Vol 10, No 1 (2013)

Review is devoted to recent achievements in human immunogenetics, physiology of HLA, genetic basis of predisposition to diseases and susceptibility to adverse environment factors implication of immunogenetics in practical medicine.

The most significant allergenic stinging insects (wasps, bees, hornets, bumblebees) are considered. Information on the percentage of people having allergic reactions to stings total population in different countries is provided. The relation between the frequency of allergic reactions to certain professions is shown. Regional differences in mortality from allergies to the venom of bees and wasps are discussed. Mortality figures from allergies to venom of stinging insects in different countries are given. Global mortality from stinging insect allergy is estimated.

Background. Creation of recombinant proteins, containing profilin and signal peptides which provide proteasomal and lysosomal degradation pathways of proteins. Materials and methods. Plasmid pET-Bet v 2, encoding Bet v 2 allergen, was used as a base vector. Two signal peptides: C-terminal fragment of ornithine decarboxylase (ODCsig) and N-terminal fragment of human invariant chain (Ii) — were cloned into this vector. Recombinant proteins were produced in BL21 (DE3) strain of E. coli. The recombinant protein was purified using NiNTA agarose. Immunological specificity of the recombinant proteins was estimated by means of immune-enzyme methods using sera of patients suffering from birch pollen allergy. Results. Bet v 2 allergen (profilin) of Betula pendula pollen was modified by immunoregulatory peptides in order to change the IgE/IgG response ratio. Ornithine decarboxylase proteasome degradation signal was used to enhance the Th1 response and human invariant chain signal directed to lysosomes was used in order to enhance Th2 response. The production system of recombinant allergen Bet v 2 preparation suitable for immunological tests was developed. The produced highly purified chimeric proteins preparations bound IgE antibodies of allergic to birch pollen patients' sera efficiently. Conclusion. The new chimeric allergens based on Bet v 2 protein of Betula pendula pollen were created and isolated.

Introduction. One of the factors in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis is a dysfunction of the skin barrier. Background. To reveal the features of the barrier function of the skin in children with atopic dermatitis by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and the pH of the skin. Methods. The study included 98 children with atopic dermatitis. All patients measurement was performed by TEWL (Tewameter TM 300, Multi Probe Adapter MPA 5/9, Courage + Khazaka) and the pH of the skin (Skin-pHMeter, Multi Probe Adapter MPA 5/9, Courage + Khazaka). Results. TEWL value was significantly higher in children with severe atopic dermatitis (p=0,00001), in children up to 3 years (p=0,002), in patients with skin colonization of Staphylococcus aureus (p=0,006) and with specific IgE to staphylococcal enterotoxins. Skin pH was significantly higher in children with severe atopic dermatitis (p=0,0001), and in children under the age of 3 years (p=0,04). Conclusion. The determination of the level of TEWL and skin pH to assess the degree of inflammation activity in atopic dermatitis and to justify use of topical therapy, aimed to restoring the epidermal barrier of the skin at children with atopic dermatitis, is substantiated.

Rupatadine is a new poly-functional agent (selective histamine H 1-receptor and PAF-receptor antagonist with additional anti-inflammatory potency) for the management of patients with allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria. It has a rapid onset of action, and its long-lasting effect permits once-daily dosing. It has been shown that rupatadine is effective, well-tolerated and safe in relieving symptoms in patients with seasonal and perennial/ intermittent and persistent allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria.