Antiinflammatories Allergens

Th2 cytokine IL-10 is an antiinflammatory cytokine that suppresses the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (Dll), allergen-induced airway inflammation, and nonspecific airway responsiveness (T9). IL-13 shares a receptor component, signaling pathways, and many biological activities with IL-4. In fact, IL-13 is also an antiinflammatory cytokine and plays a unique role in the optimal induction and maintenance of IgE production and IgE-mediated allergic responses when IL-4 production is low or absent (DIO, W12). Moreover, IL-13 or IL-4 shows a synergistic effect with TNF-a or IL-5 on eosinophil activation (L20). Recently, IL-11 was found to be involved in the chronic remodeling seen in asthmatic airways and is associated with increasing severity of the disease (Ml6). 

Although it is unclear whether methykanthines have anti-inflammatory actions in human airways, the exacerbation of symptoms that occurs in some patients with asthma when theophylline is withdrawn raises the possibility that the agent has clinically relevant antiinflammatory effeas which reverse when treatment is stopped (Brenner et al., 1988). Furthermore, the drugs can decrease the bronchoconstriction that occurs several hours after the inhalation of allergens, but they appear to have little effect on the immediate allergic response (Cres-cioh etal., 1991, 1992). 

ARNICA FLOWERS are the flower heads of Arnica montana L, family Asteraceae. The flowers contain sesquiterpenes such as helenalin and dihydrohelenalin which have antiinflammatory and analgesic effects which explain the popularity of Arnica as a remedy for bruises and aches and sprains. It must be stressed that Arnica should not be used internally because of cardiotoxicity. Equally important is the fact that the sesquiterpenes, like most if not all of those from the Asteraceae (e.g. in Chamomile and Yarrow), are highly allergenic and patients must be advised to discontinue use if a skin reaction develops and to avoid Arnica and Chamomile if they are known to have a sensitivity to other Asteraceae such as Asters, Daisies and Chrysanthemums. 

Properties Pale yel. cryst. powd. water-sol. Toxicology TSCA listed Uses Humectant, surfactant in cosmetics flavor and colorant for pharmaceuticals antiinflammatory anti-allergenic soothes skin Manuf./Distrib. Nikko Chems. Co. Ltd http //www.nikkol. coJp/index.html Trade Name Synonyms K2 Glycyrrhizinate [Ichimaru Pharcos] Nikkol Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate [Nikko Chems. Co. Ltd http //www.nikkoLcoJp/index.html, ... 

Properties Wh. to paleyel. cryst. powd. oil-sol. Uses Skin conditioner, soothing agent, antiinflammatory, anti-allergenic in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals... 

The effect of omalizumab on skin responsiveness to allergen challenge has been reported in several studies. This is of interest as an indicator of systemic antiinflammatory activity. 

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