Human Allergy Research Articles

Wheat Quality Formation and Its Regulatory Mechanism

Elucidation of the composition, functional characteristics, and formation mechanism of wheat quality is critical for the sustainable development of wheat industry. It is well documented that wheat processing quality is largely determined by its seed storage proteins including glutenins and gliadins, which confer wheat dough with unique rheological properties, making it possible to produce a series of foods for human consumption. The proportion of different gluten components has become an important target for wheat quality improvement. In many cases, the processing quality of wheat is closely associated with the nutritional value and healthy effect of the end-products. The components of wheat seed storage proteins can greatly influence wheat quality and some can even cause intestinal inflammatory diseases or allergy in humans. Genetic and environmental factors have great impacts on seed storage protein synthesis and accumulation, and fertilization and irrigation strategies also greatly affect the seed storage protein content and composition, which together determine the final end-use quality of wheat. This review summarizes the recent progress in research on the composition, function, biosynthesis, and regulatory mechanism of wheat storage proteins and their impacts on wheat end-product quality.

Skin Sensitization Testing: The Ascendancy of Non-Animal Methods

A century ago, toxicology was an empirical science identifying substance hazards in surrogate mammalian models. Over several decades, these models improved, evolved to reduce animal usage, and recently have begun the process of dispensing with animals entirely. However, despite good hazard identification, the translation of hazards into adequately assessed risks to human health often has presented challenges. Unfortunately, many skin sensitizers known to produce contact allergy in humans, despite being readily identified as such in the predictive assays, continue to cause this adverse health effect. Increasing the rigour of hazard identification is inappropriate. Regulatory action has only proven effective via complete bans of individual substances. Since the problem applies to a broad range of substances and industry categories, and since generic banning of skin sensitizers would be an economic catastrophe, the solution is surprisingly simple—they should be subject to rigorous safety assessment, with the risks thereby managed accordingly. The ascendancy of non-animal methods in skin sensitization is giving unparalleled opportunities in which toxicologists, risk assessors, and regulators can work in concert to achieve a better outcome for the protection of human health than has been delivered by the in vivo methods and associated regulations that they are replacing.

Larvae of Sulcascaris sulcata (Nematoda: Anisakidae), a parasite of sea turtles, infect the edible purple dye murex Bolinus brandaris in the Tyrrhenian Sea

Anisakid nematodes are among the most common helminth parasites of the marine realm, particularly important for their implications with human infections and/or allergies. Members of the Anisakidae use aquatic mammals, birds and fish as definitive hosts, and crustaceans, fish and molluscs as intermediate/paratenic hosts. Sulcascaris sulcata, the only species in the monotypic genus Sulcascaris, represents the exception being a parasite of sea turtles as adult. The recent findings of larvae of S. sulcata in scallops (Pecten jacobeus and Aequipecten opercularis) and Mediterranean mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis intended for human consumption from the Mediterranean Sea caused concern regarding the sanitary control of edible molluscs and consumer safety. Herein, we investigated the larval anisakids collected from the purple dye murex, Bolinus brandaris, harvested for human consumption from the Central Mediterranean Sea (Tyrrhenian Sea). Morphological study and sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer regions of the ribosomal DNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 gene locus revealed the occurrence of fourth stage larvae of S. sulcata in 16% of the purple dye murex examined. The present study adds the purple dye murex to the list of the known intermediate hosts of this parasite in the Mediterranean Sea and the northern coast of Campania region as site where individuals of loggerhead turtle and purple dye murex may become infected. This is the first study reporting an anisakid nematode in edible gastropods. Epidemiological features of infection in the purple dye murex and implications for gastropod safety and risk for consumers are discussed.

Can cholesterol metabolism and prostate function be relevant co-factors in Can f 5-related human seminal plasma allergy?

article: Can cholesterol metabolism and prostate function be relevant co-factors in Can f 5-related human seminal plasma allergy? - La Rivista Italiana della Medicina di Laboratorio 2021 Dicembre;17(4):258-60 - Minerva Medica - Journals

Detection of fungi and yeast in the air dust outdoors of the city of Morelia, Mich, Mexico

The air we breathe contains suspended dust particles which can host filamentous fungi that can cause respiratory problems and allergies in humans. Generally, the propagules can survive depending upon the environmental conditions, such as humidity, temperature and cleanness. The aim of this research work was to detect the fungi in dust of outdoor air at the city of Morelia, Mich, México. So far similar study is not reported in this city. For this purpose, the samples were collected at fixed places from October to December 2017 at two times during the day. Results demonstrate the existence of the various fungi genera, from high to low concentration levels: Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium sp, A. niger, Monilia sp, Alternaria sp, Mucor sp, Acremonium sp Cladosporium sp, and Chrysosporium sp including more than one genus of yeasts such as Candida tropicalis and Rhodotorula rubra were isolated from the dust precipitated from the outside air, regardless of the intensity of solar radiation The existence of A. fumigatus and C. tropicalis represents a risk for human population who lives in this city in that sense a sanitary measures should be apply.

Airborne Allergenic Fungal Spores of Jhajjar District, Haryana, India

Airborne fungal spores are important bioparticles that are the leading cause of allergic reactions in humans. Therefore, weather information and in which month the maximum number of fungal spores are found are all beneficial in treating fungal allergy patients. Keeping all these in mind, an aerial survey was conducted in Jhajjar City for one year (August 2020 to July 2021). We used a volumetric Petri plate and a Durham gravity sampler. A total of 39 fungal spore were detected during the whole year. In which 30 genera were viable and Non-viable fungal spores. The highest concentration of Cladosporium spp. (26.18%) of recorded was followed by Aspergillus niger (11.61%), Alternaria (9.98%), Epicoccum (8.93%), and Candida albicans (8.20%). A total of ten Fungi were recorded in the highest concentration.

Oxytocin suppresses epithelial cell-derived cytokines production and alleviates intestinal inflammation in food allergy

Food allergy is a growing healthcare problem worldwide, but prophylactic options and regulatory therapies are limited. Oxytocin (OXT), conventionally acknowledged as a hormone, was recently proven to have potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities in certain diseases. Here, we reported the novel function and its underlying mechanisms of OXT on food allergy in vivo and in vitro. We showed that the levels of OXT were elevated in ovalbumin (OVA)-allergic mice and patients with food allergy. In HT-29 cells, OXT inhibited the production of the epithelial cell-derived cytokines thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), interleukin (IL)-25 and IL-33 by suppressing NF-κB signaling, in which β-arrestin2 participated. These functions of OXT were abolished by oxytocin receptor (OXTR) depletion. Treating OVA-induced BALB/c mice with OXT suppressed TSLP, IL-25 and IL-33 production and attenuated systemic anaphylaxis and intestinal inflammation. OXTR-/- mice showed extreme increases in TSLP, IL-25 and IL-33 levels as well as severe systemic anaphylaxis and intestinal inflammation. In conclusion, through OXTRs, OXT has a promising antiallergic effect on experimental food allergy by suppressing epithelial TSLP, IL-25 and IL-33 production via inhibiting NF-κB signaling and upregulating β-arrestin2 expression. Our study provides a new therapeutic perspective for food allergy in humans.

Variations in airborne pollen and spores in urban Guangzhou and their relationships with meteorological variables

Airborne pollen causes various types of allergies in humans, and the extent of allergic infection is related to the presence of different types of sporo–pollen and existing meteorological conditions in a certain area. Therefore, an aeropalynological study of 72 airborne samples with a hydrofluoric acid (HF) treatment was conducted in the Haizhu district of Guangzhou, China, in 2016, to identify the temporal variations in airborne sporo–pollen and the relationship between airborne sporo–pollen concentrations and different meteorological variables in Guangzhou, China. Forty-five types of airborne pollen, seven types of airborne spores, and some undetermined sporo–pollen taxa were identified with two separate plant habitats occurring during this period (from January to December 2016): arboreal pollen (tree-based) and non-arboreal pollen (herb, shrub, aquatic, liane, etc.). Furthermore, the daily records of four key meteorological variables (temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, and wind speed) were acquired to distinguish the pollen seasons and correlated with Spearman's rho test to establish a pollen-weather data book with the seasonal variations. The two leading seasons were identified based on pollen abundance: spring and autumn. Among them, the primary dominant sporo–pollen families during the spring season were Poaceae, Pinaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Moraceae, Microlepia sp., and Polypodiaceae. Conversely, Artemisia sp., Asteraceae, Cyperaceae, Poaceae, Alnus sp., Corylus sp., Myrtaceae, and Rosaceae were the dominant pollen species during autumn. However, few pollen grains were identified in January, May–July, and December. The statistical analysis revealed that temperature had both positive and negative correlations with sporo–pollen concentrations. However, precipitation and relative humidity had a strong impact on the sporo–pollen dispersion and exhibited a negative correlation with the sporo–pollen concentrations. The wind speed had a positive but strong correlation with the sporo–pollen concentration during the study period. Some inconsistent results were found due to environmental variations, vegetation type, and climate change around the study area. This study will facilitate the identification of pollen seasons to prevent the occurrence of pollen-related allergies in the Guangzhou city area.

The potential of dimetindene maleate inducing resistance to blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae through activating the salicylic acid signaling pathway in rice plants.

Rice blast disease (Magnaporthe oryzae) is considered the most destructive rice disease all over the world. Dimetindene maleate is used in medication against allergic reactions in humans. Dimetindene maleate used to induce systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) in order to protect rice plants from blast disease. Dimetindene maleate was not effective against fungus linear growth in vitro. In glasshouse conditions, dimetindene maleate significantly improved resistance at 25, 50, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg L-1 concentrations. Leaf blast severity reached 14.18% on plants treated with the most effective concentration of 125 mg L-1 compared with control plants. In field conditions during both seasons (2016 and 2017), 125 mg L-1 dimetindene maleate decreased the disease severity to 1.1% and 2.7%, respectively, after 30 days of treatment. Also, grain yield was increased to 13.27 and 12.90 t ha-1 in 2016 and 2017 seasons, respectively. Moreover, dimetindene maleate induces some of the indicators for salicylic acid and jasmonic acid pathways via gene expression. These genes include OsWRKY45, OsNPR1, AOS2, JAMYB and PBZ1 (OsPR10), recording 15.14-, 16.47-, 5.3-, 5.37- and 5.1-fold changes, respectively, 12-h postinoculation. The results overview investigated the effectiveness of dimetindene maleate for increasing rice resistance to blast disease through inducing SAR in rice plants under glasshouse and field conditions, which could be through the SA defense pathway by expression of genes (OsWRKY45 and OsNPR1). © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Fatal anaphylaxis due to peanut exposure from oral intercourse

BackgroundIntimacy-related allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, are under-reported due to social stigma, lack of awareness, and misdiagnosis. The differential diagnosis for intimacy-related anaphylaxis is extensive and includes systemic human seminal plasma allergy, exercise-induced anaphylaxis, asthma exacerbation, latex allergy, and transference of food or drug allergens through saliva or seminal fluid.Case presentationTwo adolescents met on a popular dating phone application. One individual had a long-standing history of asthma and peanut allergy. Although they never kissed, the male with peanut allergy received fellatio, while the other male had eaten peanut butter before they met. During fellatio, the peanut allergic male developed respiratory symptoms, used his bronchodilator, and collapsed. He remained unconscious despite aggressive interventions by emergency personnel called to the site. The clinical history and autopsy results suggested anaphylaxis to peanut allergen exposure from the intimate exposure as the cause of death.Discussion and conclusionsTo date, nearly all reported cases of intimacy-related anaphylaxis involve symptomatic women. This is the first report of intimacy-related anaphylaxis involving men who have sex with men and the first report of potential allergen transfer from oral mucosa to a patient receiving fellatio. Based on the paucity of published cases, death from intimacy-related anaphylaxis is exceedingly rare. Post-mortem analysis is inherently difficult, as an elevated tryptase level has myriad potential causes; nevertheless, the authors suggest that intimacy-related anaphylaxis due to peanut allergy is the most likely diagnosis. With increasing popularity of relationship applications, especially amongst stigmatized populations, this case highlights the importance of allergy awareness and patient education to decrease risk, particularly in the adolescent population, who are already at increased risk of severe anaphylaxis. Especially amongst those participating in intimate activities, disclosure of one’s allergies warrants discussion, as the outcome can be fatal. Our case demonstrates the crucial need for increased advocacy in food allergy, education around intimacy-related anaphylaxis, and the importance of allergy awareness and prevention across all populations.

Kiwifruit defense protein, kiwellin (Act d 5) percutaneously sensitizes mouse models through the epidermal application of crude kiwifruit extract.

BackgroundKiwifruit is a popular fruit consumed worldwide and is also used as a cosmetic ingredient. However, it is known to cause allergic reactions in humans. Recent studies have suggested an association between food allergy and food allergens entering the body via the skin. However, percutaneously sensitizing kiwifruit allergens have not been identified in human studies or in animal models.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify kiwifruit proteins that percutaneously sensitized mice through the epidermal application of crude extracts from green and gold kiwifruit on the dorsal skin, and serum IgE and IgG1 levels were used as sensitization markers.DesignBALB/c mice were back-shaved and their skin was exposed to crude extracts from green and gold kiwifruit that contained sodium dodecyl sulfate. Specific IgE and IgG1 antibodies generated and secreted in response to antigens were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or immunoblotting.ResultsSkin exposure to kiwifruit extract induced an increase in the levels of kiwifruit-specific IgE and IgG1, which are helper T cell 2-related allergenic antibodies in mice. These antibodies reacted with 18, 23, and 24 kDa proteins found in both green and gold kiwifruits. Thus, three percutaneously sensitizing allergens were identified and purified. Their amino acid sequences partially matched with that of kiwellin (Act d 5).Discussion and conclusionKiwellin has been identified as a plant defense-related protein. Interestingly, many plant allergens are biodefense-related proteins belonging to the pathogenesis-related protein family. Kiwellin, which was discovered to be a transdermal sensitizing antigen, might also be categorized as a biodefense-related protein. This study is the first to identify kiwellin (Act d 5) as a percutaneously sensitizing kiwifruit allergen in a mouse model.

Immunological Mechanisms of Metal Allergies and the Nickel-Specific TCR-pMHC Interface.

Besides having physiological functions and general toxic effects, many metal ions can cause allergic reactions in humans. We here review the immune events involved in the mediation of metal allergies. We focus on nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co) and palladium (Pd), because these allergens are among the most prevalent sensitizers (Ni, Co) and immediate neighbors in the periodic table of the chemical elements. Co-sensitization between Ni and the other two metals is frequent while the knowledge on a possible immunological cross-reactivity using in vivo and in vitro approaches remains limited. At the center of an allergic reaction lies the capability of a metal allergen to form T cell epitopes that are recognized by specific T cell receptors (TCR). Technological advances such as activation-induced marker assays and TCR high-throughput sequencing recently provided new insights into the interaction of Ni2+ with the αβ TCR-peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) interface. Ni2+ functionally binds to the TCR gene segment TRAV9-2 or a histidine in the complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3), the main antigen binding region. Thus, we overview known, newly identified and hypothesized mechanisms of metal-specific T cell activation and discuss current knowledge on cross-reactivity.

Human allergy to cats: A review for veterinarians on prevalence, causes, symptoms and control.

Practical relevance:Human allergy to cats affects a substantial and growing proportion of the global population, and cat allergy is regarded as the third most common cause of human respiratory allergies, and the second most common indoor cause. Veterinarians will frequently encounter owners who are cat-allergic, and having an understanding of this disease and the methods available to help control the allergy will assist them in giving appropriate advice, alongside human healthcare professionals.Aim:The aim of this review is to summarise currently available data on the prevalence, causes, symptoms and control of human allergy to cats. In terms of managing cat allergy, the emphasis is on reviewing current and emerging modalities to reduce environmental exposure to cat allergens rather than on pharmacotherapy or immunotherapy, as it is in these areas in particular that the veterinarian may be able to offer help and advice to complement that of human healthcare professionals.Evidence base:The information in this review is drawn from the current and historical literature on human allergy to cats, and approaches to reduce exposure to cat allergens and manage symptoms of cat allergy.

Human allergy to cats: A review of the impact on cat ownership and relinquishment

Practical relevance:Cats have become increasingly common as companion animals, and in many countries their popularity now exceeds that of dogs. At the same time, human allergies (including allergy to cats) have been increasing and it has been estimated that globally up to 10-20% of human adults are sensitised to cats.Aim:This review summarises the available published data on how human allergy to cats affects cat ownership and considers the implications of the findings on the wider human-cat bond and how adverse effects can be minimised.Evidence base:Online databases were searched for all original studies up to December 2020 that had quantified the impact of human allergy to cats on ownership or relinquishment. Objective quantifiable data appeared to fall into three broad outcomes - (1) choosing to avoid cat ownership; (2) relinquishment of owned cats; and (3) return of cats after acquisition from a rehoming centre. The data retrieved on these topics are the focus of this review. In some studies, data from cats and dogs were combined and these have also been included in the review.

Allergy Evaluation under X-Ray Exposition in Patients with Failed or Upcoming Arthroplasty

Nowadays metal implants are a major source of metal exposure. Contact allergy to nickel, cobalt and chromium is one of the most prevalent allergic reactions in humans with contact dermatitis; up to 17% of women and 3% of men. Setting up the sensitization to implant components is needed before orthopedic surgeon. Patch testing remains the gold standard for verification a for type IV reaction of metal, bone cement, or antibiotic. We assessed the records of all 22 patients, whom we followed up since orthopedic intervention or were indicated for such intervention. All patients were exposed to X-ray after placement of epicutaneous tests. X-ray exposure may have influence on positive skin test results- odds ratio 0.56 [95% confidence interval 0.16393 - 1.91031].

Parthenium hysterophorus, an emergent weedy plant species expands its geographical ranges in Pakistan

Parthenium hysterophorus [commonly known as Carrot grass; native to American tropics; family Asteraceae] is a flowering, short-lived perennial or an annual invasive-weedy plant. In the recent few years, the plant is spread (in epidemic proportions) vigorously, at least, in the two provinces (KP and Punjab) and the twin capital cities (Islamabad and Rawalpindi). The weed came in the lame light soon after the monsoon rains and floods of September 2012 and August 2013 that hit larger areas of KP and Punjab provinces of Pakistan. The massive boom in the weed was witnessed in areas under floods of the river Kabul and the Indus Ocean. It is speculated that after initial entry into the flood zones, the seeds then germinated and dispersed into the near and farther areas in the country, including hilly areas. The plant is categorized as a poisonous weed, and a source of skin allergies and itching. It may be a cause of increased reports of asthma, cough, fever, and allergies related to eyes in these areas [1, 2]. Due to its vigorous growth and allelopathic effects, the plant soon dominated over all other weeds and crop plants. Furthermore, it has a tremendous potential to withstand abiotic and biotic stresses. Its vigorous growth has resulted in the loss of local floral biodiversity [3]. Specifically in Islamabad, it has dominated completely the wild cannabis (weeds). However, this year, the cannabis weed seems to overcome gradually the parthenium dominance. The coming years may witness the revival of other plant species suppressed by parthenium. Although the plant seems to be resistant/tolerant to biotic stresses, very few plants were identified with leaf rolling, vein yellowing, stunting and bunchy-top like diseases, indicative of begomovirus infection. PCR amplification and sequencing confirmed a symptomatic parthenium plant positive for the viral infection (unpublished observation; Figure 2). Previously, only a single report is available of parthenium being infected with geminiviruses [4].
 Currently, no weedicide is available to eradicate the weedy plant. The only available alternative is to drag the plants out of soil along with their roots before they bear seeds. The presence of the plant everywhere on barren lands, streets, along the drains, hilly terraces, orchards, in lawn grass, and in crop fields makes complete eradication almost impossible (Figure 1a-c). Increased ailment linked with parthenium like – toxicity in the livestock and insect pollinators, skin allergies in humans and reduced agricultural productivity necessitates that the government and non-government stakeholders should take stringent measures to save human health, livestock and agricultural production.

Sistem Pakar dalam Menganalisis Alergi Kulit Manusia dengan Metode Certainty Factor

The skin is human’s outer sense, which servers as protection from bacteria, viruses, and solar flares, and as a sense. Skin may suffer from a variety of factors, one of which is allergies. Human skin allergies result from a pressurized immune system that humans normally react to certain substances, such as food, animal hair, or medicine. In addition to the three factors, a current of society giveslittle attention to skin allergies and lack of care or awareness is a trigger factor. Thus, the aim of this research is to analyze human skin allergies using the Certainty Factor method. By conducting interviews and observations on Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin Clinic, Padang City, found 10 skin allergic kinds, 27 skin allergic symptoms, and 50 patients data. Those data are treated using the Certainty Factor method with stages to decisive symptom and allergic code, set the rule, set the weight, and calculate Certainty Factor score. In this research, it obtained test results at a percentage of a large 92% and the most allergic diagnosed is allergic dermatitis. By the test results inferable that expert system designed can be used to determine the diagnosis of human skin allergies.

Allergenicity of Bet v 1 in wheat pollen after exposure to drought stress as a model for climate change

In the 21st century, climate changes and global warming have become critical concerns, in that they can affect many of the natural phenomena. It is reported that aeroallergen sensitization is influenced by changes in climate. Bet v 1 is an important birch pollen respiratory allergen and a prototype for the PR-10 protein family, which has been reported in wheat pollen. Two wheat genotypes were exposed to water deficit at the meiosis stage of anthers to investigate the effect of drought stress changes on wheat pollen Bet v 1 expression. Then, mature anthers of wheat underwent molecular experiments in the anthesis stage. Expression analysis was carried out, using Real-time PCR, on the Bet v 1 gene that encodes allergens. The results indicated the induction of Bet v 1 in both genotypes in the water deficit condition. The genotype which had been improved by breeders for tolerating drought more than the other genotype revealed more increase in Bet v 1 expression. Given the great spread of wheat, especially improved genotypes worldwide as a pivotal and crop plant and regarding wheat pollen effect on provoking allergy in humans, Bet v 1 can cause new distress in human society. Therefore, this finding is considered as a new verification of concerns of climate change on human health, which emphasizes the importance of efforts to alleviate climate changes to avoid the risk of public health.

Fel d1 Blocking Antibodies: A Novel Method to Reduce IgE-Mediated Allergy to Cats.

Fel d1 is an important allergen produced by cats that causes IgE reactions in up to 95% of cat-allergic adults. Immunotherapy to reduce human allergy to cats has demonstrated that people have the capacity to produce allergen-specific neutralizing antibodies that block IgE-mediated allergic responses. We wished to determine if “blocking” antibodies could be used to reduce the IgE binding ability of cat allergens prior to their exposure to humans. Here, we describe the characterization of Fel d1-specific antibodies. We demonstrated the efficacy of a rabbit polyclonal and an allergen-specific chicken IgY to bind to Fel d1 in cat saliva and block Fel d1-IgE binding and IgE-mediated basophil degranulation. Fel d1 blocking antibodies offer a new and exciting approach to the neutralization of cat allergens.

Flagging positive images for sting wasps: the use of vespine wasps in Guiyang City, China and its conservation implications

Vespine wasps, along with other insects, are undergoing decreases at alarming rates. However, wasps are universally disliked by the public and therefore receive little conservation attention. This antipathy may be caused by the vespine sting, which can cause great pain and severe allergic reactions in humans, but it is most likely a result of a lack of public awareness of the various ecosystem services provided by wasps. In this study, we conducted an ethno-zoological survey on the use of vespine wasps, underlining their economic value by conducting face-to-face interviews with local gatherers and sellers in a market in Guiyang city, China. Five species were observed in trade. The larvae and pupae are considered highly nutritional foods with prices ranging from 160 to 300 yuan per kilogram, whereas adults and empty combs are used to produce medicinal wines to cure rheumatism and arthritis. Using the weight of nests encountered in the market, we found that the sale of one nest from each of the five recorded species can produce an economic income up to the average disposable income per year for a rural inhabitant living in this city. Our study can be regarded as a small but important step to promote a positive image of wasps to the public. To reconcile the conflict between vespine stings and conservation, we recommend removing but not destroying nests that threaten people for domestication and sustainable use by experienced gatherers. Furthermore, local knowledge can be incorporated into the management of this threat to public safety.