Background Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an atopic disease characterized by eosinophilic inflammation in which dietary antigens (in particular, milk) play a major role. EoE is most likely a mixed IgE and non-IgE food-mediated reaction in which over-expression of Th2 cytokines, particularly IL-13, play a major role; however, the cells responsible for IL-13 over-expression remain elusive. Th2-cytokines are secreted following the ligation of invariant natural killer T cell receptors to sphingolipids (SL). Sphingolipids (SL) are presented via the CD1d molecule on the INKT cell surface. Cow’s milk-derived SL has been shown to activate iNKTs from children with IgE-mediated food allergies to milk (FA-MA) to produce Th2 cytokines. The role of iNKTs and milk-SL in EoE pathogenesis is currently unknown. Objective To investigate the role of iNKTs and milk-SL in EoE. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 10 children with active EoE (EoE-A), 10 children with controlled EoE (EoE-C), and 16 healthy controls (Non-EoE) were measured ex-vivo and then incubated with α-galactosylceramide (αGal) and milk-SL. INKTs from peripheral blood (PB) and esophageal biopsies were studied. Results EoE-A-children had significantly fewer peripheral blood iNKTs with a greater Th2-response to αGal and milk-SM compared to iNKTs of EoE-C and Non-EoE children. Additionally, EoE-A children had increased iNKT levels in esophageal biopsies compared to EoE-C children. Conclusion Milk-SLs are able to activate peripheral blood iNKTs in EoE-A children to produce Th2 cytokines. Additionally, iNKT levels are higher at the site of active esophageal eosinophilic inflammation. Clinical Relevance This study suggests that sphingolipids (SL) contained in milk may drive the development of EoE by promoting an iNKT cell-mediated Th2-type cytokine response that facilitates eosinophil-mediated allergic inflammation.

Despite receiving a large number of referrals, only a small subset of women were eligible for enrollment. Oncology settings were the most effective at identifying eligible African American women and general medical practices were the least effective. Factors associated with enrollment included having a stronger family history of cancer and being referred from oncology clinics and community oncology resources. Referral from oncology clinics was the only factor associated significantly with participation in genetic counseling. Education about hereditary breast cancer may be needed among primary care providers to enhance appropriate referral of African American women to genetic counseling for BRCA1/2 mutations.

Purpose: To evaluate attitudes about the benefits, limitations, and risks of genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) mutations and explore testing intentions in African American women at increased risk for hereditary breast cancer. Methods: Attitudes and intentions were evaluated by telephone in African American women (n ϭ 74) at moderate and high risk for having a BRCA1/2 mutation. Results: Attitudes about the benefits of genetic testing were endorsed at a higher rate relative to limitations and risks; however, only 30% of respondents indicated that they would definitely have testing. In regression analysis, women most likely to be considering testing were those with fatalistic beliefs about cancer and those who believed they had a BRCA1/2 mutation. Women who had two or more affected relatives were also most likely to be considering testing. Women who had a personal history of cancer and those who believed they were at high risk for developing breast cancer were most likely to report greater limitations and risks. Pros scores were higher among women older than age 50 and those who were unemployed.Conclusion: Although African American women at moderate and high risk for BRCA1/2 mutations report favorable attitudes about genetic testing, interest in testing may be limited. Women affected with cancer and those who believe they are at a higher risk for developing breast cancer may be most concerned about the negative consequences of testing. Increased attention may need to be given to beliefs about genetic testing and testing motivations during genetic counseling with African American women. Genet Med 2005:7(4):230 -238.

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