Our data reveal an association between neuropeptides and modulatory effects on immune cells in vivo, especially on Th1/Th2 balance with a correlation to allergic sensitization in children. We suggest that elevated SOM and VIP concentrations and the inducing factors should be considered as allergy risk factors.
Stressful life events evidently have an impact on development of allergic diseases, but the mechanism linking stress to pathological changes of immune system function is still not fully understood. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between stressful life events, neuropeptide and cytokine concentrations in children. Within the LISAplus (Life style-Immune system-Allergy) study, blood samples from children of 6 yr of age were analysed for concentration of the neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), somatostatin (SOM), substance P (SP) and the Th1/Th2 cytokines interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin (IL)-4. Life events such as severe disease or death of a family member, unemployment or divorce of the parents were assessed with a questionnaire filled in by the parents. For 234 children, blood analysis and questionnaire data regarding life events were available. Children with separated/divorced parents showed high VIP levels and high concentrations of the Th2 cytokine IL-4 in their blood. Severe diseases and death of a family member were neither associated with neuropeptide levels nor with cytokine concentrations. Unemployment of the parents was associated with decreased IFN-gamma concentrations in children's blood but not with neuropeptide levels, whereas children experiencing concomitant severe disease and death of a family member had reduced SP blood levels. The neuropeptide VIP might be a mediator between stressful life events and immune regulation contributing to the Th2 shifted immune response in children with separated/divorced parents. Unemployment of the parents was associated with immune regulation in children on the basis of a still unknown mechanism whereas reduced SP levels seem to have no effect on immune regulation.
Objectives-Organic acid anhydrides are potential sensitisers and cause occupational airway diseases. In an intervention study the eYcacy of measures of hygiene at the workplace and possible selection bias were investigated. Methods-A first investigation with 110 workers exposed to hexahydrophthalic acid anhydride (HHPA) and methyltetrahydrophthalic acid anhydride (MTHPA) was carried out in July 1991. The results (skin prick test, specific serum IgE) showed that 20 people were sensitised, and in a challenge test the clinical relevance of the sensitisation was confirmed in six subjects. In December 1991, the hygiene conditions at the plant were improved. In November 1995 a second investigation of 84 people was performed (anamnesis, skin prick test, specific IgE, spirometry, and ambient and biological monitoring). The 27 people who had left the plant in the meantime were asked their reasons for leaving.
Results-The
Hexahydrophthalic anhydride (HHPA) and methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride (MTHPA) belong to the group of the acid anhydrides and, among other applications, are used in the production of epoxy resins. These substances are known as potent low-molecular allergens and induce predominantly type I allergies according to Coombs and Gell. We examined 110 employees exposed to HHPA and MTHPA. With all of them a RAST was carried out with the commercially available conjugates of phthalic anhydride (PA) and a skin prick test with 1% and 5% acetonic solutions of PA. In 109 of these sera a radio allergo sorbent test (RAST) was carried out with the not commercially available conjugates of HHPA and of MTHPA. With complaints connected with the workplace the working materials used (HHPA, MTHPA) were also checked by means of the skin prick test. With at least one positive immunological finding (in the RAST and/or skin prick test) in connection with complaints at the workplace, we performed a workplace-related inhalation test under experimental conditions. Specific IgE against acid anhydrides was detected in a total of 17 (15.4%) persons. In the challenge test, six (5.4%) sensitisations were shown to be clinically relevant. On inclusion of borderline positive findings with PA conjugates the RAST produced three false negative and one false positive finding compared with a RAST with HHPA and MTHPA conjugates. With the conjugates of trimellitic anhydride, in no case could specific IgE be detected. The skin prick test led, in comparison with the RAST, to three false positive and three false negative findings.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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