumors were tested for two types IgE protein, common markers found in people who have allergies. Confirming earlier research, the results showed that with higher levels of IgE came a lower risk of developing glioma. What really makes this study unique is that the blood samples of the glioma patients were actually collected two decades ago, long BEFORE any diagnosis of a tumor.

Despite the decades that separated when the samples were taken and when they were tested, the results showed a near 50% lower risk of developing glioma. For women, allergen specific IgE testing, like those used to test for pollen, dander, and mold allergies, showed a 50% lower risk of developing glioblastoma. Unfortunately for men, this latter result was only observed in women.

Glioma is a type of brain tumor that can be either benign or malignant, with a widely varying prognosis. Glioblastoma, on the other hand, is the most common and most aggressive of the malignant brain tumor types.

Though the exact reasons behind this association are still not clear.

Author: Kevin Gilmore

For several years, one hypothesis behind the increase in allergies has been the "hygiene theory." This suggests that in western societies, children are exposed to fewer germs and bacteria, and that this lack of exposure can actually lead to a weaker immune system or one that identifies harmless substances as dangerous, thus causing an allergic reaction. An initial study at Johns Hopkins Children's Research Center, backed by the National Institute of Health has taken the hygiene theory and sought determine if there are any links between the use of antibacterial/antimicrobial personal care products and an increase instance of allergies.

Starting with urinary levels of chemicals common in antibacterial soaps, mouthwashes, and toothpastes, like triclosan and parabens, researchers compared these to increased levels of IgE antibodies in the blood (elevated levels of which are common in those with allergies). What they found was that with elevated levels of triclosan and propyl and butyl parabens, there was also an increase in specific allergen antibodies, specifically those antibodies associated with respiratory and food allergens. These results were also more specific to male children.

The parabens that were associated with higher levels of allergen antibodies are common preservatives used in a variety of personal care products. Triclosan is a chlorine based compound very common in antibacterial and antifungal soaps and toothpastes.

While this study is by no means conclusive, nor does it show that these substances cause allergies, it does demonstrate the need for further research to refine the link between the commonly used compounds and the increasing rates of allergies in western societies.

An abstract of the article can be found here.

Author: Kevin Gilmore

For centuries, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has used a variety of herbs and extracts as well as practices like massage and acupuncture, to treat a wide variety of health issues. And while TCM largely lacks Western research to prove its effectiveness, it still enjoys a wide following across the globe.

Previously, we've discussed the potential benefits of FAHF-2, one of very few Chinese herbal remedies that was actually cleared for human trails to test efficacy in curing allergies. Here, we are focusing more on OTC herbal supplements and how a recent study raises some serious questions about the efficacy, safety and even legality of some of these herbs.

In a piece recently published in the Genetics section of the Public Library of Science, highlights some potential problems with the ingredients found in many of these herbs. By deep sequencing the DNA found in Chinese herb samples, scientists found derivatives of endangered plants and animals as well as some linked to toxic plants and heavy metals.

Using this new methodology, researchers are able to trace the substances found in the herbs to their organic origins. Identified using this type of DNA sequencing were the Asiatic black bear and Saiga antelope (both endangered species) as well to the plant generas Ephedra and Asarum. Ephedra containing substances were banned in the United States since 2004, and some species of Asarum contain a known carcinogen.

While the testing was not meant to cast a negative light on Chinese herbs, what it did was highlight a few things. First, the source of some of these herbs is somewhat dubious. Given the increase in the TCM market over the last several years, the use of endangered species or toxic plants is troubling on several fronts.

Secondly, the study did highlight problems with labeling, mainly in the form of missing ingredients or misrepresented ingredients (something claiming to be pure Antelope but tested out to show the presence of goat and sheep DNA). Another important instance of this was in regards to undeclared tree nut derivatives in some samples. Both of these can have potentially severe allergic and even religious consequences.

Ultimately there is a long history of benefit with the use of Chinese herbs, but this recent study shows that there is great room for improvement when it comes to the regulating and ensuring the safety of Chinese herbs. So for many, allergy sufferers and non-allergy sufferers alike, their can be benefit to Chinese herbs, but take caution when using or purchasing.

While sinus infections can affect anyone, they often are most problematic for those who suffer from respiratory allergies or those dealing with the flu or other illness. Seeking relief, people will often head to their doctor's office, and most carry a preconceived notion that the doctor can just prescribe and antibiotic, like amoxicillin, to clear things up. A study published in a February issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) suggests that this is not only NOT helping rhinosinusitis patients but may be setting us for difficulties later.

Researchers at the Washington University in St. Louis took aim at determining the differences in treating rhinisinusitis with amoxicillin versus over the counter treatments. Over the course of ten days, patients were given three doses a day of amoxicillin or a placebo as well as OTC treatments for congestions, cough, and fever.

When comparing both groups, researchers found there was no statistical difference in how patients were feeling after three days of treatment. After ten days, both groups showed improved conditions, but most sinus infections clear up by then, regardless of the cause of the infection.

This was unexpected for many in that the common belief is that antibiotics like Amoxicillin speed up the recovery process. So while patients request and many doctors prescribe antibiotics for sinus infections, for most, this is unnecessary. More importantly, it can also be contributing to a growing problem with bacteria and treatment.

What medical professionals are finding is simple bacterial infections that could traditionally be treated with an antibiotic are displaying resistance to these treatments. Due to overuse, antibiotics are having less and less of an effect on bacteria.

Using fewer antibiotics to treat sinus infections can not only avoid the complications associated with antibiotic use but also help to slow down this growing bacterial resistance.

If a trip to the doctor for antibiotics won't bring you the relief you're looking for, other methods may help your symptoms without costing you that extra trip to the pharmacy. Many people have used a Neti pot or another type of nasal irrigator, with a slightly hypertonic or isotonic solution, to soothe inflamed sinuses and reduce congestion. Of course, there's always chicken noodle soup, a box tissues and a bottle of Nyquil.

There have been many studies that have started with the theory that exposure to more environmental allergens leads to an immune system that is less sensitive to common proteins like pollen, dander, etc. This is significant for allergy and asthma sufferers since, in theory, it would lead to less sensitivity and less instances of allergic reaction.

A recent study, led by scientists at the University of Bristol School of Veterinary Sciences, has found that test subjects raised, particularly during early life, in a farm environment had increased levels of regulatory T-lymphocytes (T-cells). This is critical in that the regulatory T-cells dampen immune cells responses, which can lead to reduced allergic reactions to every day proteins and allergens.

In this study, researchers separated two sets of piglets (they chose piglets because of their close physiologically similiarities to humans). The first set was allowed to be nursed by their mother under normal farm conditions. The second set was raised in an isolated, more hygienic environment and fed formula milk, more similar to the rearing of human infants.

What they found was that the piglets in the more hygienic environment had lower levels of the regulatory T-lymphocytes. This means they are more likely to have an immune response and inflammation when they come in contact with every day triggers. Other studies have shown that a reduction in regulatory T-cells has been linked to the development of allergies and autoimmune diseases.

Similarly, this study also found that the farm raised piglets had lower antibody responses when they were transitioned from milk to solid food. A lower antibody response such as this can mean that they are less likely to suffer any sort of reaction when new, solid foods are introduced into their diets.

While the study is still only one piece of the puzzle, it does suggest two things. First, during early development, environmental factors can shape an immune system into one that is hypersensitive to common protein allergens or one that ignores these triggers. Secondly, it leans toward the idea that the environment can also play a major role in the development of food allergies or intolerances.

Though milk is often fortified with vitamin D, from grade school health classes on we've learned that much of the vitamin D we receive is from exposure to sunlight. In addition to keeping bones strong and healthy, vitamin D and sunlight may play an important role in the development of food allergies and eczema.

A recent collaborative study between European and British researchers has found an association between exposure to sunlight and the development of food allergies and eczema.

Focusing on Australia, researchers were able to study a wide variety of climates and regions with widely varying amounts of sunlight. In areas with less sunlight (the southern part of the country), they found that children were nearly twice as likely to develop allergies to eggs and peanuts or eczema.

While this research is still in the early stages, it gives some early indications as to what may be behind these increasingly common conditions, and more importantly, how to possibly prevent them in the future.

A study released in this month's issue of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that some instances of asthma may be related to what could be classified as an allergic response to bacteria.

The allergic response, though not fully understood, is often fairly simple. When protein allergens like pollen, dander or dust mites enter airways and bind to IgE (Immunoglobulin E) receptors, mast cells release histamines which cause the swelling and inflammation. These are often what are behind the sneezing, congestion, and watery eyes.

For this study, researchers introduced Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common infection causing bacteria, in to mice. In response to this foreign bacteria in the lungs, white blood cells produced very high levels of histamine.

While histamine production in the lungs is not uncommon (histamines cause the most common symptom of asthma - inflammation) what is most significant is that it was produced by white blood cells, NOT the mast cells that produce histamines in allergic responses.

This study further complicates the blurry line between allergic and asthmatic responses, by showing that a common bacteria can cause white blood cells to exhibit allergen response-like traits. Ultimately, studies like this not only shed more light on the processes underlying these responses but can also lead a better understanding of how the body can combat allergies and asthma.