Effect of tomato and Tocopherols intake on IgE level

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of tomato and tocopherols intake on IgE level in Lamina Propria of intestinal villi.An experimental rat model of protein malnutrition at weaning was used. Rats of Wistar strain were fed a protein‐free diet until they lost 25% of their initial body weight. This feeding procedure develops an allergic state. Re‐feeding was performed by the administration of an experimental diet containing 20% casein as the only source of protein (Re‐nourished group=R). Other experimental groups received this diet plus tomato (R+T) – equivalent to 200g/day for an adult man of 70kg‐ or plus a tocopherols mix (á, â, ã, ä) equivalent to those present in tomato fruit (R+Tph), added to drinking water during 35 days.Results showed that Lamina Propria of intestinal villi of R+T group presented higher % of IgE+ B cells compared to R (99±8; 62±11) and intake of tocopherols mixture reverted that situation lowering the levels to 31±6. These results would suggest that tomato could be an allergenic food as tested in this model. Instead, tocopherols were effective to alleviate the basal allergic status.