IgE Mediated Autoallergy against Thyroid Peroxidase – A Novel Pathomechanism of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria?

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (csU), which is characterized by recurrent episodes of mast cell-driven wheal and flare-type skin reactions, is often associated with elevated total IgE levels and thyroid autoimmunity. We speculate that some csU patients express IgE autoantibodies against thyroid antigens such as thyroid peroxidase (TPO), which could bind to skin mast cells and induce their activation.We developed and used a site-directed human IgE capture ELISA to quantify IgE-anti-TPO. We used this assay and investigated csU patients (n = 478) and healthy control subjects (n = 127) for IgE-anti-TPO and then assessed IgE-anti-TPO-positive and -negative csU patients for clinical and serological differences. ( = 61%, IgE-anti-TPO: median 6.67, interquartile range 5.39–8.24). IgE-anti-TPO-positive and -negative csU patients had very similar distributions of age and gender as well as disease activity and duration. IgE-anti-TPO-positive csU patients exhibited significantly higher IgG-anti-TPO levels and lymphocyte counts as well as decreased C4 complement levels.Our findings show that a sizeable subgroup of csU patients expresses IgE antibodies against thyroid peroxidase. These autoantibodies could cause “autoallergic” mast cell activation, a novel pathomechanism of chronic spontaneous urticaria

The gut microbiome: scourge, sentinel or spectator?

The gut microbiota consists of trillions of prokaryotes that reside in the intestinal mucosa. This long-established commensalism indicates that these microbes are an integral part of the eukaryotic host. Recent research findings have implicated the dynamics of microbial function in setting thresholds for many physiological parameters. Conversely, it has been convincingly argued that dysbiosis, representing microbial imbalance, may be an important underlying factor that contributes to a variety of diseases, inside and outside the gut. This review discusses the latest findings, including enterotype classification, changes brought on by dysbiosis, gut inflammation, and metabolic mediators in an attempt to underscore the importance of the gut microbiota for human health. A cautiously optimistic idea is taking hold, invoking the gut microbiota as a medium to track, target and treat a plethora of diseases

Colletotrichum Leaf Spot of Red Sealing Wax Palm

Management of this fungal disease of desirable ornamental palms is described

Diseases of Leatherleaf Fern Caused by Calonectria and Cylindrocladium Species

This fern is one of the most widely used in the florist industry. The fungal pathogens cause leaf spots, rots, and blights. The disease epidemiology and control are discussed

Burrowing Nematode on Anthurium: Recognizing Symptoms, Understanding the Pathogen, and Preventing Disease

Radopholus similis is a serious pathogen affecting a wide range of plants grown in Hawaii. This publication is a thorough discussion of the problem and possibilities for its control

Improvements in Taro Culture and Reduction in Disease Levels

Causes of pocket rot and other fungal infections of taro corm are discussed. Careful attention to planting only disease-free huli (propagules) is emphasized

Cheese consumption prevents fat accumulation in the liver and improves serum lipid parameters in rats fed a high-fat diet

International audienceAbstractCheese consumption has been reported to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome; however, the mechanisms by which cheese prevents these disorders are not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of cheese consumption on lipid accumulation in the liver as well as to evaluate various serum lipid parameters. Two groups (n = 7) of male Fischer-344 rats were fed the following high-fat diets for 9 weeks: AIN76-modified 20% fat diet containing casein and butter oil (control diet) or the 20% fat diet containing a freeze-dried cheese powder (cheese diet). Blood samples, liver tissue, and fecal specimens were collected and analyzed. Cheese consumption for 9 weeks reduced the accumulation of triglyceride and cholesterol in the liver (P = 0.016 and P < 0.001, respectively), as well as the serum non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol concentration (P = 0.013). In contrast, cheese consumption increased the serum HDL concentration with statistical tendency (P = 0.086). We also observed an increase in the serum adiponectin concentration at week 9 in rats fed the cheese diet (P = 0.029). Furthermore, cheese consumption also increased fat excretion in the feces (P < 0.001). Taken together, our results suggest that cheese mediates various beneficial effects for preventing the development of metabolic syndrome by suppressing the accumulation of fat in the liver