Cypress Pollen Research Articles

Increased rupture of cypress pollen type due to atmospheric water in central and southeastern Spain

This study aims to investigate the meteorological variables determining Cupressaceae pollen grain disruption in the environment. A parallel sampling of pollen grains and disrupted Cupressaceae pollen grains was performed in six cities using two Spanish aerobiological networks. The pollen concentrations, disrupted pollen concentrations, percentage of disrupted pollen and number of days when the percentage of disrupted pollen was above or equal to 50 % were quantified during two pollen seasons. The concentrations were determined following the standardised method EN 16868. Results show that the concentrations of pollen grains and disrupted pollen grains were not determined by geographical features and rarely by bioclimatic variables or indexes but by the ornamental use of the specimens in the vicinity of the pollen sampler, highlighting the possibility of using management practices to reduce exposure to allergens in the cities. African dust outbreaks coincided with higher concentrations of pollen grains and disrupted pollen grains, but the reduced percentage of disrupted pollen grains pointed to a non-causal relationship with long-distance transport. The effect of wind and maximum gusts remained negligible. The triggering factor for pollen disruption was the amount of water in the atmosphere, mainly reported as relative humidity. Rainfall increased the effect of disruption due to pollen grain swelling caused by its wash-out effect. The higher the relative humidity, the higher the disrupted pollen concentrations. This aligns with the mechanism of Cupressaceae reproduction since the family needs a water medium in the form of pollination droplets for the pollination tube to develop and the pollen grain to perform its biological function. Therefore, people that develop allergic symptoms to Cupresaceae pollen should avoid exposure during days with high relative humidity in the main pollen season.

The impact of COVID-19 on hay fever treatment in Japan: A retrospective cohort study based on the Japanese claims database.

Hay fever (HF) presents with various symptoms, including allergic conjunctivitis and rhinitis, and requires cross-organ treatment. This study assessed the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on HF treatment trends. This retrospective cohort study utilized data from the JMDC database collected between January 2018 and May 2021. Patients with HF were identified based on the relevant International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision diagnosis codes and the prescription of HF-related medications. The treatment approaches were compared during the cedar and cypress pollen allergy season (January to May in Japan) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2018 and 2019, and 2020 and 2021, respectively). This study included 2,598,178 patients with HF. The numbers of prescribed HF-related claims in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 were 3,332,854, 3,534,198, 2,774,380, and 2,786,681 times, respectively. Oral second-generation antihistamine prescriptions decreased by >10% from 2019 to 2020, with a <10% change in the subsequent year. Anti-allergic eye drop prescriptions also decreased by >10% from 2019 to 2020 but increased by >10% from 2020 to 2021. Compared with 2018, 2019, and 2020, the number of claims in the rhinitis symptoms dominant group was significantly decreased in 2021 (p<0.001, all). In contrast, the number of claims in the eye symptoms dominant group and the rhinitis and eye symptoms dominant group increased in 2021 compared with that in 2018, 2019, and 2020 (p<0.001, all). Changes in HF treatment and related outcomes could be attributed to lifestyle modifications resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Measures, such as limiting outdoor activities and adopting mask-wearing practices may have influenced HF symptoms, preventive behaviors, and the overall approach to treating HF.

Co-sensitizations to Gibberellin Regulated Proteins (GRPs) in Italy: results of a polycentric study.

Background. Gibberellin Regulated Proteins (GRPs) are small glycoproteins that induce allergy to various types of fruit. This study aimed to evaluate co-sensitization to cypress pollen and other molecules responsible for fruit allergy, such as nsLTP (Pru p 3), PR-10 (Bet v1), and Profilin (Bet v2). Methods. Sixty subjects sensitized to peach GRP (Pru p 7) were consecutively recruited from four Italian centers: 28 males and 32 females (mean age 37.9 years; range 11-79). Specific IgE for Pru p 7, Pru p 3, Bet v 1, Bet v 2, cypress pollen extract (Cup s), and Cup a 1 were determined in all subjects. Results. Sensitization rates to Cup s, Cup a 1, Pru p 3, Bet v 1, and Bet v 2 in the entire studied population were 90.0%, 83.3%, 45.8%, 40.0%, and 30.0%, respectively. In subjects residing in Northern Italy, the respective sensitization rates were 96.4%, 80.0%, 50.0%, 73.3%, and 40.0%, while in those residing in Southern Italy, they were 83.3%, 86.7%, 40.0%, 6.7%, and 20.0%. The only significant difference was observed for PR-10 (p less than 0.0001) Co-sensitization to PR-10 was found to be associated with a reduced risk of anaphylaxis (OR: 0.125). Allergic reactions were most commonly triggered by peach (26/40), followed by orange (12/40), with other foods being less frequently implicated. Conclusions. This study confirms a high association between sensitization to Pru p 7 and cypress pollen and highlights a high percentage of co-sensitization to nsLTP, PR-10, and profilin. PR-10 emerged as a protective factor against anaphylaxis.

Precision allergy molecular diagnosis applications in food allergy.

Precision medicine has become important in the diagnosis and management of food allergies. This review summarizes the latest information regarding molecular allergology, an essential component of food allergy managements. Component-resolved diagnostics (CRD) can be used to investigate sensitization to allergens based on symptoms and to reveal co-sensitization and/or cross-sensitization in patients with allergies. The following allergen components are known to be associated with symptoms: ovomucoid from eggs, omega-5 gliadin from wheat, and many storage proteins (Gly m 8 from soy, Ara h 2 from peanut, Cor a 14 from hazelnut, Ana o 3 from cashew nut, Jug r 1 from walnut, and Ses i 1 from sesame). Recent studies on allergens of macadamia nuts (Mac i 1 and Mac i 2), almonds (Pru du 6), fish (parvalbumin and collagen), and shrimp (Pem m 1 and Pem m 14) have provided additional information regarding CRD. In addition, Pru p 7 is a risk factor for systemic reactions to peaches and has recently been found to cross-react with cypress and Japanese cedar pollen. CRD provides information of individualized sensitization profiles related to symptoms and severity of allergies in patients. Clinical practice based on CRD offers many benefits, such as higher diagnostic accuracy and improved management of individual patients.

Component-resolved diagnosis of tree pollen allergen: identify key allergens to develop treatment plans

With the increasing global prevalence of tree pollen allergies, there has been a significant impact on the quality of life for populations. In North and Central China, birch pollen, cypress pollen, and plane tree pollen are the most common allergens for springtime pollen allergy sufferers. The distribution of plants and patterns of pollen transmission in different geographical areas result in varying pollen exposure outcomes, further complicating the challenges in diagnosis and individualized treatment. This article delves into the research progress and clinical application of tree pollen allergies based on the "Molecular Allergology User's Guide 2.0 (MAUG 2.0) " published by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI). It discusses major allergen families and component proteins of tree pollen such as PR-10 proteins, profilins, polcalcins, as well as cross-reactive components that may cause pollen-food allergy syndrome. Allergen component diagnostics can distinguish true allergy sufferers from those with multiple allergen reactions, enabling more targeted selection of allergens for specific immunotherapy, thus enhancing treatment effectiveness. Bet v 1 and Cup a 1, for instance, are specific indicators for immunotherapy in birch and cypress allergy patients. Overall, this article provides cutting-edge information for professionals in the field of tree pollen allergies, offering in-depth exploration of tree pollen allergen component proteins, clinical manifestations, and treatment-related research, aiding in better understanding and addressing the challenges of tree pollen allergies.

Trends and Prospects of Japanese Cedar Pollen and Japanese Cypress Pollen Dispersal in Otsu City, Shiga

Trends and Prospects of Japanese Cedar Pollen and Japanese Cypress Pollen Dispersal in Otsu City, Shiga

Cha o 3, a cypress pollen allergen, does not activate basophils in Japanese cypress pollinosis

BackgroundIn Japan, pollinosis caused by Japanese cypress Chamaecyparis obtusa (JCy) is one of the very common seasonal allergies. In JCy pollinosis, Cha o 1 is the first major allergen and Cha o 2 is the second major allergen. Recently, Cha o 3 was identified as a new JCy pollen allergen in JCy pollinosis. However, the relative contribution of Cha o 3 to JCy pollinosis compared to Cha o 1 and Cha o 2 has not been fully elucidated. ObjectiveThis study clarified the allergenicity of Cha o 3 compared to Cha o 1 and Cha o 2 in JCy pollinosis. MethodsWe recruited 27 patients with JCy pollinosis and performed basophil activation test (BAT) with native (n) Cha o 1, 2, and 3 purified from JCy pollen. In addition, we performed JCy-specific IgE suppression test. ResultsIn the BAT, 26 out of 27 patients (96%) or 18 out of 27 patients (67%) showed positive basophil activation in response to n Cha o 1 or n Cha o 2, respectively. Little CD203c expression in response to n Cha o 3 was seen. The presence of n Cha o 3 marginally reduced the titer levels of JCy-specific IgE. ConclusionCha o 3 showed little ability to activate basophils and suppress JCy-specific IgE titer levels compared to that of Cha o 1 or Cha o 2 in patients with JCy pollinosis. Thus, Cha o 3 may not be a major allergen in JCy pollinosis.

Optimization of the diagnosis and characterization of gibberellin-regulated protein sensitization: An Italian cohort study

BackgroundPru p 7 was the first gibberellin-regulated protein (GRP) to be identified as a food allergen as the basis of a pollen food allergy syndrome. ObjectiveTo clinically and biologically characterize a group of patients with suspected allergy to Pru p 7 to optimize the diagnostic workup of GRP sensitization. MethodsAllergy to Pru p 7 was suspected in the presence of a systemic allergic reaction to plant food, positive skin prick test results for cypress pollen and lipid-transfer protein–enriched peach extract, and absence of Pru p 3-specific immunoglobulin E. Controls were patients with food allergies, patients sensitized to Pru p 3, and patients with cypress allergy without food allergy. Diagnostic workup included skin tests, basophil activation test, Western blot, and single and multiplex assays. ResultsIn total, 23 patients and 14 controls were enrolled. The most implicated food was peach (91.3%). Approximately 70% of patients reacted to multiple foods. Mueller 4 reactions were 8.7%. In 26.1% of cases, a cofactor triggered the reaction. The basophil activation test results were positive for rPru p 7 in 87% of the patients. Specific immunoglobulin E to Pru p 7 was detected in 95.7% by singleplex and in 73.9% by multiplex assays in patients with suspected allergies; 73.9% of them also reacted to cypress pollen GRP (Cup s 7) in Western blot analysis. ConclusionPatients with Pru p 7-Cup s 7 allergy in our cohort confirm a mild-to-severe clinical syndrome characterized by pollen and food allergy. The diagnosis may benefit from the proposed selection criteria that can be used as preliminary steps to further characterize the cross-reactive GRP sensitization.

Allergy to cypress and olive pollen: Clinical phenotypes and allergen recognition.

Cypress and olive pollen are the most prevalent sensitizer trees in the Mediterranean area. Some patients exhibit a dual sensitization which has not been well documented yet. To identify the allergens involved in the dual cypress and olive allergy (C+O) and study the relationship between phenotype and allergen sensitization. C+O patients were selected. Monosensitized subjects to olive or cypress were used as reference. Specific IgE to whole extracts and purified allergens from olive and cypress were performed. Immunoblotting was done to analyze IgG and IgE-binding using olive polyclonal antibodies and patients' sera, respectively. Mutual immunoblotting inhibition of olive and cypress extracts, and inhibition of cypress extract immunoblotting with olive allergens were performed. Multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical cluster classifications were conducted to analyze the relationships between C+O clinical presentation (symptoms, seasonality) and allergen profile. C+O patients were clustered in 4 phenotypes. The most frequent one (58.4%) was rhinoconjunctivitis in winter (February) and spring (May), with asthma in 38% of subjects. Ole e 1 and Cup s 1 were the major allergens. Homologous proteins to Ole e 1, Ole e 9 and Ole e 11 in cypress pollen were identified and these olive allergens inhibit IgE-binding to cypress extract. The exclusive C+O allergy results from co-sensitization to Cup s 1 and Ole e 1, and to cross-reactivity due to Ole e 1-like, Ole e 9-like and Ole e 11-like allergens not described previously, and translates into 4 clinical phenotypes of winter and/or spring or perennial rhinoconjunctivitis with and without asthma.

The efficacy of a novel smart watch on medicine adherence and symptom control of allergic rhinitis patients: Pilot study

BackgroundAllergic rhinitis (AR) is a common allergic airway disorder that is often poorly managed. There is an urgent need to enhance medication adherence in order to improve treatment outcomes in patients with AR. The efficacy of wearable smart watches in improving medication adherence is currently unclear. ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel smart watch in improving medication adherence and symptom control in patients with AR. The reliability of self-reported medication use was also investigated. MethodsThis randomized, open-label, parallel controlled, pilot study enrolled adult patients with AR caused by cypress pollen. Patients were randomized in a 1:2 ratio to an intervention group and control group. Smart watches were only distributed to patients in the intervention group. During the cypress pollen season, all patients were required to take oral antihistamines daily and use nasal corticosteroids and antihistamine eye drops as needed. Daily AR symptom scores and medication usage were recorded in both groups. The smart watch was able to identify medication-taking behaviors of patients via artificial intelligence (AI) and relay this information to physicians, who sent short message service reminders to patients who forgot to take oral antihistamines for more than 2 days. ResultsDuring the pollen season, the adherence rate to oral antihistamines in the intervention group (n = 17) was significantly higher than that in the control group (n = 38) (63.3% ± 28.5% versus 43.2% ± 30.2%, P = 0.02). The daily symptom score of the intervention group was lower than that of the control group (2.4 ± 1.1 versus 3.9 ± 1.0, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the on-demand medication score between the 2 groups (1.3 ± 0.4 versus 1.5 ± 0.5, P = 0.13). The consistency rate between self-reported nasal corticosteroid usage and the gold standard (ie, human observation of medication usage in the videos recorded by the smart watch) was 20.0% (0%, 53.7%), and the consistency rate between self-reported antihistamine eye drop usage and the gold standard was 24.3% (2.1%, 67.1%). ConclusionsThis pilot study showed that the application of smart watches in patients with AR was associated with improved medication adherence and symptom control. Furthermore, the reliability of self-reported medication usage was limited.

Relationship among airborne pollen, sensitization, and pollen food allergy syndrome in Asian allergic children.

Causes of pediatric pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS) differ depending on airborne pollen levels in a particular region. We aimed to analyze airborne pollen counts, IgE sensitization rates, and PFAS incidence among children with allergies in South Korea and Japan. This cross-sectional study included children aged 5-17 years with allergies in 2017. Airborne pollen samples were collected from Busan in South Korea, and Fukuoka and Tochigi in Japan. Questionnaires were used to assess bronchial asthma, seasonal allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, and PFAS. The serum IgE specific to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, pollen, tomato, and peach were investigated. In total, 57, 56, and 20 patients from Busan, Fukuoka, and Tochigi, respectively, were enrolled. Airborne Japanese cedar and cypress pollen were predominant in Fukuoka and Tochigi, whereas pine and alder pollen were predominant in Busan. Children with allergies in Fukuoka and Tochigi had a significantly higher sensitization rate to Japanese cedar, cypress, juniper, orchard grass, ragweed, Japanese hop, and tomato compared with children in Busan. In Fukuoka and Tochigi, where Japanese cedar and cypress pollen were frequently scattered, high sensitizations among allergic children were observed. The sensitization rate was not affected by the pollen count in alder, grass, ragweed, and Japanese hop. In multivariable analysis, only alder sensitization was found to be associated with PFAS (odds ratio: 6.62, 95% confidence interval: 1.63-26.87, p = 0.008). In patients with PFAS in Busan and Tochigi, peach associated with birch allergen Bet v 1 was a causative food item for PFAS. Moreover, PFAS was associated with ragweed and Japanese hop pollen sensitization in Fukuoka. Regardless of pollen counts, alder pollen sensitization was associated with PFAS in children. Ragweed and Japanese hop pollen sensitization were associated with PFAS, particularly among children in southern Japan.

The MaDo real-life study of dose adjustment of allergen immunotherapy liquid formulations in an indication of respiratory allergic disease: Reasons, practices, and outcomes.

Sublingual allergen immunotherapy (SLIT) is a safe, effective, disease-modifying treatment for moderate-to-severe respiratory allergies. The function and responsiveness of the immune system components underlying the effects of allergen immunotherapy may vary from one patient to another. Furthermore, the severity of the symptoms of allergic disease can fluctuate over time, due to changes in environmental allergen exposure, effector cell responsiveness, and cell signaling. Hence, the allergen dose provided through SLIT can be fine-tuned to establish an optimal balance between effectiveness and tolerability. The objective of the MaDo study was to describe and understand dose adjustments of SLIT liquid formulations in France. We performed a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional, real-life study of allergists and other specialist physicians. Physicians described their patients via an anonymous case report form (CRF). The main patient inclusion criteria were age 5 years or over, at least one physician-confirmed IgE-driven respiratory allergy, and treatment for at least 2 years with one or more SLIT liquid preparations. A nationally representative sample of 33 specialist physicians participated in the study. The physicians' main stated reasons for dose adjustment were adverse events (according to 90.9% of the physicians), treatment effectiveness (60.6%), sensitivity to the allergen (42.4%) and other characteristics (30.3%: mainly symptom severity, type of allergen, and asthma). 392 CRFs (mean ± standard deviation patient age: 27.8 ± 17.5; under-18s: 42.1%; polyallergy: 30.9%) were analyzed. Respectively 53.6%, 25.8%, 15.3%, and 8.7% of the patients received house dust mite, grass pollen, birch pollen and cypress pollen SLIT. Dose adjustments were noted in 258 (65.8%) patients (at the start of the maintenance phase for 101 patients (39.2%) and later for 247 (95.7%)). Dose adjustment was not linked to sex, age, or the number of allergens administered. All measures of disease severity (including symptom severity noted on a 0-to-10 visual analogue scale by the physician) decreased significantly during SLIT. Notably, the mean AR symptom severity score decreased to a clinically relevant extent from 7.6 at SLIT initiation to 2.4 at last follow-up, and the mean asthma symptom severity score decreased from 5.0 to 1.3. The few differences in effectiveness between patients with vs. without dose adjustment were not major. For about one patient in five, a specialist physician decided to reduce or increase the SLIT liquid dose at the start of maintenance treatment and/or during maintenance treatment. This decision was influenced by a broad range of patient and treatment factors, mainly to improve tolerability to treatment and/or enhance effectiveness. In France, dose adjustment of SLIT liquid preparations as a function of the patient profile and/or treatment response is anchored in clinical practice. Precision dosing might optimize the overall benefit-risk profile of AIT for individual patients throughout their entire treatment course, enabling them to achieve both short- and long-term treatment goals, whilst maximizing the safety and tolerability.

Laboratory Evaluation of the (355, 532) nm Particle Depolarization Ratio of Pure Pollen at 180.0° Lidar Backscattering Angle

While pollen is expected to impact public human health and the Earth’s climate more and more in the coming decades, lidar remote sensing of pollen has become an important developing research field. To differentiate among the pollen taxa, a polarization lidar is an interesting tool since pollen exhibit non-spherical complex shapes. A key attribute is thus the lidar particle depolarization ratio (PDR) of pollen, which is however difficult to quantify as pollen are large and complex-shaped particles, far beyond the reach of light scattering numerical simulations. In this paper, a laboratory π-polarimeter is used to accurately evaluate the PDR of pure pollen, for the first time at the lidar exact backscattering angle of 180.0°. We hence reveal the lidar PDR of pure ragweed, ash, birch, pine, cypress and spruce pollens at 355 and 532 nm lidar wavelengths, as presented at the ELC 2021 conference. A striking result is the spectral dependence of the lidar PDR, highlighting the importance of dual-wavelength (or more) polarization lidars to identify pollen taxa. These spectral and polarimetric fingerprints of pure pollen, as they are accurate, can be used by the lidar community to invert multi-wavelength lidar polarization measurements involving pollen.

Impact of Preventive Measures on Subjective Symptoms and Antigen Sensitization against Japanese Cedar, Cypress Pollen and House Dust Mites in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis: A Retrospective Analysis in the COVID-19 Era

For &gt;2 years, Japan’s government has been urging the populace to take countermeasures to prevent COVID-19, including mask wearing. We examined whether these preventive behaviors have affected the rate and degree of sensitization against pollen and house dust antigens in patients with allergic rhinitis. We retrospectively surveyed 2565 patients who had undergone allergy blood testing during the period 2015–2021. We subdivided this period into eras based on the COVID-19 pandemic: the pre-COVID (2015–2019, n = 1879) and COVID (2020–2021, n = 686) eras. The positive rates for Japanese cedar and cypress in the 40–59-year-olds and those for house dust in the 20–39-year-olds were significantly reduced in the COVID era versus those in the pre-COVID era. Each group’s mean antigen-specific CAP scores decreased significantly from the 1st to 2nd era: from 1.98 to 1.57 for cedar (p &lt; 0.01), 1.42 to 0.95 for cypress (p &lt; 0.05), and 2.86 to 2.07 for house dust (p &lt; 0.01). Our survey of the patients’ clinical records indicates that 47.5% of the pollinosis patients reported improvement in nasal symptoms after the three seasons of pollen dispersion in the COVID era. Japan’s quarantine policies designed to combat the spread of COVID-19 thus coincide with pivotal measures to alleviate allergic reactions.

Sensitization to Gibberellin-Regulated Protein(Peamaclein) Among Italian CypressPollen-Sensitized Patients.

Peach gibberellin-regulated protein (peamaclein) has recently emerged as a relevant food allergen in cypress pollen-hypersensitive patients. Objective: We investigated monosensitization to peamaclein among Italian cypress pollen-allergic patients. A total of 835 cypress pollen-hypersensitive patients from 28 Italian allergy centers underwent a thorough work-up to determine food-allergic reactions and performed skin prick testing with a commercial peach extract containing peamaclein. IgE to rPrup3 was measured in peach reactors, and those with negative results were enrolled as potentially monosensitized to peamaclein. IgE reactivity to rPrup7 was evaluated using immunoblot and an experimental ImmunoCAP with rPrup7. Skin prick tests were positive to peach in 163 patients (19.5%); however, 127 (77.9%) were excluded because they reacted to Prup3. Twenty-four patients (14.7%) corresponding to 2.8% of the entire study population) were considered potentially monosensitized to peamaclein. No geographic preference was observed. Seventeen of the 24 patients (70.8%) had a history of food allergy, mainly to peach (n=15). Additional offending foods included other Rosaceae, citrus fruits, fig, melon, tree nuts, and kiwi. On peach immunoblot, only 3 of 18 putative peamaclein-allergic patients reacted to a band at about 7 kDa; an additional 4 patients reacted at about 50-60kDa. Ten of 18 patients (56%) had a positive result for Pru p 7 on ImmunoCAP. Allergy and sensitization to peamaclein seem rare in Italy. Most patients react to peach, although other Rosaceae fruits and several citrus fruits may also be offending foods. Peach and cypress pollen probably also share cross-reacting allergens other than peamaclein.

Effect of Japanese cedar pollen sublingual immunotherapy on allergic rhinitis symptoms during the Japanese cypress pollen dispersal period

Effect of Japanese cedar pollen sublingual immunotherapy on allergic rhinitis symptoms during the Japanese cypress pollen dispersal period

Polymorphisms in Cha o 1 and Cha o 2, major allergens of Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) pollen from a restricted region in Japan.

Japanese cedar pollinosis is a major seasonal allergy in Japan, and Japanese cypress pollinosis is a growing concern because the cypress pollen season follows the cedar pollen season and cross-reactivity among allergens occurs between these closely related species. Allergens purified from pollen under unspecified collecting conditions can potentially heterogenous allergens profiles and batch to batch variability, and amino acid sequence variants in allergens possibly exist among trees. Polymorphisms have not been investigated for the cypress pollen major allergens, Cha o 1 and Cha o 2. Our aim was to examine the homogeneity of allergen amino acid sequences. DNA sequences of Cha o 1 and Cha o 2 from pollen collected from Chiba and Ibaraki prefectures and from needles of 47 plus trees located at seed orchards in Chiba Prefecture were examined by amplicon sequencing and amino acid substitutions were deduced. Sequence analysis of the pollen samples revealed that eight and seven residues of Cha o 2 were polymorphic, respectively. Thirteen residues in Cha o 2, including those residues identified in pollen, were deduced to be polymorphic for the plus trees. Cha o 2 expressed by the 47 plus trees included amino acid differences when compared with that of isoallergen Cha o 2.0101. No substitution was deduced in Cha o 1 for pollen taken from the two prefectures. One conservative amino acid substitution was deduced in Cha o 1 for the plus trees. Of the 47 plus trees examined, 38 were deduced to express only the isoallergen Cha o 1.0101 isoform, whereas eight trees were heterozygous and a single tree was homozygous for the non-synonymous mutation, which indicates relative uniformity of Cha o 1. Cha o 2 was found to be a heterogeneous allergen which suggests that studies using pollen from different trees may not give the same results.

Cypress pollen allergy in Milan: the story of an ongoing growth.

Cypress pollen allergy was virtually absent in Lombardy about 30 years ago. A 15-year clinical survey on cypress pollen sensitization and allergy in the area north of Milan reveals that both cypress pollen sensitization and allergy increased steadily from 2003 to 2017 along with the prevalence of clinical allergy over sensitization. The pollen concentration data, recorded up from 1995 showed a dramatic increase in cypress Annual Pollen Index up from the beginning of the new millennium. Cypress pollen represents now a relevant allergen source in this area.

Prevalence of inhaled allergen-specific IgE antibody positivity in the healthy Japanese population

BackgroundMeasurement of allergen-specific IgE antibodies to inhaled allergens is important for the diagnosis and risk evaluation of allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence of allergen sensitization among the healthy population in Japan using serum samples stocked in the Japanese Red Cross for blood donation. MethodsAge- and gender-stratified serum samples (n = 800) from residents in Tokyo aged 20–59 years were randomly selected from the stocked serum obtained for blood donation in 2005. Total and specific IgE antibodies to 17 inhaled allergens were measured by the ImmunoCAP method. Individuals with positive (≥0.35 UA/mL) specific IgE antibodies to at least one inhaled allergen were defined as atopic. Stocked serums from donors aged 20–29 years in Sapporo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Okinawa (n = 200 each) were also obtained for the measurement of IgE to six common inhaled allergens, to evaluate regional differences in the rate of positivity. ResultsAmong residents in Tokyo, the prevalence of atopy was 78.0% and highest in men aged 20–29 years (94.0%), which decreased with age. The prevalence of specific IgE antibodies was highest for Japanese cedar pollen (66.8%), followed by cypress pollen (46.8%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (38.3%), and moths (30.1%). Examination of IgE to Japanese cedar pollen, D. pteronyssinus, and moths identified 97.6% of atopic subjects in Tokyo. There were substantial regional differences in the prevalence of pollen IgE positivity. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated an extremely high prevalence of positivity in inhaled allergen-specific IgE antibodies among healthy adults in Japan.

Allergy to Gibberellin-Regulated Proteins (Peamaclein) in Children

Background: Gibberellin-regulated proteins (GRPs, Peamaclein) are allergens recently identified in plant-derived food allergy (FA), and little is known about the clinical manifestations of this allergic condition in the European population, especially in children. Objective: Our study aimed to identify and characterize pediatric patients with pollen-FA due to GRP sensitization. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the charts of patients referred to the Allergy Unit of the Meyer Children’s Hospital in Florence for suspected FA. Three main eligibility criteria based on the actual knowledge of GRP allergy were used to select patients deserving further investigations: (1) systemic reactions after consumption of fruit or an unknown culprit food, (2) positive skin prick tests to both cypress pollen and Pru p 3-enriched peach peel extracts, (3) negative in vitro test results for Pru p 3 serum-specific Immunoglobulin E (sIgE). We performed the in vitro test to determine the anti-rPru p 7 (Peamaclein) sIgE levels in the selected patients. Results: We identified 10 pediatric patients with Pru p 7 allergy and described their characteristics. The use of our eligibility criteria showed a high accuracy in identifying these patients: 100% of the selected patients had positive in vitro results for Pru p 7. We therefore proposed a diagnostic algorithm for Pru p 7 allergy. Conclusion: This is the first case series of European pediatric patients with a demonstrated Peamaclein allergy. These findings broaden our knowledge on GRP allergy in pediatric populations and could help clinicians to suspect, diagnose, and manage this recently discovered plant-derived FA.