1.
The potential role of folate metabolism in interstitial cystitis.
Keagy, CD
International urogynecology journal. 2019;(3):363-370
Abstract
The topic of interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as painful bladder syndrome (PBS), and folate/one carbon metabolism has previously been unaddressed in research. This narrative review highlights a potential connection for those with mast cell-related IC and histamine-mediated pain that is explored through four conceptual sections. The first section focuses on the nature of mast cell involvement and histamine-mediated pain in some interstitial cystitis patients. The second section reviews the literature on folate status in wider allergic conditions. The third section addresses the role of folate and methylation in general in histamine excretion. Finally, folate metabolism and vascular function are addressed because of the vascular abnormalities present in some IC bladders.
2.
SAM syndrome is characterized by extensive phenotypic heterogeneity.
Taiber, S, Samuelov, L, Mohamad, J, Barak, EC, Sarig, O, Shalev, SA, Lestringant, G, Sprecher, E
Experimental dermatology. 2018;(7):787-790
Abstract
Severe skin dermatitis, multiple allergies and metabolic wasting (SAM) syndrome is a rare life-threatening inherited condition caused by bi-allelic mutations in DSG1 encoding desmoglein 1. The disease was initially reported to manifest with severe erythroderma, failure to thrive, atopic manifestations, recurrent infections, hypotrichosis and palmoplantar keratoderma. We present 3 new cases of SAM syndrome in 2 families and review the cases published so far. Whole exome and direct sequencing were used to identify SAM syndrome-causing mutations. Consistent with previous data, SAM syndrome was found in all 3 patients to result from homozygous mutations in DSG1 predicted to result in premature termination of translation. In contrast, as compared with patients previously reported, the present cases were found to display a wide range of clinical presentations of variable degrees of severity. The present data emphasize the fact that SAM syndrome is characterized by extensive phenotypic heterogeneity, suggesting the existence of potent modifier traits.
3.
High prevalence of nickel allergy in an overweight female population: a pilot observational analysis.
Lusi, EA, Di Ciommo, VM, Patrissi, T, Guarascio, P
PloS one. 2015;(3):e0123265
Abstract
CONTEXT In our Allergy Unit, we incidentally observed that a low Nickel diet, prescribed for delayed allergy to Nickel sulfate, reduced body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference in overweight patients. OBJECTIVES This pilot cross-sectional analysis was undertaken to compare the prevalence of Nickel allergy of overweight individuals versus the general population. We also had the chance to report the efficacy of a low Nickel diet on BMI and waist circumference in Nickel-sensitive overweight subjects. METHODS Eighty-seven overweight subjects, with a BMI > 26 Kg/m2, were consecutively enrolled in a health prevention program, and screened for the presence of Nickel allergy. The enrolled population was mostly females (72/87) (82.8%). Forty-three overweight women and two men showed a Nickel allergy and started a low Nickel diet. After 6-months of dieting, 24 overweight allergic women could be traced and changes in BMI and waist circumference were calculated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Prevalence of Nickel allergy in overweight. RESULTS Prevalence of Nickel allergy in overweight female was 59.7%, compared with a prevalence rate of 12.5% in the general population. A significant reduction in BMI was observed in 24 out of 43 overweight females with Nickel allergy after 24 weeks of a low Nickel diet. Relative to baseline, mean BMI decrease was 4.2 ± 0.5 (P < 0.001) and the mean decline in waist circumference was 11.7 ± 0.6 cm (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This pilot observational analysis showed a substantially higher prevalence of Nickel allergy among overweight females, especially those with metabolic syndrome and fatty liver disease. A normocaloric low Nickel diet was effective in reducing BMI in this population. Further research is strongly needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
4.
Mast cells in allergic and inflammatory diseases.
Sismanopoulos, N, Delivanis, DA, Alysandratos, KD, Angelidou, A, Therianou, A, Kalogeromitros, D, Theoharides, TC
Current pharmaceutical design. 2012;(16):2261-77
Abstract
Mast cells are important in the development of allergic and anaphylactic reactions, but also in acquired and innate immunity. There is also increasing evidence that mast cells participate in inflammatory diseases, where they can be activated by non-allergic triggers, such as neuropeptides and cytokines, often having synergistic effects as in the case of substance P (SP) and IL-33. Secretion of vasoactive mediators, cytokines and proteinases contribute to the development of coronary artery disease (CAD), as well as to diet-induced obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Mast cells may be able to orchestrate such different biological processes through their ability to release pro-inflammatory mediators selectively without the degranulation typical of allergic reactions. Recent evidence suggests that mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) and mitochondrial translocation regulate mast cell degranulation, but not selective mediator release. Better understanding of these two processes and how mast cells exert both immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive actions could lead to the development of inhibitors of release of specific mediators with novel therapeutic applications.