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Recurrent urticaria and reduced diamine oxidase activity.
1Department of Medicine, United Medical School Guy's Hospitals, London, U.K.
Summary
Recurrent urticaria may be linked to abnormal histamine metabolism. Diamine oxidase (DAO) activity was studied, revealing reduced DAO levels in some patients, particularly those with abdominal symptoms and small bowel edema.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Abnormal histamine metabolism is implicated in urticaria.
- Diamine oxidase (DAO), also known as histaminase, plays a key role in histamine breakdown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate diamine oxidase (DAO) activity in plasma and jejunal biopsies of patients with recurrent urticaria.
- To explore the relationship between DAO activity, urticaria, and associated gastrointestinal symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Assessed DAO activity in plasma and jejunal biopsy samples.
- Measured post-heparin plasma DAO release in 11 controls and 9 urticaria patients.
- Correlated mucosal DAO activity with plasma DAO response.
Main Results:
- Four out of nine urticaria patients showed reduced post-heparin plasma DAO activity.
- Patients with concurrent abdominal pain exhibited abnormally low mucosal DAO activity.
- One severely affected patient had confirmed small bowel edema, correlating with low DAO levels.
Conclusions:
- Reduced diamine oxidase activity may contribute to histamine intolerance in some recurrent urticaria patients.
- Abdominal symptoms in urticaria patients might be associated with impaired DAO function and potential small bowel involvement.