1.
Phenotypical characterization of peanut allergic children with differences in cross-allergy to tree nuts and other legumes.
Cousin, M, Verdun, S, Seynave, M, Vilain, AC, Lansiaux, A, Decoster, A, Sauvage, C
Pediatric allergy and immunology : official publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. 2017;(3):245-250
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peanut allergy in children is often associated with allergies to tree nuts and/or legumes. The aim of this study was to analyze in cluster a cohort of children allergic to peanuts and assessed for cross-reactivity to nuts and legumes and to identify different phenotypes. METHODS We included retrospectively 317 children with peanut allergy evaluated at the Allergy Unit of the Saint Vincent Hospital of Lille in the last 12 years. A complete workup for peanut allergy and nuts and legumes was carried out for each patient. A hierarchical agglomerative clustering method was used to search for clusters of individuals in the evaluated cohort. RESULTS Cross-allergy to TN and/or other legumes was identified in 137 patients (43.2%), atopic dermatitis being a major risk factor (adjusted OR = 16 [95% CI: 7.4-37]; p < 0.001). Three phenotypes emerged from cluster analysis. Cluster 1 (72 patients) is characterized by high level of rAra h 2, low threshold reactive doses for peanut and high proportion of asthma; Cluster 2 (93 patients) is characterized by high threshold reactive doses for peanut and the lowest proportion of cross-allergy to TN and/or legumes; Cluster 3 (152 patients) has a high risk of cross-allergy to TN and/or legumes and most patients suffer from eczema. CONCLUSIONS The three phenotypes highlighted by this study could be useful to identify children with high risk of cross-allergic reaction to TNs and legumes early after PA diagnosis.
2.
Consumption of Sutherlandia frutescens by HIV-Seropositive South African Adults: An Adaptive Double-Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial.
Wilson, D, Goggin, K, Williams, K, Gerkovich, MM, Gqaleni, N, Syce, J, Bartman, P, Johnson, Q, Folk, WR
PloS one. 2015;(7):e0128522
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sutherlandia frutescens (L.) R. Br. is widely used as an over the counter complementary medicine and in traditional medications by HIV seropositive adults living in South Africa; however the plant's safety has not been objectively studied. An adaptive two-stage randomized double-blind placebo controlled study was used to evaluate the safety of consuming dried S. frutescens by HIV seropositive adults with CD4 T-lymphocyte count of >350 cells/μL. METHODS In Stage 1 56 participants were randomized to S. frutescens 400, 800 or 1,200 mg twice daily or matching placebo for 24 weeks. In Stage 2 77 additional participants were randomized to either 1,200 mg S. frutescens or placebo. In the final analysis data from Stage 1 and Stage 2 were combined such that 107 participants were analysed (54 in the S. frutescens 1,200 mg arm and 53 in the placebo arm). RESULTS S. frutescens did not change HIV viral load, and CD4 T-lymphocyte count was similar in the two arms at 24 weeks; however, mean and total burden of infection (BOI; defined as days of infection-related events in each participant) was greater in the S. frutescens arm: mean (SD) 5.0 (5.5) vs. 9.0 (12.7) days (p = 0.045), attributed to two tuberculosis cases in subjects taking isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT). CONCLUSION A possible interaction between S. frutescens and IPT needs further evaluation, and may presage antagonistic interactions with other herbs having similar biochemical (antioxidant) properties. No other safety issues relating to consumption of S. frutescens in this cohort were identified. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00549523.
3.
Polyphenols and phytic acid contribute to the low iron bioavailability from common beans in young women.
Petry, N, Egli, I, Zeder, C, Walczyk, T, Hurrell, R
The Journal of nutrition. 2010;(11):1977-82
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Abstract
Low iron absorption from common beans might contribute to iron deficiency in countries where beans are a staple food. High levels of phytic acid (PA) and polyphenols (PP) inhibit iron absorption; however, the effect of bean PP on iron absorption in humans has not been demonstrated and, with respect to variety selection, the relative importance of PP and PA is unclear. To evaluate the influence of bean PP relative to PA on iron absorption in humans, 6 stable iron isotope absorption studies were conducted in women (16 or 17 per study). Bean PP (20, 50, and 200 mg) were added in studies 1-3 as red bean hulls to a bread meal. Studies 4- 6 investigated the influence on iron absorption of PP removal and dephytinization of whole red bean porridge and PP removal from dephytinized porridge. Iron absorption was lowered by 14% with 50 mg PP (P < 0.05) and by 45% with 200 mg PP (P < 0.001). The mean iron absorption from whole bean porridge was 2.5%. PP and PA removal increased absorption 2.6-fold (P < 0.001) and removal of PP from dephytinized porridge doubled absorption (P < 0.001). Between-study comparisons indicated that dephytinization did not increase iron absorption in the presence of PP, but in their absence, absorption increased 3.4-fold (P < 0.001). These data suggest that in countries where beans are a staple food, PP and PA concentrations should be considered when selecting bean varieties for human consumption. Lowering only one inhibitor will have a modest influence on iron absorption.
4.
New approach in asthma treatment using excitatory modulator.
Hoang, BX, Shaw, DG, Levine, S, Hoang, C, Pham, P
Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2007;(6):554-7
Abstract
The impact of a herbal extract with excitatory modulator activity in the management of asthma was studied. An open and selective 3-year follow-up of 14 chronic refractory asthmatics aged between 22 and 70 was used. Participants received an extract of Sophora flavescens Ait. Medication use, a diary card of symptoms and respiratory function were recorded. The study was retrospective and all patients gave written informed consent. The quality of life, clinical symptoms and respiratory function improved during all periods of measurement. The use of inhaled corticosteroid and beta-agonists were reduced or eliminated. There were no significant adverse reactions reported. Therefore the extract of S. flavescens as an excitatory modulator appears to be a safe and may be an effective alternative treatment for refractory chronic asthma.