IgE Responsiveness, Atopic

Alternative Names

  • IGER
  • Immunoglobulin E, Basic Level of, in Serum
  • IgE, Level of
  • IGEL
  • IgE Response Underlying Allergic Asthma and Rhinitis
  • Atopy, Susceptibility to
  • Atopic Hypersensitivity
  • IgE, Elevated Level Of

Associated Genes

Interleukin 4 Receptor
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WHO-ICD-10 version:2010

Diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs and certain disorders involving the immune mechanism

Certain disorders involving the immune mechanism

OMIM Number

147050

Mode of Inheritance

Autosomal dominant

Gene Map Locus

6p12.3,11q12.1,13q14.2,16p12.1

Description

IgE antibodies are the immunoglobulins involved in allergic reactions. Producing excessive amounts of IgE antibodies is one characteristic of individuals with atopic hypersensitivity. The term 'atopy' can be simply defined as a tendency to develop classic allergic diseases which includes hay fever (rhinitis and conjunctivitis), asthma, eczema, and urticaria. Each allergen (allergic substance) stimulates the production of a specific IgE. For example, in some individuals, bluegrass pollen (an allergen) will trigger the formation of a specific IgE that reacts only with this pollen type. The interaction of allergens with the cell-bound allergen specific IgE stimulates these cells to release histamine, thereby initiating the allergic reaction. Total serum IgE can be measured by nephelometry, while specific IgE levels are detected by more sensitive techniques such as radioallergosorbent testing (RAST). In normal individuals, the concentration of IgE antibodies in their serum is found to be less than 0.001% of the total antibodies level. Patients with atopic hypersensitivity have elevated levels of IgE and it is noticed that the more intense the allergy exposure, the higher the total IgE level is. Therefore, the IgE level is related to the degree of immune stimulation, as well as to the number of allergens to which the patient is allergic to.

Molecular Genetics

Variations in the PHD finger protein 11 (PHF11) gene and IL21R (Interleukin 21 receptor) gene are found to be associated with the amount of serum IgE level. Polymorphisms in MS4A2 (Membrane-spanning 4 domains, subfamily A, member 2) gene, PLA2G7 (Phospholipase A2, group VII) gene, and IL4R (Interleukin 4 receptor) is associated with susceptibility to atopy.

Epidemiology in the Arab World

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Other Reports

Bahrain

Abdulla et al. (1990) measured serum IgE concentration in 942 blood donors over a period of two years in order to determine the normal serum IgE levels in adult Bahrainis by using radioimmunoassay methods. Phadiotop test was performed for 344 of those donors on random selection to detect specific antibodies against inhalants. Positive Phadiotop results indicated atopic patients, whereas negative results suggested non atopic individuals. IgE values varied from 0 to more than 1,000 KU/L. The results showed that 454 individuals had IgE levels between 0-99 KU/L which formed the highest frequency (48.2%). Also, the majority (58.7%) of blood donors had IgE values between 0 and 150 KU/L with a mean value of 57. Additionally, 75 donors (8%) had IgE values above 1,000 KU/L. By observing the data of IgE values, Abdulla et al. (1990) suggested a reference value (16-98 KU/L) for serum IgE in Bahrainis. Phadiotop test was positive in 74 donors (21.5%) and more positive results were found at higher IgE concentration. On the other hand, negative Phadiotop test was detected in 270 individuals (78.5%). A majority of donors having high levels of serum IgE but who were not allergic to inhalants were probably allergic to other allergens such as food, fabrics, and perfumes.

[Abdulla JS, Bhai I, Rao KV. Serum IgE levels and prevalence of atopic allergy in adult Bahrainis. J Bahrain Med Society. 1990; 2(2):56-60.]

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