Diseases of allergy affecting respiratory and integumentary systems are costly in
terms of public health and finance worldwide. Epidemiologic data reveal upwards of 40%
of the population in many countries are sensitized to environmental allergens such as grass,
tree pollen, dust mite excreta, and animal dander, and exhibit a preponderance of allergic
disease. In the face of limited available pharmaceutics, efficacious therapies (particularly
those modifying or halting disease progression), are in great need. Despite intense research,
a complete understanding of allergic etiology remains elusive. During allergic
exacerbation, polarization of T-lymphocyte responses enhances secretion of cytokines
involved in regulation of immunoglobulin E, mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils,
ultimately provoking inflammation and disease. Traditional pharmacotherapy for allergic
disease focuses upon ameliorating the immune response flare to allergen sensitization. A
comprehensive understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of allergic disease
atop the complex contribution of both genetic and environmental factors will reveal new
potential interventions augmenting public health. In 1995, discovery of the novel
adipocytokine (a signaling hormone of adipose origin) adiponectin garnered great attention
for the protein’s potential role in diabetic and metabolic pathophysiology. In the decades
since, research has demonstrated the protein’s strong potential link with asthma. Beyond its
essential role in sex hormone signaling, the estrogen membrane receptor also exerts antiinflammatory
properties. We shall review the most current information regarding
adiponectin and estrogen in context to allergic pathology, encompassing asthma, allergic
rhinitis, and immune system components pertaining to inflammation. We will discuss antiinflammatory
mechanisms underlying non-traditional pathways of these proteins, including
adiponectin’s AMPK-independent signaling pathway and estrogen’s effects via its
membrane receptor. Finally, we will provide perspective about the future of research
concerning these proteins, and assess their potential therapeutic benefits for allergic disease.
Keywords: Allergic disease, allergy treatment, inflammatory cells, adiponectin,
adiponectin receptor, AMPK-independent, estrogen, estrogen receptor, nongenomic
effect, oxidative stress.
