Allergic Symptoms Research Articles

Type I Kounis syndrome in a young woman without chest pain: a case report

BackgroundKounis syndrome is defined as the concurrence of acute coronary syndromes in the setting of allergic or anaphylactic reactions. It primarily affects men aged 40–70 years and is often associated with chest pain. This syndrome is often unrecognized and undiagnosed in clinical practice due to a low level of awareness. Herein, we present a case of type I Kounis syndrome in a young woman without chest pain.Case presentationA 28-year-old Japanese woman with a history of atopic dermatitis received a glycyrrhizin, glutathione, and neurotropin preparation (a preparation of inflamed skin extract from rabbits inoculated with vaccinia virus) at a dermatology clinic to treat pruritus caused by atopic dermatitis. Immediately after the administration, the patient developed abdominal pain and generalized body wheals. The patient was diagnosed with anaphylaxis and was transported to our hospital. She had no chest pain on arrival at our hospital; however, a 12-lead electrocardiogram showed ST elevation in leads I, aVL, V2, and V3, and an echocardiogram showed decreased wall motion in the anterior and lateral walls of the left ventricle. Sublingual nitroglycerin administration improved ST-segment elevation and left ventricular wall motion abnormalities. The patient underwent emergency coronary angiography, which revealed no significant stenosis, and was diagnosed with type I Kounis syndrome.ConclusionKounis syndrome without chest pain is rare in young women. Since it can be fatal in cases with severe allergic symptoms such as anaphylaxis, the possibility of concurrent acute coronary syndrome should be considered when treating systemic allergic reactions, regardless of age, sex, or the presence or absence of chest symptoms.

Disparities in allergy and asthma prevalence among schoolteachers

BackgroundEvidence suggests that school factors influence the prevalence of allergic diseases in students. However, very little is known about how such factors affect the health of teachers. ObjectiveWe sought to compare the prevalence of allergic and respiratory conditions among teachers from urban, suburban, and rural schools. MethodsElectronic survey data were collected from a random sample of Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 teachers in Massachusetts. Comparisons were made between teacher demographics and allergic respiratory symptoms. ResultsOf the 398 respondents, median age was 45 years (SD 12.32). 71.8% of teachers taught in suburban schools, 76.6% were female, and 87.1% were White, similar to teacher demographics collected by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. Although there were more female teachers, males more frequently reported adverse breathing symptoms, such as wheezing (P=0.007). Over half of rural teachers (54.54%) experienced respiratory symptoms such as disrupted sleep due to coughing compared to 34.61% of suburban schoolteachers (P=0.03). Almost half (48.26%) of public schoolteachers experienced exercise-induced chest pain compared to 37.03% of private schoolteachers (p=0.05). A higher proportion of urban school teachers with asthma commonly missed school due to food allergy compared to suburban and rural schoolteachers with asthma (P=0.02). In teachers undiagnosed with asthma, associations existed between school absences and nighttime awakening due to trouble breathing (P < 0.0001), persistent cough (P = 0.002), and sore throat (P<0.0001) ConclusionsRural and public teachers reported proportionately more respiratory symptoms compared to suburban and private teachers, suggesting disparities. Future studies towards evidence-based solutions are needed.

Omalizumab reduces allergic rhinitis symptoms due to Japanese cedar pollen by improving eosinophilic inflammation.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis caused by Japanese cedar pollen (SAR-JCP) is a serious social problem in Japan, affecting 38.8% of the population (1). Omalizumab, a recombinant humanised monoclonal anti-immunoglobulin (Ig)E antibody, reduces serum-free IgE levels by 84-99% (2). The reduction of serum-free IgE levels induced by omalizumab ultimately downregulates FcεRI expression in basophils and mast cells (3). Omalizumab significantly reduces nasal symptoms and improves the quality of life in patients with allergic rhinitis (4,5); however, other than a decrease in free IgE, its biomarker activity is unclear. Allergic rhinitis reactions are more pronounced in nasal secretions and mucosa than in serum; however, no studies have examined the changes in proteins in nasal secretions after omalizumab administration. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the pathophysiology of the effect of omalizumab. This may serve as a basis for the identification of new biomarkers through the examination of proinflammatory proteins in nasal secretions, which may reflect the pathophysiology more accurately than peripheral blood.

P15-16 Deoxynivalenol detoxification by Chlorella sorokiniana leads to inhibitory effects on the Deoxynivalenol induced allergic contact dermatitis symptoms in a mouse model

P15-16 Deoxynivalenol detoxification by Chlorella sorokiniana leads to inhibitory effects on the Deoxynivalenol induced allergic contact dermatitis symptoms in a mouse model

Intranasal Versus Oral Treatments for Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

BackgroundTreatments for allergic rhinitis include intranasal or oral medications. ObjectiveTo perform a systematic review with meta-analysis comparing the effectiveness of intranasal corticosteroids or antihistamines versus oral antihistamines or leukotriene receptor antagonists in improving allergic rhinitis symptoms and quality of life. MethodsWe searched four bibliographic databases and three clinical trial datasets for randomised controlled trials (i) assessing patients ≥12 years old with seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis, and (ii) comparing intranasal corticosteroids or antihistamines versus oral antihistamines or leukotriene receptor antagonists. We performed a meta-analysis of the Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), Total Ocular Symptom Score (TOSS), Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ), development of adverse events, and withdrawals due to adverse events. Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. ResultsWe included 35 studies, most of which assessed patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and displayed an unclear risk of bias. Superiority of intranasal treatments was found for all assessed outcomes. Intranasal corticosteroids were more effective than oral antihistamines at improving the TNSS (MD=-0.86; 95%CI=-1.21;-0.51; I2=70%), TOSS (MD=-0.36; 95%CI=-0.56;-0.17; I2=0%) and RQLQ (MD=-0.88; 95%CI=-1.15;-0.61; I2=0%), being mostly associated with clinically meaningful improvements. Superiority of intranasal corticosteroids at improving the TNSS was also found against oral leukotriene receptor antagonists (MD=-1.05; 95%CI=-1.33;-0.77). Intranasal antihistamines were more effective than oral antihistamines at improving the TNSS (MD=-0.47; 95%CI=-0.81;-0.14; I2=0%) and RQLQ (MD=-0.31; 95%CI=-0.56;-0.06; I2=0%). ConclusionsRandomized controlled trials suggest that intranasal treatments are more effective than oral treatments at improving symptoms and quality of life in seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Concurrent validity, cut-offs and ability to change of patient-reported outcome measures for rhinitis and asthma in MASK-air®.

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used to assess a patient's health status at a particular point in time. They are essential in the development of person-centred care. This paper reviews studies performed on PROMs for assessing AR and asthma control, in particular VAS scales that are included in the app MASK-air® (Mobile Airways Sentinel networK) for asthma and rhinitis. VASs were initially developed on paper and pencil and tested for their criterion validity, cut-offs and responsiveness. Then, a multicentric, multinational, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised control trial (DB-PC-RCT) using an electronic VAS form was carried out. Finally, with the development of MASK-air® in 2015, previously validated VAS questions were adapted to the digital format and further methodologic evaluations were performed. VAS for asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, work and EQ-5D are included in the app. Additionally, two control-medication scores for allergic symptoms of asthma (e-DASTHMA) were validated for their criterion validity, cut-offs and responsiveness.

Spleen aminopeptides (FUKETUO) elevate the therapeutic effect of house dust mite desensitization on allergic asthma by inducing interleukin-10 positive regulatory T cells (IL-10+ Tregs) expression.

As a novel immunomodulator, spleen aminopeptides (FUKETUO) can correct the imbalance of immune cells and elevate their functions. Spleen aminopeptides have been used in the treatment of respiratory diseases. However, the regulatory mechanism of it on allergic asthma and desensitization has not been reported, further study is critically needed. This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of spleen aminopeptides on allergic asthma and desensitization. We established an allergic asthma model by house dust mite (HDM) with/without desensitization treatment. The allergic asthma mouse model was established with HDM and treated with desensitization and increasing dose of spleen aminopeptides according to different immune phases. Pathological markers such as airway hyper-responsiveness, and cell composition were monitored to determine the effectiveness of treatment. Spleen aminopeptides can promote the proportion of interleukin-10 positive (IL10+) allergen-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs), and further promote interleukin-10 (IL-10) expression in desensitization. They alleviated the allergic symptoms and elevated desensitization, decreased airway hyper-reaction and lung tissue injury, reduced specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in serum, eosinophil number and interleukin-4 (IL-4) expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), therefore, being able to control allergic asthma. Our results suggested that spleen aminopeptides (FUKETUO) could elevate the expression of (CD4+CD25+IL10+) Tregs, especially when it co-immunized with desensitization. Thereby, FUKETUO improved the efficacy of desensitization, and inhibited the development of allergic asthma.

The effect of open-label placebo on allergic rhinitis symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The evidence regarding the open-label placebo effect on allergic rhinitis symptoms remains uncertain. Open-label placebo significantly reduced the frequency of symptoms in allergic rhinitis patients with similar safety profiles; however, there was no effect on the severity of symptoms and impairment due to symptoms. The statistically significant impact on symptom frequency can be considered not clinically significant.

The function and mechanism of Human nasal mucosa-derived mesenchymal stem cells in allergic rhinitis in mice.

To investigate the immunomodulatory effects and potential mechanisms of human nasal mucosa-derived mesenchymal stem cells(hNMSCs) on mouse allergic rhinitis, and to compare them with human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs). hNMSCs and hUCMSCs were isolated and cultured for identification from human nasal mucosa and umbilical cord tissues. A co-culture system of LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells/mouse peritoneal macrophages and MSCs was employed.Changes in inflammatory factors in RAW264.7 cells and the culture medium as well as the expression of NF-κB signaling pathway in RAW264.7 cells were detected. Forty-eight BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control, OVA, hNMSCs, and hUCMSCs groups. An allergic rhinitis (AR) model was established through ovalbumin (OVA) stimulation and treated with hNMSCs and hUCMSCs. Subsequent assessments included related symptoms, biological changes, and the expression of the NF-κB signaling pathway in the nasal mucosa of mice. MSCs can be successfully isolated from human nasal mucosa. Both hNMSCs and hUCMSCs interventions significantly reverseed the inflammation induced by LPS and suppressed the upregulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in RAW264.7 cells. Treatment with hNMSCs and hUCMSCs alleviated mouse allergic symptoms, reduced levels of total IgE, OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 in mouse serum, TH2-type cytokines and chemokines in mouse nasal mucosa, and TH2-type cytokines in mouse spleen culture medium, while also inhibiting the expression of the NF-κB signaling pathway in the nasal mucosa of mice. moreover, the hNMSCs group showed a more significant reduction in OVA-specific IgG1 in serum and IL-4 expression levels in mouse spleen culture medium compared to the hUCMSCs group. Our findings suggest that hNMSCs can ameliorate allergic rhinitis in mice, with a certain advantage in anti-inflammatory effects compared to hUCMSCs. The NF-κB pathway is likely involved in the anti-inflammatory regulation process by hNMSCs.Therefore, hNMSCs might represent a novel therapeutic approach for allergic rhinitis.

The effects of mask applied aromatherapy on allergic rhinitis symptoms, fatigue, and quality of life related to allergic rhinitis in the COVID-19 era: a randomized controlled trial

The effects of mask applied aromatherapy on allergic rhinitis symptoms, fatigue, and quality of life related to allergic rhinitis in the COVID-19 era: a randomized controlled trial

Dupilumab as Therapeutic Option in Polysensitized Atopic Dermatitis Patients Suffering from Food Allergy.

IgE-mediated food allergy is characterized immunologically by a type 1 immune response triggered upon exposure to specific foods and clinically by a broad range of manifestations and variable severity. Our understanding of food allergy within the allergic march of atopic dermatitis (AD) is still incomplete despite the related risk of unpredictable and potentially severe associated reactions such as anaphylactic shock. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effects of dupilumab, an IL-4/IL-13 monoclonal antibody approved for AD, on the allergic sensitization profile of patients with AD and type 1 hypersensitivity-related comorbidities, including oral allergy syndrome, anaphylaxis, and gastrointestinal disorders. We conducted an observational pilot study with a longitudinal prospective design, enrolling 20 patients eligible for treatment with dupilumab. Laboratory exams for total serum IgE, specific IgE, and molecular allergen components were performed at baseline and after 16 weeks of therapy. Our results demonstrate a statistically significant decrease in molecular components, specific IgE for trophoallergens, and specific IgE for aeroallergens following treatment with dupilumab. We suggest that modulating type 2 immunity may decrease IgE-mediated responses assessed with laboratory exams and therefore could minimize allergic symptoms in polysensitized patients. Upcoming results of randomized controlled trials investigating dupilumab in food allergy are highly anticipated to confirm its potential effect in the treatment of IgE-mediated food allergies.

Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in allergy: Targeting IgE, cytokine, and alarmin pathways.

The etiology of allergy is closely linked to type 2 inflammatory responses ultimately leading to the production of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), a key driver of many allergic conditions. At a high level, initial allergen exposure disrupts epithelial integrity, triggering local inflammation via alarmins including IL-25, IL-33, and TSLP, which activate type 2 innate lymphoid cells as well as other immune cells to secrete type 2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, promoting Th2 cell development and eosinophil recruitment. Th2 cell dependent B cell activation promotes the production of allergen-specific IgE, which stably binds to basophils and mast cells. Rapid degranulation of these cells upon allergen re-exposure leads to allergic symptoms. Recent advances in our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying allergic pathophysiology have significantly shaped the development of therapeutic intervention strategies. In this review, we highlight key therapeutic targets within the allergic cascade with a particular focus on past, current and future treatment approaches using monoclonal antibodies. Specific targeting of alarmins, type 2 cytokines and IgE has shown varying degrees of clinical benefit in different allergic indications including asthma, chronic spontaneous urticaria, atopic dermatitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, food allergies and eosinophilic esophagitis. While multiple therapeutic antibodies have been approved for clinical use, scientists are still working on ways to improve on current treatment approaches. Here, we provide context to understand therapeutic targeting strategies and their limitations, discussing both knowledge gaps and promising future directions to enhancing clinical efficacy in allergic disease management.

Malvidin From Malva sylvestris L. Ameliorates Allergic Responses in Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Rhinitis Mouse Model via the STAT6/GATA3 Pathway.

Malva sylvestris L. (commonly known as mallow) has been widely used in traditional Tibetan formulations to treat allergic rhinitis (AR), and malvidin is a key anti-inflammation constituent of this plant. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential therapeutic effect and mechanism of malvidin in an AR mouse model. Malvidin's efficacy was evaluated in an AR mouse model induced by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge. The factors, such as nasal symptoms, serum OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, histological changes in the nasal mucosa, and expressions of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Tregs and their cytokines, were assessed. Western blotting was used to analyze the effect of malvidin on signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) and GATA3 expression levels. Malvidin reduced the allergic symptoms and serum levels of OVA-specific IgE in the AR model. Histological analysis indicated that malvidin alleviates nasal mucosal edema, eosinophil infiltration, and goblet cell proliferation. In addition, it altered the expression of Th1/Th2/Th17-related cytokines, enhanced the Treg population, and reduced Th2-mediated immunity by suppressing the phosphorylation of STAT6 and expression of the GATA3 protein. Malvidin significantly improved allergic symptoms in an OVA-induced AR mouse model by modulating Th1/Th2 immune responses and suppressing the STAT6/GATA3 pathway, indicating its potential as a naturally sourced agent for AR management.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the benefits of a standardized Nigella sativa oil containing 5% thymoquinone in reducing the symptoms of seasonal allergy.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) or seasonal allergy characterized by sneezing, nasal congestion, nasal itching, and nasal discharge, triggered by immune reactions to environmental allergens. Present day customers also monitor the personal improvements in the area of Evidence-Based natural medicines/supplements. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 65 participants aged 18 to 60 years having 2 or more allergic symptoms like sneezing, rhinorrhoea, nasal obstruction, and nasal itching for a cumulative period greater than 1 hour per day. The study participants received a capsule of NSO (250 mg) with 2.5 mg piperine (BioPerine) as a bioavailability enhancer or a placebo, twice a day, after food for 15 days. The primary objectives were evaluated by mean change in Total Nasal Symptom Score and the duration of AR symptoms per day from baseline to Day 15. Secondary endpoints were changes in Total Ocular Symptoms Score, AR symptom frequency and severity, serum Immunoglobulin E levels, and Patient Global Impression of Change scale. Adverse events were monitored throughout the study. Sixty-five patients were enrolled and all of them completed the study, N = 33 in NSO and N = 32 in placebo. A significant reduction in Total Nasal Symptom Score and Total Ocular Symptoms Score was observed in the NSO group compared to the placebo, highlighting the potential of NSO in alleviating AR symptoms. The episodes of AR symptoms per day and the frequency of symptoms in 24 hours reduced significantly in 15 days in both groups, but the extent of improvement was significantly higher in NSO compared to placebo. Improvement in Patient Global Impression of Change was also significantly better in NSO compared to the placebo. Serum Immunoglobulin E levels decreased in NSO but were not significantly different from placebo. No clinically significant changes were observed in vital signs, liver and renal function, lipid profile, hematology, fasting blood sugar, or urine analysis at the end of the study. The result of the study demonstrates that NSO 250 mg with 2.5 mg piperine is an effective and well-tolerated supplement for the management of AR symptoms.

Inhibition of MARCKS phosphorylation attenuates of dendritic cell migration in a murine model of acute asthma

BackgroundMARCKS (myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrates) serves as a substrate for protein kinase C, residing in the plasma membrane while acts as an actin filament crosslinking protein. This investigation aims to elucidate phosphorylated MARCKS (p-MARCKS) levels and activity in allergic asthma patients and explore the therapeutic potential of peptide inhibitors targeting p-MARCKS in an acute mouse model of allergic asthma. MethodsImmunohistochemistry and histology staining were employed on lung tissue slides to evaluate p-MARCKS expression and allergic asthma symptoms. Airway resistance was measured using invasive whole-body plethysmography. Flow cytometry detected lung dendritic cell migration, and migration/maturation assays were conducted on isolated murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BM-DCs). ResultsElevated p-MARCKS expression was observed in both human asthmatic tissues and animal models immunized with ovalbumin or Alternaria alternata. Remarkably, asthmatic individuals showed elevated high p-MARCKS expression in lung tissues. Intraperitoneal injection of the peptide MPS, targeting the MARCKS phosphorylation site domain, before allergen challenged, effectively suppressed MARCKS phosphorylation in murine lung tissues. MPS inhibited both in vivo and in vitro migration and maturation of dendritic cells (BM-DCs) and reduced Th2-related lymphocyte activation in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). MPS pretreatment additionally suppressed all symptoms associated with allergic airway asthma, including a reduction in inflammatory cell influx, airway mucous cell metaplasia, and airway hyperreactivity. ConclusionThese findings suggest that phosphorylated MARCKS occurs in asthmatic lung tissue, and the inhibition of MARCKS phosphorylation by the MPS peptide reduces dendritic cell migration and Th2-related lymphocytes in the lungs in a murine model of acute asthma.

Effects of Glycosylation Combined with Phosphate Treatment on the Allergenicity and Structure of Tropomyosin in Litopenaeus vannamei.

Tropomyosin (TM) is the main allergen in shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). In this study, the effects of allergenicity and structure of TM by glycosylation (GOS-TM), phosphate treatment (SP-TM), and glycosylation combined with phosphate treatment (GOS-SP-TM) were investigated. Compared to GOS-TM and SP-TM, the IgG/IgE binding capacity of GOS-SP-TM was significantly decreased with 63.9 ± 2.0 and 49.7 ± 2.7%, respectively. Meanwhile, the α-helix content reduced, surface hydrophobicity increased, and 10 specific amino acids (K30, K38, S39, K48, K66, K74, K128, K161, S210, and K251) were modified by glycosylation on six IgE linear epitopes of GOS-SP-TM. In the BALB/c mice allergy model, GOS-SP-TM could significantly reduce the levels of specific IgE, IgG1, and CD4+IL-4+, while the levels of IgG2a, CD4+CD25+Foxp3+, and CD4+IFN-γ+ were increased, which equilibrated Th1 and Th2 cells, thus alleviating allergic symptoms. These results indicated that glycosylation combined with phosphate treatment can provide a new insight into developing hypoallergenic shrimp food.

Effect of Cold Temperature on the Severity of Allergic Rhinitis Based on Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Score Among Medical Students of Malikussaleh University

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis is a common condition caused by inflammation of the nasal mucosa after exposure to allergens and is mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE). Cold temperatures can aggravate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is not fatal, but it can cause a decrease in the patient's quality of life if the symptoms are severe. The severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms is difficult to measure as it should match patient's perception, so VAS is a quantitative measurement tool used. Although VAS is a simple and easy-to-use tool, its use as self-monitoring for AR patients is still infrequent to minimize symptom exacerbations and maintain control of allergic rhinitis. AIMS: This study aims to examine the effect of cold temperature on the severity of allergic rhinitis based on VAS score. METHOD: This research is an experimental with a one-group pretest-posttest study. The study samples involved 75 students suffering from allergic rhinitis assessed with the Score for Allergic Rhinitis (SFAR) questionnaire assessment from the class of 2020, 2021, and 2022. Subjects’ pain level was measured before and after the intervention. The intervention was in the form of cold temperature exposure for 15 minutes in a room with a temperature of 18℃. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. RESULT: The results showed that the mean VAS score before the intervention was 0 while after the intervention was 38.61 ± 24.07. This shows that the mean VAS score after the intervention is higher than the mean VAS score before the intervention (p-value = 0.00 &lt;0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that the effect of cold temperature can increase the severity of allergic rhinitis.

Allergy in Young Adults Associates with Elevated Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide Levels and IgE-Verified Parental Allergy but Is Confounded by Self-Reported Symptoms

Introduction: Knowledge of IgE-verified allergy in young adults is limited as most studies are based on self-reported data. Allergic heredity is important in allergy development in early life, but less is known about the hereditary component later in life. The aim was to investigate IgE-verified and self-reported allergy and asthma at 20 years of age in association to parental allergy and environmental factors. Methods: In total, 281 individuals born into the cohort of well-characterized parents regarding allergic disease were followed to 20 years of age. The participants were categorized by parental allergy and examined regarding allergic diseases (IgE sensitization and allergic symptoms) at 2, 5, 10, and 20 years of age. FeNO was measured at 10 and 20 years. Results: In total, 45% of the study participants were allergic, with twice as many self-reported cases at age 20. Rhinitis was key to distinguishing confirmed allergy from self-reported. Having two allergic parents and increased FeNO were associated with an increased prevalence of allergic disease at 20 years. From a longitudinal perspective, rhinitis increased from childhood to young adulthood, in all heredity groups. Conclusion: In this longitudinal study, we have shown that two allergic parents as well as increased FeNO levels seem to be of importance for being allergic at 20 years old. Self-reported allergy was overreported – a result that should be considered in future survey-based reports on allergic diseases.

Reducing the Allergenicity of β-Lactoglobulin by Covalent Modification with Different Contents of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG): In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

β-Lactoglobulin (βLG) is a major allergen in bovine milk protein. This study was designed to investigate changes in βLG structure, digestibility, and allergenicity induced by covalent binding modification with different contents of (-)-epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG). The reaction of EGCG conjugation with βLG reached saturation at a molar ratio of 1:60 βLG:EGCG. Conjugation with EGCG altered the βLG structure, decreased IgE-binding capacity, and increased digestibility in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo studies showed that covalent conjugation with EGCG can reduce βLG-induced allergic symptoms with reducing levels of IgE, histamine, and mast cell protease-1 (mMCP-1) and the percentage of sensitized mast cells. Allergenicity was reduced more effectively in saturated βLG-EGCG conjugates compared to semisaturated conjugates. Observed changes in IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and TGF-β levels suggested that βLG-EGCG conjugates were able to promote Th1/Th2 immune balance. These findings further our understanding of the relationship between the degree of polyphenol conjugation and the allergenicity of food allergens.

Evaluation of the suitability of β-lactoglobulin and whey protein in a BALB/c mouse model of cow's milk allergy

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is common in infants and young children, which can adversely affect their growth and quality of life. Currently, research on CMA is mainly carried out in mouse models due to ethical constraints in population studies, but the determination of the optimal modelling protocol remains controversial. Here, we aim to evaluate the applicability of β-lactoglobulin (BLG) and whey protein from multiple perspectives in the construction of CMA models in BALB/c mice. To this end, the mice were sensitized by oral gavage of allergens, and then challenged by BLG or whey protein orally administered as well as whey intradermally in the ear, respectively. The allergic reactions were determined by the evaluation of anaphylactic symptoms, levels of specific immunoglobulins and Th2 cytokines, and intestinal tissue histopathology. Overall, mice in the BLG group showed more severe allergic symptoms and decreased body temperature than the other groups. The stronger allergic reactions to BLG in mice were also proved in higher levels of mouse mast cell protease-1 (mMCP-1), allergen specific antibodies, and Th2 cytokines as well as more serious intestinal damage than whey protein. These results suggest that BALB/c mice vary in the susceptibility to different cow's milk allergens, and the single component represented by BLG instead of whey protein, may be a more appropriate and effective allergen for the construction of BALB/c mouse model of CMA.