Sterigmatocystin and aflatoxin B 1 contamination of corn, soybean meal, and formula feed in Japan

Abstract

Sterigmatocystin (STC) and aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) were analyzed in 246 corn samples, 126 soybean meal samples, and 861 formula feed samples from the Japanese market between April 2010 and March 2015. The detection rate, the highest concentration, and the mean concentration of STC were respectively 14%, 6.4 μg/kg, and 1.2 μg/kg for corn; 14%, 1.1 μg/kg, and 0.63 μg/kg for soybean meal; and 43%, 9.1 μg/kg, and 0.97 μg/kg for formula feed. The detection rate, the highest concentration, and the mean concentration of AFB₁ were respectively 46%, 24 μg/kg, and 3.9 μg/kg for corn; 30%, 6.7 μg/kg, and 1.1 μg/kg for soybean meal; and 47%, 20 μg/kg, and 1.6 μg/kg for formula feed. A weak negative correlation between the STC and AFB₁ concentrations was observed: there was a high concentration of AFB₁ in samples that contained a lower concentration of STC and vice versa. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient showed a weak negative correlation of − 0.30 (p < 0.001, n = 128) for corn and − 0.23 (p < 0.001, n = 575) for formula feed. In conclusion, no correlation was observed between the mean concentrations of STC contamination in formula feed (0.97 μg/kg) and in corn (1.2 μg/kg) and the blending rate (approximately 50%). The rate of STC contamination in the formula feed (43%) was higher than that in corn (14%). Therefore, it is likely that ingredients other than corn contribute to the contamination of formula feed with STC. In this study, regarding STC, problematic samples were not found.

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Exosomes from human adipose derived stem cells promote proliferation and migration of skin fibroblasts

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A novel method to assess the potential role of sweating abnormalities in the pathogenesis of AD

Abstract

Background

Although atopic dry skin is believed to be caused by defects in skin genes important for maintaining skin barrier function, the role of sweat in atopic dermatitis (AD) has been apparently underestimated. Given the great capacity of sweat to maintain and increase skin hydration, defective sweating responses may be a logical place to look for changes that predispose individuals to the disease.

Methods

We investigated how disease process and sweating defects progress from early asymptomatic stages to the onset of clinically apparent disease by employing the impression mold technique, which allows an accurate quantification of individual sweat gland/duct activity in relation to skin surface topography. Insensible and sensible sweating responses under baseline conditions and after thermal stimulus, respectively, were measured in various stages of AD patients and healthy controls.

Results

In controls, under baseline conditions sweat ducts/glands at the dermal folds secreted basal levels of sweat (insensible sweating), thereby maintaining skin hydration. Not only such insensible sweating but also sensible sweating markedly decreased even in the earliest asymptomatic stage and the decrease was followed by compensatory hyperhidrosis at the ridge: leakage of sweat into the dermis could represent the initial event resulting in the decreased sweating and inflammation. The defects eventually progressed involving all of the ducts/glands to develop systemic dry skin.

Conclusion

AD skin is characterized by varying degrees of functional impairment of sweat ducts/glands depending on the stage and this defect would be among the reasons for the inability of AD patients to maintain skin hydration.

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Nanoparticles prepared from porcine cells support the healing of cutaneous inflammation in mice and wound re-epithelialization in human skin

Abstract

Previous reports have demonstrated that cell-derived nanoparticles (CDNPs) composed of bovine or porcine protein complexes exerted therapeutic effects against viral infections and cancer in mice and humans. Based on these observations, we asked whether CDNPs would improve inflammatory skin disorders. To address this, we utilized two distinct mouse models of cutaneous inflammation: the autoimmune skin blistering disease epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) as an example of an autoantibody-induced cutaneous inflammation, and Leishmania major (L. major) infection as an example of a pathogen-induced cutaneous inflammation. In both models, we observed that CDNPs increased mRNA expression of the Th2 cytokine IL-4. Clinically, CDNPs decreased inflammation due to EBA and increased L. major-specific IgG1 levels without major effects on infected skin lesions. In addition, CDNPs supported the growth of keratinocytes in human skin cultures. In vitro studies revealed that CDNPs were taken up predominantly by macrophages, leading to a shift towards the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine genes. Altogether, our data demonstrate that treatment with porcine CDNPs may be a new therapeutic option for the control of autoimmune-mediated inflammatory skin disorders.

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Transglutaminases in autoimmune and inherited skin diseases: The phenomena of epitope spreading and functional compensation

Abstract

Transglutaminases (TGs) are structurally and functionally related enzymes that modify the posttranslational structure and activity of proteins or peptides, and thus are able to turn on or switch off their function. Depending on location and activities, TGs are able to modify the signaling, the function and the fate of cells and extracellular connective tissues. Beside mouse models also human diseases enable us to appreciate the function of various TGs. In this paper skin diseases induced by genetic damages or autoimmune targeting of these enzymes will be discussed. TG1, TG3 and TG5 contribute to the cutaneous barrier and thus to the integrity and function of epidermis. TGM1 mutations relate to autosomal recessive ichthyosis subtypes, TGM5 mutations to a mild epidermolysis bullosa phenotype and as novelty TGM 3 mutation to uncombable hair syndrome will be discussed. Autoimmunity to TG2, TG3 and TG6 may develop in a few of those genetically determined individuals who lost tolerance to gluten, and manifest as celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis or gluten-dependent neurological symptoms, respectively. These gluten responder diseases commonly occur in combination. In autoimmune diseases the epitope spreading is remarkable, while in some inherited pathologies a unique compensation of the lost enzyme function is noted.

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The positive effects of habit reversal treatment of scratching in children with atopic dermatitis: A randomised controlled study

Abstract

Background

Scratching and itch are common clinical signs of atopic dermatitis (AD). Studies of adult patients have shown that a decrease in scratching behaviour results in regression of inflammation and improved healing of the skin.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate whether a modified habit reversal treatment (HR) protocol could be used for the treatment of scratching in children to improve skin status.

Methods

The study is a single-blind, randomised controlled trial of 39 patients who started with registration a week before randomisation into one of two groups (intervention, control). The participants in the intervention group received a habit-breaking therapy of their scratching behaviour (i.e. HR) in addition to a potent steroid (mometasone furoate), whereas the patients in the control group received the steroid alone. The patients were assessed by an independent dermatologist after the first week of registration (baseline assessment) and then after three and eight weeks post-treatment. The primary efficacy variable was a change in objective SCORAD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis).

Results

At the end of the three-week treatment period, the change in mean objective SCORAD was significantly (p=0.027) higher in the intervention group -31.9 (SD 9.5) compared with the control group -23.8 (SD 10.1). After the eight-week follow-up, the change in mean objective SCORAD was significantly (p=0.0038) higher in the intervention group -31.7 (SD 10.4) than in the control group -19.7 (SD 9.4).

Conclusions

The treatment of scratching with the HR method in combination with a potent steroid was found to significantly improve skin status after 3 and 11 weeks.

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EAACI Guidelines on Allergen Immunotherapy: Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis

Abstract

Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR) is an allergic disorder of the nose and eyes affecting about a fifth of the general population. Symptoms of AR can be controlled with allergen avoidance measures and pharmacotherapy. However, many patients continue to have ongoing symptoms and an impaired quality of life; pharmacotherapy may also induce some side-effects. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) represents the only currently available treatment that targets the underlying pathophysiology and it may have a disease modifying effect. Either the subcutaneous (SCIT) or sublingual (SLIT) routes may be used. This Guideline has been prepared by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology's (EAACI) Taskforce on AIT for AR and is part of the EAACI presidential project "EAACI Guidelines on Allergy Immunotherapy". It aims to provide evidence-based clinical recommendations and has been informed by a formal systematic review and meta-analysis. Its generation has followed the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) approach. The process included involvement of the full range of stakeholders. In general, broad evidence for the clinical efficacy of AIT for AR exists but a product-specific evaluation of evidence is recommended. In general, SCIT and SLIT are recommended for both seasonal and perennial AR for its short term benefit. The strongest evidence for long-term benefit is documented for grass AIT (especially for the grass-tablets) where long-term benefit is seen. To achieve long-term efficacy, it is recommended that a minimum of 3 years of therapy is used. Many gaps in the evidence base exist, particularly around long-term benefit and use in children.

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