1
|
Skypala IJ, Hunter H, Krishna MT, Rey-Garcia H, Till SJ, du Toit G, Angier E, Baker S, Stoenchev KV, Luyt DK. BSACI guideline for the diagnosis and management of pollen food syndrome in the UK. Clin Exp Allergy 2022; 52:1018-1034. [PMID: 35975576 DOI: 10.1111/cea.14208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pollen food syndrome (PFS) is a highly prevalent food allergy affecting pollen-sensitized children and adults. Sufferers experience allergic symptoms when consuming raw plant foods, due to the homology between the pollen allergens and unstable proteins in these foods. The triggers involved can vary depending on the pollen sensitization, which in turn is affected by geographical location. The British Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI) Standards of Care Committee (SOCC) identified a need to develop a guideline for the diagnosis and management of PFS in the United Kingdom (UK). Guidelines produced by the BSACI use either the GRADE or SIGN methodology; due to a lack of high-quality evidence these recommendations were formulated using the SIGN guidelines, which is acknowledged to be less robust than the GRADE approach. The correct diagnosis of PFS ensures the avoidance of a misdiagnosis of a primary peanut or tree nut allergy or confusion with another plant food allergy to non-specific lipid transfer proteins. The characteristic foods involved, and rapid-onset oropharyngeal symptoms, mean PFS can often be diagnosed from the clinical history alone. However, reactions involving tree nuts, peanuts and soya milk or severe/atypical reactions to fruits and vegetables may require additional diagnostic tests. Management is through the exclusion of known trigger foods, which may appear to be simple, but is highly problematic if coupled with a pre-existing food allergy or for individuals following a vegetarian/vegan diet. Immunotherapy to pollens is not an effective treatment for PFS, and although oral or sublingual immunotherapy to foods seems more promising, large, controlled studies are needed. The typically mild symptoms of PFS can lead to an erroneous perception that this condition is always easily managed, but severe reactions can occur, and anxiety about the onset of symptoms to new foods can have a profound effect on quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel J Skypala
- Department of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals, Part of Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Inflammation, Repair & Development Section, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Hannah Hunter
- Department of Allergy, Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Kings College, London, UK
| | - Mamidipudi Thirumala Krishna
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.,The Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Helena Rey-Garcia
- Department of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals, Part of Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Stephen J Till
- Department of Allergy, Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - George du Toit
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.,Children's Allergy Service, Evelina Children's Hospital, Guy's and St. Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Department Women and Children's Health (Paediatric Allergy), Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Angier
- Primary Care, Population Science and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Kostadin V Stoenchev
- Department of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals, Part of Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abstract
IgE-mediated food allergies affect both children and adults and are associated with dramatic decreases in the quality of life. In the majority of cases, food allergens have to be avoided which may be difficult, particularly in patients who suffer from life-threatening symptoms following the ingestion of minimal doses of food allergens. Several novel therapeutic approaches have been studied during the recent past and are summarized in this review. Therapies with novel therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, innovative allergen-specific immunotherapies using subcutaneous, sublingual, or epicutaneous routes, and oral immunotherapies leading to increases of individual thresholds of tolerable foods upon their continuous ingestion showed promising results which may change future management strategies in moderate to severe food allergy.
Collapse
|
3
|
|
4
|
The Effect of Birch Pollen Immunotherapy on Apple and rMal d 1 Challenges in Adults with Apple Allergy. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12020519. [PMID: 32085633 PMCID: PMC7071292 DOI: 10.3390/nu12020519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A proportion of patients allergic to birch pollen are also allergic to pit fruit. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of immunotherapy with birch pollen on birch-pollen-related apple allergy. Method: Patients with birch pollen immunotherapy underwent a skin-prick test with birch pollen, apple and rMal d 1, global assessments and nasal challenges with birch pollen, open food challenge with apple and a double-blind, placebo-controlled test with rMal d 1 at the start of and during the immunotherapy. Measurements of specific IgE in response to Bet v 1 and rMal d 1 and IgG4 in response to Bet v 1 and rMal d 1 took place. Results: Six of eight patients demonstrated an improvement of nasal challenge test results and all patients improved on global assessment during the immunotherapy. The median oral dose of apple required to elicit a reaction increased but was not statistically significant. The patients showed a decrease in skin-prick test values in response to birch pollen (1.05 to 0.36), apple (0.78 to 0.25) and rMal d 1 (0.51 to 0.10) with p-values of 0.04, 0.03 and 0.06, respectively and a decrease of specific IgE in response to Bet v 1 (10.66 kU/L to 5.19 kU/L) and rMal d 1 (0.99 to 0.61 kU/L) with p-values of 0.01 and 0.05, respectively. Only the median specific IgG4 value to Bet v 1 increased from 0.05 to 1.85 mg/L (p-value of 0.02) and not to IgG4 rMal d 1 (0.07 to 0.08 kU/L). Conclusion: The beneficial effects of immunotherapy for birch pollen were accompanied by a limited effect on apple allergy.
Collapse
|
5
|
Wassmann‐Otto A, Heratizadeh A, Wichmann K, Werfel T. Birch pollen-related foods can cause late eczematous reactions in patients with atopic dermatitis. Allergy 2018; 73:2046-2054. [PMID: 29654628 DOI: 10.1111/all.13454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have indicated that in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and birch pollen allergy pollen-related foods are able to cause late eczematous response. However, the relevance of AD worsening by ingestion of birch pollen-related foods is still a matter of debate. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine how frequently birch pollen-related foods induce a deterioration of eczema. Additionally, the diagnostic value of specific IgE (sIgE) determination was evaluated. METHODS A total of 182 children and adults with AD and suspected birch pollen-related food allergy underwent 261 double-blind placebo-controlled food challenges (DBPCFC). Total and sIgE levels were determined prior to DBPCFC. RESULTS Sixty-five patients developed allergic reactions (responders) upon DBPCFC with birch pollen-related foods (n = 103 DBPCFC). Of these, 32 patients exhibited significant deterioration of AD defined as a median increase of 15.4 severity scoring of atopic dermatitis index points (95% CI 12.4-16.3) from baseline making up 37% of all positive reactions. Responders showed significantly higher sIgE levels to birch pollen and apple as well as a higher prevalence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis compared to nonresponders (P < .05). However, patients with late eczematous response could not be differentiated from those with isolated immediate-type reactions by sIgE levels. CONCLUSION In a subpopulation of patients with AD and birch pollen sensitization, related foods should be considered as a trigger for an aggravation of eczema. As sufficient markers for prediction of late eczematous reactions are still lacking, DBPCFC cannot be replaced in diagnosis of birch pollen-related foods in patients with AD. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS In patients with AD and birch pollen allergy, birch pollen-related foods should be considered as a provocation factor for an aggravation of disease signs and symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. Wassmann‐Otto
- Division of Immunodermatology and Allergy Research Department of Dermatology and Allergy Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany
| | - A. Heratizadeh
- Division of Immunodermatology and Allergy Research Department of Dermatology and Allergy Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany
| | - K. Wichmann
- Division of Immunodermatology and Allergy Research Department of Dermatology and Allergy Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany
| | - T. Werfel
- Division of Immunodermatology and Allergy Research Department of Dermatology and Allergy Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gunawardana NC, Rey-Garcia H, Skypala IJ. Nutritional Management of Patients With Pollen Food Syndrome: Is There a Need? CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN ALLERGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40521-018-0188-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
7
|
Wise SK, Lin SY, Toskala E, Orlandi RR, Akdis CA, Alt JA, Azar A, Baroody FM, Bachert C, Canonica GW, Chacko T, Cingi C, Ciprandi G, Corey J, Cox LS, Creticos PS, Custovic A, Damask C, DeConde A, DelGaudio JM, Ebert CS, Eloy JA, Flanagan CE, Fokkens WJ, Franzese C, Gosepath J, Halderman A, Hamilton RG, Hoffman HJ, Hohlfeld JM, Houser SM, Hwang PH, Incorvaia C, Jarvis D, Khalid AN, Kilpeläinen M, Kingdom TT, Krouse H, Larenas-Linnemann D, Laury AM, Lee SE, Levy JM, Luong AU, Marple BF, McCoul ED, McMains KC, Melén E, Mims JW, Moscato G, Mullol J, Nelson HS, Patadia M, Pawankar R, Pfaar O, Platt MP, Reisacher W, Rondón C, Rudmik L, Ryan M, Sastre J, Schlosser RJ, Settipane RA, Sharma HP, Sheikh A, Smith TL, Tantilipikorn P, Tversky JR, Veling MC, Wang DY, Westman M, Wickman M, Zacharek M. International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2018; 8:108-352. [PMID: 29438602 PMCID: PMC7286723 DOI: 10.1002/alr.22073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Critical examination of the quality and validity of available allergic rhinitis (AR) literature is necessary to improve understanding and to appropriately translate this knowledge to clinical care of the AR patient. To evaluate the existing AR literature, international multidisciplinary experts with an interest in AR have produced the International Consensus statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis (ICAR:AR). METHODS Using previously described methodology, specific topics were developed relating to AR. Each topic was assigned a literature review, evidence-based review (EBR), or evidence-based review with recommendations (EBRR) format as dictated by available evidence and purpose within the ICAR:AR document. Following iterative reviews of each topic, the ICAR:AR document was synthesized and reviewed by all authors for consensus. RESULTS The ICAR:AR document addresses over 100 individual topics related to AR, including diagnosis, pathophysiology, epidemiology, disease burden, risk factors for the development of AR, allergy testing modalities, treatment, and other conditions/comorbidities associated with AR. CONCLUSION This critical review of the AR literature has identified several strengths; providers can be confident that treatment decisions are supported by rigorous studies. However, there are also substantial gaps in the AR literature. These knowledge gaps should be viewed as opportunities for improvement, as often the things that we teach and the medicine that we practice are not based on the best quality evidence. This document aims to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the AR literature to identify areas for future AR research and improved understanding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Cezmi A. Akdis
- Allergy/Asthma, Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research, Switzerland
| | | | - Antoine Azar
- Allergy/Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Cemal Cingi
- Otolaryngology, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Turkey
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Adam DeConde
- Otolaryngology, University of California San Diego, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jan Gosepath
- Otorhinolaryngology, Helios Kliniken Wiesbaden, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Jens M. Hohlfeld
- Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Airway Research Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, German Center for Lung Research, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Amber U. Luong
- Otolaryngology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, USA
| | | | | | | | - Erik Melén
- Pediatric Allergy, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | | | | | - Joaquim Mullol
- Otolaryngology, Universitat de Barcelona, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Oliver Pfaar
- Rhinology/Allergy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Center for Rhinology and Allergology, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | | | | | - Carmen Rondón
- Allergy, Regional University Hospital of Málaga, Spain
| | - Luke Rudmik
- Otolaryngology, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Matthew Ryan
- Otolaryngology, University of Texas Southwestern, USA
| | - Joaquin Sastre
- Allergology, Hospital Universitario Fundacion Jiminez Diaz, Spain
| | | | | | - Hemant P. Sharma
- Allergy/Immunology, Children's National Health System, George Washington University School of Medicine, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - De Yun Wang
- Otolaryngology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kinaciyan T, Nagl B, Faustmann S, Frommlet F, Kopp S, Wolkersdorfer M, Wöhrl S, Bastl K, Huber H, Berger U, Bohle B. Efficacy and safety of 4 months of sublingual immunotherapy with recombinant Mal d 1 and Bet v 1 in patients with birch pollen-related apple allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2017; 141:1002-1008. [PMID: 28870463 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Birch pollen-related apple allergy is among the most prevalent food allergies in adolescent/adult subjects and mainly results from sensitization to the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 and subsequent cross-reaction with the apple protein Mal d 1. However, specific immunotherapy with birch pollen has inconsistent effects on apple allergy. OBJECTIVE We sought to compare the safety and efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with 2 formulations containing either rMal d 1 or rBet v 1 on birch pollen-related apple allergy. METHODS Sixty participants with birch pollen-related apple allergy were randomized to daily sublingual application of placebo (n = 20) or 25 μg of rMal d 1 (n = 20) or rBet v 1 (n = 20) for 16 weeks. Adverse events were regularly recorded. Sublingual challenges with standardized doses of rMal d 1, skin prick tests with recombinant allergens, and measurements of allergen-specific IgE and IgG4 antibodies were performed before and after treatment. RESULTS Both formulations caused comparable, mainly local adverse events. No systemic reactions occurred. Compared with the placebo and rBet v 1-treated groups, SLIT with rMal d 1 reduced rMal d 1-induced oral symptoms (P = .001 and P = .038) accompanied by longitudinally reduced rMal d 1-specific cutaneous reactions (P = .022) and enhanced IgG4/IgE ratios (P = .012). SLIT with rBet v 1 neither improved the clinical reactivity to rMal d 1 nor enhanced rMal d 1-specific IgG4/IgE ratios. Participants receiving placebo showed no allergen-specific changes. CONCLUSION Sublingual treatment with a recombinant food allergen was safe and clinically effective, as determined by using standardized challenges. We present a promising approach for the effective treatment of birch pollen-related apple allergy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Kinaciyan
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Immunology, Allergy and Infectious Diseases (DIAID), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Birgit Nagl
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research and Christian Doppler Laboratory for Immunomodulation, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Faustmann
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research and Christian Doppler Laboratory for Immunomodulation, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Frommlet
- Department of Medical Statistics (CEMSIIS), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Stefan Wöhrl
- Floridsdorf Allergy Center (FAZ), Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Bastl
- Aerobiology and Pollen Information Research Unit, Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Uwe Berger
- Aerobiology and Pollen Information Research Unit, Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Bohle
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research and Christian Doppler Laboratory for Immunomodulation, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kinaciyan T, Nagl B, Faustmann S, Kopp S, Wolkersdorfer M, Bohle B. Recombinant Mal d 1 facilitates sublingual challenge tests of birch pollen-allergic patients with apple allergy. Allergy 2016; 71:272-4. [PMID: 26443126 PMCID: PMC4722287 DOI: 10.1111/all.12781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
It is still unclear whether allergen‐specific immunotherapy (AIT) with birch pollen improves birch pollen‐related food allergy. One reason for this may be the lack of standardized tests to assess clinical reactions to birch pollen‐related foods, for example apple. We tested the applicability of recombinant (r) Mal d 1, the Bet v 1‐homolog in apple, for oral challenge tests. Increasing concentrations of rMal d 1 in 0.9% NaCl were sublingually administered to 72 birch pollen‐allergic patients with apple allergy. The dose of 1.6 μg induced oral allergy syndromes in 26.4%, 3.2 μg in 15.3%, 6.3 μg in 27.8%, 12.5 μg in 8.3%, 25 μg in 11.1%, and 50 μg in 4.2% of the patients. No severe reactions occurred. None of the patients reacted to 0.9% NaCl alone. Sublingual administration of 50 μg of rMal d 1 induced no reactions in three nonallergic individuals. Our approach allows straight forward, dose‐defined sublingual challenge tests in a high number of birch pollen‐allergic patients that inter alia can be applied to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of birch pollen AIT on birch pollen‐related food allergy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T. Kinaciyan
- Division of Immunology, Allergy and Infectious Diseases (DIAID) Department of DermatologyMedical University of ViennaVienna Austria
| | - B. Nagl
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - S. Faustmann
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Immunomodulation Medical University of ViennaVienna Austria
| | | | | | - B. Bohle
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Immunomodulation Medical University of ViennaVienna Austria
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Inuo C, Kondo Y, Tanaka K, Nakajima Y, Nomura T, Ando H, Suzuki S, Tsuge I, Yoshikawa T, Urisu A. Japanese cedar pollen-based subcutaneous immunotherapy decreases tomato fruit-specific basophil activation. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2015; 167:137-45. [PMID: 26302651 DOI: 10.1159/000437325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some patients with Japanese cedar pollen (JCP)-induced allergic rhinitis develop pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS) as a reaction to tomato fruit. Pollen allergen-specific subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is reportedly beneficial for some associated food allergies; however, the reported changes in food allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E and IgG4 levels are inconsistent. Here, we investigated immunologic reactivity to tomato fruit after JCP-based SCIT. METHODS Twenty-three children (aged 6-17 years) with JCP-induced allergic rhinitis and sensitized to tomato (serum tomato fruit-specific IgE level >0.34 UA/ml) received JCP-based SCIT. Basophil activation by tomato and JCP extracts and serum-specific IgE and IgG4 levels against these allergens were determined before and after 4 or 5 months of maintenance SCIT. Basophil activation was assessed by monitoring CD203c upregulation on flow cytometry. RESULTS JCP-based SCIT significantly reduced the basophil activation caused by tomato fruit (p = 0.03) and JCP (p < 0.001) extracts. JCP-specific IgG4 levels markedly increased after SCIT (p < 0.001), whereas tomato fruit-specific IgG4 levels did not. After SCIT, no significant changes were observed in specific IgE levels for tomato fruit (p = 0.11) or JCP (p = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS Tomato fruit-specific basophil activation decreases after JCP-based SCIT, suggesting that it is efficacious in relieving and preventing the symptoms of PFAS in patients with JCP-induced allergic rhinitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chisato Inuo
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Choi WB, You JS, Yi YY, Jeong SI, Song JS, Yang S, Hwang IT, Lee HB, Baek HS. Component-resolved diagnosis using microarray for diagnosing hypersensitivity to raw fruits in birch pollen sensitized children. ALLERGY ASTHMA & RESPIRATORY DISEASE 2015. [DOI: 10.4168/aard.2015.3.3.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Won-Bok Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jueng-Sup You
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon-Young Yi
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo-In Jeong
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joon-Sup Song
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seong Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Il-Tae Hwang
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ha-Baik Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hey-Sung Baek
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
The functional connection between oral allergy syndrome and united airways disease assessed by oral challenge. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2011; 108:30-33. [PMID: 22192962 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2011.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Revised: 09/05/2011] [Accepted: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The airways and the upper digestive tract have a common embryonic origin. In sensitized subjects they can respond to allergens with an immediate reaction (asthma, rhinitis, or oral allergy syndrome [OAS]). OBJECTIVE To investigate the possible functional connection between respiratory and upper digestive tract by means of specific oral allergen challenges. METHODS Patients sensitized to birch and apple were subdivided into group A (n = 12; asthma + rhinitis caused by birch and OAS caused by apple); group B (n = 10; OAS caused by apple without asthma/rhinitis); group C (n = 8; asthma and rhinitis caused by birch without OAS). Healthy subjects represented the control group D (n = 6). Oral provocation test with apple was performed out of the pollen season. Visual analog scale for eye, nose, and mouth symptoms, spirometry, nasal eosinophil count, and exhaled nitric oxide were assessed before and 6 hours after challenge. RESULTS No change occurred in nasal and ocular symptoms before versus after challenge in all groups. On the contrary, in groups A and B the oral scores significantly increased after challenge (P < .001), whereas no change was seen in groups C and D. Exhaled nitric oxide and nasal eosinophils showed no change before versus after challenge in all groups. Nitric oxide was higher before and after challenge in groups A and C vs groups B and D. No change was seen in either forced vital capacity or forced expiratory volume in 1 second. CONCLUSION In the case of birch-apple syndrome, eating apple does not functionally or clinically affect the respiratory tract.
Collapse
|
13
|
Skypala IJ, Calderon MA, Leeds AR, Emery P, Till S, Durham SR. Development and validation of a structured questionnaire for the diagnosis of oral allergy syndrome in subjects with seasonal allergic rhinitis during the UK birch pollen season. Clin Exp Allergy 2011; 41:1001-11. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2011.03759.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
14
|
Double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge in adults in everyday clinical practice: a reappraisal of their limitations and real indications. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2010; 9:379-85. [PMID: 19483616 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0b013e32832d9049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) is widely considered as the 'gold standard' for the diagnosis of food allergy. However, in adult patients, this procedure is rather rarely performed outside the academic context. This review article aims to reappraise the pros and cons of DBPCFC and to elicit some critical thoughts and discussions about the real indications of this diagnostic procedure in adult patients in everyday practice. RECENT FINDINGS There are many data showing that the DBPCFC poses a number of critical problems that are difficult to overcome in normal outpatient clinics and hospitals, and that are generally not addressed in most articles dealing with this issue. SUMMARY Performing DBPCFC poses a number of practical problems and has several pitfalls, which make its routine use in normal clinical settings generally impossible. This review article shows that the need for this procedure in adult patients seems in effect very little and specifies new, more limited indications to its use in everyday practice. Further, it suggests a role for the open challenge, which lacks several of the disadvantages of DBPCFC.
Collapse
|
15
|
Henzgen M, Ballmer-Weber BK, Erdmann S, Fuchs T, Kleine-Tebbe J, Lepp U, Niggemann B, Raithel M, Reese I, Saloga J, Vieths S, Zuberbier T, Werfel T. Skin testing with food allergens. Guideline of the German Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (DGAKI), the Physicians' Association of German Allergologists (ADA) and the Society of Pediatric Allergology (GPA) together with the Swiss Society of Allergology. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2009; 6:983-8. [PMID: 18992038 DOI: 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2008.06889.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Skin testing has a central role in the diagnosis of food allergy. Prick testing is well- established as a routine diagnostic tool. Nonetheless, unstable allergens and the lack of standardized extracts create difficulties in the identification of sensitization to foods in patients with suspected food allergy. Therefore prick-to-prick tests with native (raw, fresh) foods are still recommended. The indications and contraindications are the same as those of routine skin testing in clinical allergology. We recommend a careful and restricted application of skin tests in patients with a history of severe anaphylaxis to foods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margot Henzgen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumology and Allergology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Erlanger Allee 101, D-07740 Jena, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Asero R, Ballmer-Weber BK, Beyer K, Conti A, Dubakiene R, Fernandez-Rivas M, Hoffmann-Sommergruber K, Lidholm J, Mustakov T, Oude Elberink JNG, Pumphrey RSH, Stahl Skov P, van Ree R, Vlieg-Boerstra BJ, Hiller R, Hourihane JO, Kowalski M, Papadopoulos NG, Wal JM, Mills ENC, Vieths S. IgE-mediated food allergy diagnosis: Current status and new perspectives. Mol Nutr Food Res 2007; 51:135-47. [PMID: 17195271 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.200600132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In June 2005, the work of the EU Integrated Project EuroPrevall was started. EuroPrevall is the largest research project on food allergy ever performed in Europe. Major aims of the project are to generate for the first time reliable data on the prevalence of food allergies across Europe and on the natural course of food allergy development in infants. Improvement of in vitro diagnosis of food allergies is another important aim of the project. The present review summarizes current knowledge about the clinical presentation of food allergy and critically reviews available diagnostic tools at the beginning of the project period. A major problem in diagnosis is a relatively poor 'clinical specificity', i. e. both positive skin tests and in vitro tests for specific IgE are frequent in sensitized subjects without food allergy symptoms. So far, no in vitro test reliably predicts clinical food allergy. EuroPrevall aims at improving the predictive value of such tests by proceeding from diagnosis based on allergen extracts to purified allergen molecules, taking into account the affinity of the IgE-allergen interaction, and evaluating the potential of biological in vitro tests such as histamine release tests or basophil activation tests including assays performed with permanently growing cell lines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Asero
- Ambulatorio di Allergologia, Clinica San Carlo, Paderno Dugnano, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ebo DG, Ahrazem O, Lopez-Torrejon G, Bridts CH, Salcedo G, Stevens WJ. Anaphylaxis from mandarin (Citrus reticulata): identification of potential responsible allergens. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2007; 144:39-43. [PMID: 17496425 DOI: 10.1159/000102612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2006] [Accepted: 02/21/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We report on a patient with anaphylaxis from mandarin. Temporal relationship between consumption of the fruit, the presence of positive specific IgE, the positive skin test and the basophil activation test for mandarin strongly supported the diagnosis of an IgE-mediated allergy from mandarin. The lipid transfer protein allergen from mandarin fruit was isolated and characterized. Specific IgE levels and IgE immunodetection data indicated the patient's sensitization to orange (Cit s 3) and mandarin (Cit r 3) lipid transfer protein allergens, as well as to germin-like (Cit s 1) allergen. These results were fully confirmed by skin prick test and basophil activation test (BAT) for lipid transfer proteins, and a BAT for Cit s 1. This case report has several particularities. First, in Central and Northern Europe, it is not widely appreciated that citrus fruits, particularly mandarin, can elicit anaphylaxis. Second, this case report re-emphasizes sensitization from lipid transfer proteins to predispose for severe allergic reactions. Finally, it provides an opportunity to summarize the applications of flow cytometry-assisted analysis and quantification of in vitro activated basophils in the diagnostic approach of anaphylaxis from food.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D G Ebo
- Department of Immunology, Allergology, Rheumatology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Carnés J, Ferrer A, Fernández-Caldas E. Allergenicity of 10 different apple varieties. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2006; 96:564-70. [PMID: 16680927 DOI: 10.1016/s1081-1206(10)63551-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 100 apple varieties are consumed worldwide. However, the allergenic composition of most apple varieties has not been fully characterized. OBJECTIVE To analyze the antigenic and allergenic profiles of 10 different commercially available apple varieties. METHODS Golden, Golden Perlim, Reineta, Reineta Parda, Fuji, Verdedoncella, Granny-Smith, Pink Lady, Royal Gala, and Starking apple varieties were carefully peeled. Peels were individually extracted and centrifuged, and the supernatants were collected, dialyzed, filtered, frozen, and freeze-dried. The extracts were characterized using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblots. Protein content was measured using the Lowry-Biuret method. Twenty-two Spanish patients with oral allergy syndrome after apple ingestion were included in the study. Specific IgE to all apple varieties and birch pollen was evaluated. Eleven patients underwent skin prick testing using extracts of Golden, Starking, and Reineta Parda varieties to determine differences in their in vivo allergenicity. RESULTS The antigenic profile of the 10 varieties showed differences using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A 9-kDa band, which could correspond to Mal d 3, was visualized in all the extracts. The Starking variety had the highest protein content. Higher specific IgE values were also obtained for the Starking variety, and the lowest values were for Reineta Parda and Royal Gala. The largest wheals were obtained in all patients with the Starking variety, and the smallest with Reineta Parda. Fourteen patients (64%) recognized Mal d 3 in the Golden variety using immunoblots; 6 patients (27%), who also had specific IgE to Betula, recognized bands with higher molecular weights. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated differences in the antigenic and allergenic profiles of the analyzed varieties and a significant variation in Mal d 3 content.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jerónimo Carnés
- Laboratorios LETI, SL Research Laboratories, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bolhaar STHP, Zuidmeer L, Ma Y, Ferreira F, Bruijnzeel-Koomen CAFM, Hoffmann-Sommergruber K, van Ree R, Knulst AC. A mutant of the major apple allergen, Mal d 1, demonstrating hypo-allergenicity in the target organ by double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge. Clin Exp Allergy 2006; 35:1638-44. [PMID: 16393331 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2005.02390.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergen-specific immunotherapy for food allergy has been hindered by severe side-effects in the past. Well-characterized hypo-allergenic recombinant food allergens potentially offer a safe solution. OBJECTIVE To demonstrate hypo-allergenicity of a mutated major food allergen from apple, Mal d 1, in vitro and in vivo. METHODS A mutant of the major apple allergen, Mal d 1, was obtained by site-directed mutagenesis exchanging five amino acid residues. Fourteen patients with combined birch pollen-related apple allergy were included in the study. Hypo-allergenicity of the mutant rMal d 1 (rMal d 1mut) compared with rMal d 1 was assessed by in vitro methods, i.e. RAST (inhibition), immunoblotting and basophil histamine release (BHR) and in vivo by skin prick test and double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC). RESULTS RAST analysis (n = 14) revealed that IgE reactivity to rMal d 1mut was twofold lower than that of the wild-type molecule (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.7-2.4). RAST inhibition (n = 6) showed a 7.8-fold decrease in IgE-binding potency (95% CI: 3.0-12.6). In contrast to this moderate decrease in IgE-binding potency, the biological activity of rMal d 1mut assessed by SPT and BHR decreased 10-200-fold. Hypo-allergenicity was confirmed by DBPCFC (n = 2) with both recombinant molecules. CONCLUSION A moderate decrease in IgE-binding potency translates into a potent inhibition of biological activity. This is the first study that confirms by DBPCFC that a mutated recombinant major food allergen is clinically hypo-allergenic. This paves the way towards safer immunotherapy for the treatment of food-allergic patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S T H P Bolhaar
- Department of Dermatology/Allergology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ozcelik O, Haytac MC. Oral challenge test for the diagnosis of gingival hypersensitivity to apple: A case report. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 101:317-21. [PMID: 16504864 DOI: 10.1016/j.tripleo.2005.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2005] [Revised: 06/23/2005] [Accepted: 07/05/2005] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Food intolerance is the term used to describe a hypersensitivity reaction to a food component. These reactions refer to the drug-like side effects caused by a range of chemicals that may be present in food as natural or added components. The range of symptoms which can be induced by food intolerance are very similar to those caused by food allergy, oral allergy syndrome, acute infectious diseases and vesiculobullous disorders; so that on initial presentation, it can be difficult to differentiate between these conditions. A 48-year-old woman with complaints of allergic symptoms was examined with skin prick test (SPT), specific IgE analysis, and oral challenge test for definitive allergen determination. The patient was negative in both specific IgE detection and SPT with commercial extracts of apple, whereas the oral challenge test revealed positive objective symptoms with blister and ulcer formation. Apple has been reported to be the cause of food allergy. To our knowledge, there is no report of apple intolerance in which the lesions are only confined to gingival tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Onur Ozcelik
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey.
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ballmer-Weber BK. Kutane Symptome nach Genuss pollenassoziierter Nahrungsmittel. Hautarzt 2006; 57:108-15. [PMID: 16421761 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-005-1077-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The molecular basis of pollen-related food allergy is the marked similarity in sequence and structure of allergenic proteins in pollens and food plants. In affected patients, specific IgE antibodies are primarily directed against pollen allergens but then recognize homologous allergens in plant food. In Central and Northern Europe up to 80% of birch pollen allergic subjects suffer from a food allergy, in particular to stone- and pip fruits, nuts and vegetables. The main clinical manifestation of pollen-related food allergy is the oral allergy syndrome (OAS), a contact urticaria of the oral mucosa. Other features include contact urticaria of the hands in those handling the foods, as well as generalized urticaria and angioedema following ingestion. The impact of pollen-related food allergy on the severity and course of atopic eczema remain to be elucidated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B K Ballmer-Weber
- Allergiestation, Dermatologische Klinik, Universitätsspital Zürich, Gloriastrasse 31, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hansen KS, Khinchi MS, Skov PS, Bindslev-Jensen C, Poulsen LK, Malling HJ. Food allergy to apple and specific immunotherapy with birch pollen. Mol Nutr Food Res 2005; 48:441-8. [PMID: 15508179 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.200400037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Conflicting results concerning the effect of specific pollen immunotherapy (SIT) on allergy to plant foods have been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SIT using a birch pollen extract on food allergy with focus on allergy to apple. Seventy-four birch pollen-allergic patients were included in a double-blind, double-dummy, and placebo-controlled comparison of sublingual-swallow (SLIT) and subcutaneous (SCIT) administration of a birch pollen extract. Sixty-nine percent of these patients reported allergy to apple. The clinical reactivity to apple was evaluated by open oral challenges with fresh apple and a questionnaire. The immunoglobulin E (IgE)-reactivity was assessed by skin prick test (SPT), specific IgE, and leukocyte histamine release (HR). Forty patients were included in the final evaluation of the effect of SIT. The challenges were positive in 9 (SCIT), 6 (SLIT), and 8 (placebo) patients after treatment compared to 10, 4, and 10 patients, respectively, before SIT. The symptom scores to apple during challenges decreased in all groups, but only significantly in the placebo group (p = 0.03). As evaluated by the questionnaire, the severity of food allergy in general did not change and there were no differences between the groups. In spite of a significant effect on seasonal hay fever symptoms and use of medication and decrease in IgE-reactivity, SIT was not accompanied by a significant decrease in the severity of allergy to apple compared to placebo. Therefore, oral allergy syndrome (OAS) to apple should not be considered as a main criterion for selecting patients for birch pollen immunotherapy at present.
Collapse
|
23
|
Ebo DG, Hagendorens MM, Bridts CH, Schuerwegh AJ, De Clerck LS, Stevens WJ. Flow cytometric analysis of in vitro activated basophils, specific IgE and skin tests in the diagnosis of pollen-associated food allergy. CYTOMETRY PART B-CLINICAL CYTOMETRY 2005; 64:28-33. [PMID: 15668987 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.20042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and commercially available skin prick tests have been demonstrated to be unreliable methods to diagnose pollen-associated food allergy. To evaluate the predictive value of the basophil activation test (BAT) in pollen-associated food allergy, the apple-mediated oral allergy syndrome (OAS) in patients with birch pollinosis was chosen as a representative model. METHODS Patients with birch pollen allergy and a history of apple-mediated OAS (OAS(+), n = 29), patients with birch allergic without OAS (OAS(-), n = 22), and healthy controls (HC, n = 10) without birch pollen allergy and OAS were included. Apple IgE was quantified by the CAP FEIA method. Skin prick tests were performed with a Jonagold apple extract. Flow cytometric analysis of basophils activated with the same Jonagold extract was based on double staining with anti-IgE/anti-CD63 monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS Comparison between OAS(+) subjects and HC showed sensitivities and specificities of 96% and 100% for apple IgE and 88% and 100% for the apple skin prick test, respectively. For the BAT, sensitivity and specificity were 100%. In contrast, when nonresponders on the BAT were considered, sensitivity decreased to 90%. In a separate analysis between OAS(+) and OAS(-) subjects, specificities decreased to 30% for apple IgE and to 80% for the apple skin test, respectively. The BAT reached a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 75%. CONCLUSION Flow cytometry-assisted quantification of in vitro basophil activation seems to be a reliable instrument in the diagnosis of this model of pollen-associated food allergy. In addition, this study reemphasizes that the specificity of diagnostic allergy tests decreases considerably when, apart from HC, control individuals with cross-reactive antibodies are included.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Didier G Ebo
- Department of Immunology, Allergology, and Rheumatology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
|
25
|
Bucher X, Pichler WJ, Dahinden CA, Helbling A. Effect of tree pollen specific, subcutaneous immunotherapy on the oral allergy syndrome to apple and hazelnut. Allergy 2004; 59:1272-6. [PMID: 15507095 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2004.00626.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of specific immunotherapy (SIT) in pollen allergy is well established. However, its effect on pollen associated food allergy particularly the oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is not definitely ascertained. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this controlled prospective study was to investigate whether SIT with tree pollen, mainly birch, has an effect on OAS induced by apple or hazelnut in birch pollen-allergic individuals. METHODS Twenty-seven birch pollen-allergic subjects with OAS induced by apple or hazelnut underwent open oral provocation tests (OPT) with increasing doses (1 to 128 g) of fresh apple or ground hazelnut 1 year apart. Fifteen of 27 subjects were treated with SIT and 12 were not. Skin-prick test with birch pollen, apple and hazelnut, and specific serum IgE, IgG and IgG4 to rBet v 1, apple and hazelnut were determined. RESULTS Thirteen of 15 (87%) SIT-treated subjects could eat significantly (P <0.001) more of apple or hazelnut without any symptoms/signs. The average tolerated quantity increased from 12.6 to 32.6 g apple after 1 year in this group. In contrast, only one of 12 (8%) individuals without SIT was able to consume a higher amount without symptoms. On evaluating laboratory parameters, only IgG4 antibodies to rBet v 1 were found to be significantly (P <0.01) increased in the SIT-treated group after 1 year. CONCLUSIONS The study shows that SIT with extracts containing birch pollen has a positive impact on OAS to apple or hazelnut in birch pollen-allergic individuals. In spite of this outcome, the amount of apple/hazelnut tolerated is still small. Thus, the effect of SIT on the patients' management of OAS remains limited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- X Bucher
- Division of Allergology, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology/Allergology, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Breuer K, Wulf A, Constien A, Tetau D, Kapp A, Werfel T. Birch pollen-related food as a provocation factor of allergic symptoms in children with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome. Allergy 2004; 59:988-94. [PMID: 15291908 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2004.00493.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food allergy to cow's milk or hen's egg is a common problem in children with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS) but the role of birch pollen-related food for the induction of allergic symptoms is still not clear. PATIENTS/METHODS Twelve children (median age 5 years) with AEDS underwent an oral challenge with those birch pollen-related foods which were reported to induce no immediate symptoms, but were consumed on a regular basis. Total IgE and specific IgE to birch pollen, Bet v 1/2 and various birch pollen-related foods were determined. RESULTS Seven of 12 children showed immediate and/or late eczematous reactions upon ingestion of birch pollen-related foodstuff. Four children showed a worsening of eczema 24 h upon oral challenge with a significant difference in SCORAD before and after challenge. There were no differences in terms of total IgE or birch pollen-specific IgE between children with a late eczematous response and non-reacting children. CONCLUSIONS Birch pollen-related food may induce allergic symptoms in children with AEDS who exhibit a sensitization to birch pollen. Oral challenge tests should be performed in those children who suffer from severe AEDS and who are highly sensitized to birch pollen allergens even in the absence of a history suggestive of food allergy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Breuer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Hannover Medical University, Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Bindslev-Jensen C, Ballmer-Weber BK, Bengtsson U, Blanco C, Ebner C, Hourihane J, Knulst AC, Moneret-Vautrin DA, Nekam K, Niggemann B, Osterballe M, Ortolani C, Ring J, Schnopp C, Werfel T. Standardization of food challenges in patients with immediate reactions to foods--position paper from the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology. Allergy 2004; 59:690-7. [PMID: 15180754 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2004.00466.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 471] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
|
28
|
Ebo DG, Hagendorens MM, Bridts CH, Schuerwegh AJ, De Clerck LS, Stevens WJ. In vitro allergy diagnosis: should we follow the flow? Clin Exp Allergy 2004; 34:332-9. [PMID: 15005724 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2004.01891.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
During the last 5 years, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that flow cytometric quantification of in vitro basophil activation can be a quite performant and reliable tool to measure IgE-dependent allergen-specific responses in allergic patients. So far, most assays have used CD63 as a basophil activation marker and native allergen extracts for stimulation. However, other basophil markers and recombinant allergens have recently been introduced. The technique has been applied for the diagnosis of allergy to pollen, house dust mite, food, natural rubber latex, hymenoptera venom and drugs. In addition, the technique has proven to be useful in non-IgE-mediated reactions such as hypersensitivity to drugs as well as detection of auto-antibodies in chronic urticaria. This review will focus on some specific issues: (1) principles of flow cytometric analysis of in vitro-activated basophils, (2) general technical aspects of the technique (including passive sensitization), (3) clinical applications and (4) recommendations for further development and evaluation of the technique.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D G Ebo
- Department of Immunology-Allergology-Rheumatology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Bohle B, Vieths S. Improving diagnostic tests for food allergy with recombinant allergens. Methods 2004; 32:292-9. [PMID: 14962764 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2003.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2003] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Food allergy is one important manifestation of atopic allergy. Primary food allergy mainly affects young children (class I), whereas adults frequently develop food allergy as a consequence of an inhalant sensitization (class II). At present, the diagnostic instrument for proving class II food allergy is not satisfactory. Skin tests as well as serological tests are in general neither very specific nor highly sensitive because they depend on food extracts, which differ in their content of individual allergens, vary between manufacturers, and even between different batches. Since the presence of food allergen-specific IgE antibodies does not always correlate with clinical symptoms against the respective food, oral provocation tests (ideally double-blind placebo-controlled food challenges) have to be performed to validate serological diagnosis or skin tests. However, oral provocation tests are connected to several practical problems and include a specific risk for the allergic patient. Applying DNA technology, up to 40 food allergens have been produced in recombinant form, which implies standardized quality and unlimited quantity of the respective proteins. Hence, such molecules might be used to solve problems of clinical and molecular allergology in diagnosis, research, and therapy of class II food allergies. First experiments with recombinant food allergens in this respect appear very promising.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bohle
- Department of Pathophysiology, Division of Immunopathology, University of Vienna, General Hospital Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Osterballe M, Scheller R, Stahl Skov P, Andersen KE, Bindslev-Jensen C. Diagnostic value of scratch-chamber test, skin prick test, histamine release and specific IgE in birch-allergic patients with oral allergy syndrome to apple. Allergy 2003; 58:950-3. [PMID: 12911427 DOI: 10.1034/j.1398-9995.2003.00272.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to examine the diagnostic value of skin prick test (SPT), scratch-chamber test (SCT), histamine release (HR) and specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in birch-allergic patients with oral allergy syndrome to apple. METHODS Ten birch-allergic patients with oral allergy syndrome to apple and 10 control subjects were included. All were tested with SPT, SCT, HR and specific IgE [CAP, Pharmacia, Sweden and Magic Lite (ML), ALK-ABELLO, Denmark]. RESULTS The SPT with apple, acetone extract of apple (A72) and commercial apple extract showed sensitivities of 0.80, 0.90 and 0.10, respectively. The SCT with the same extracts showed sensitivities of 0.30, 0.50 and 0.20, respectively. The sensitivity of specific IgE to apple were 0.90 (CAP) and 0.10 (ML). The sensitivity of the HR test was 90% (A72), and 25% using the commercial extract. CONCLUSION The SPT and HR test with apple and A72 showed a good diagnostic value with a sensitivity of more than 70% and a specificity of 100%. The SCT showed a poor sensitivity to apple, A72 and commercial apple extract. The ML test was not suitable in detecting specific IgE to apple compared with the CAP test. In daily practice a detailed case history about symptoms of oral allergy syndrome combined with a SPT with fresh apple peel or A72 will be useful.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Osterballe
- Allergy Center, Department of Dermatology, Odense University Hospital, Sdr Boulevard 29, DK 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Affiliation(s)
- J F Crespo
- Servicio de Alergia, Hospital Universitario Doce de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Hansen KS, Ballmer-Weber BK, Lüttkopf D, Skov PS, Wüthrich B, Bindslev-Jensen C, Vieths S, Poulsen LK. Roasted hazelnuts--allergenic activity evaluated by double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge. Allergy 2003; 58:132-8. [PMID: 12622744 DOI: 10.1034/j.1398-9995.2003.23959.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergy to hazelnuts is a common example of birch pollen related food allergy. Symptoms upon ingestion are often confined to the mouth and throat, but severe systemic reactions have been described in some patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the reduction in allergenicity by roasting of the nuts. METHODS Double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges (DBPCFC) with roasted hazelnuts (140 degrees C, 40 min) were performed in 17 birch pollen allergic patients with DBPCFC-confirmed food allergy to raw hazelnuts. The effect of roasting was further evaluated by skin prick test (SPT), histamine release (HR), measurement of specific IgE, and IgE-inhibition experiments. RESULTS In 5/17 patients the DBPCFC with the roasted nuts were positive. The symptoms were generally mild and included OAS (oral allergy syndrome) in all patients. Roasting of the nuts significantly reduced the allergenic activity evaluated by SPT, HR, specific IgE, and IgE-inhibition. Immunoblotting experiments with recombinant hazelnut allergens showed sensitization against Cor a 1.04 in 16/17 patients and against Cor a 2 in 7/17 patients. None of the patients were sensitized to Cor a 8. Challenge-positive patients did not differ from the rest in IgE-binding pattern. CONCLUSIONS All the applied methods indicated that roasting of hazelnuts reduces the allergenicity, but since 5/17 birch pollen allergic patients were DBPCFC-positive to the roasted nuts, ingestion of roasted hazelnuts or products containing roasted hazelnuts can not be considered safe for a number of hazelnut allergic consumers. For patients with a history of severe allergic symptoms upon ingestion of hazelnuts, thorough and conscientious food labelling of hazelnuts and hazelnut residues is essential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Skamstrup Hansen
- Allergy Clinic, Department 7551, National University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Vieths S, Lüttkopf D, Reindl J, Anliker MD, Wüthrich B, Ballmer-Weber BK. Allergens in celery and zucchini. Allergy 2002; 57 Suppl 72:100-5. [PMID: 12144566 DOI: 10.1034/j.1398-9995.57.s72.20.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to confirm allergy to celery tuber and to zucchini, for the first time, by DBPCFC, and to identify the allergens recognized by IgE from DBPCFC-positive patients. Therefore, raw vegetables were hidden in a broccoli drink, and a DBPCFC-procedure was developed that consisted of a spit and swallow protocol, making sure that the procedure was safe for the patients and that reactions strictly localized to the oral cavity as well as systemic reactions could be reproduced by DBPCFC. The allergens in celery and zucchini extract were identified by immunoblot inhibition using allergen extracts, recombinant allergens and purified N-glycans as inhibitors. Celery allergy was confirmed in 69% (22/32) of subjects with a positive case history. Four subjects with a history of allergic reactions to zucchini had a positive DBPCFC to this vegetable. During DBPCFC, systemic reactions were provoked in 50% (11/22) of the patients to celery, and in 3/4 of the zucchini-allergic patients. The Bet v 1-related major celery allergen was detected by IgE of 59% (13/22) of the patients. Cross-reactive carbohydrate epitopes (CCD) bound IgE of 55% (12/22) of the celery-allergic patients and in 2/4 of the subjects with zucchini allergy. Profilin was a food allergen in celery in 23% (5/22) and in zucchini in 2/4 of the cases. A zucchini-specific allergen was detected by IgE from one patient. We conclude that ubiquitous cross-reactive structures are important in allergy to both, celery and zucchini, and that a specific association to birch pollen allergy exists in allergy to celery (mediated by Api g 1), but not in zucchini allergy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Vieths
- Department of Allergology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Strasse 51-59, D-63225 Langen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Rodriguez J, Crespo JF. Clinical features of cross-reactivity of food allergy caused by fruits. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2002; 2:233-8. [PMID: 12045420 DOI: 10.1097/00130832-200206000-00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Fruits are increasingly recognized as a cause of food allergy. The wide cross-reactivity among these foods has been extensively studied. In this review we will focus on studies addressing the clinical relevance of cross-reactivity among fruits, the diagnostic management of patients complaining of reactions to multiple fruits, and adequate dietary recommendations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Rodriguez
- Servicio de Alergia, Hospital Universitario Doce de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Vieths S, Scheurer S, Ballmer-Weber B. Current understanding of cross-reactivity of food allergens and pollen. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2002; 964:47-68. [PMID: 12023194 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2002.tb04132.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 288] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Pollen-allergic patients frequently present allergic symptoms after ingestion of several kinds of plant-derived foods. The majority of these reactions is caused by four distinct cross-reactive structures that are present in birch pollen. Proteins that share common epitopes with Bet v 1, the major birch pollen allergen, occur in pollens of several tree species: apples, stone fruits, celery, carrot, nuts, and soybeans. Approximately 70% of our patients who are allergic to birch pollen may experience symptoms after consumption of foods from these groups. In contrast, two minor allergenic structures-profilins and cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD)-that sensitize approximately 10-20% of all pollen-allergic patients are also present in grass pollen and weed pollen. Moreover, IgE-binding proteins related to the birch pollen minor allergen Bet v 6 have been found in many vegetable foods such as apple, peach, orange, lychee fruit, strawberry, persimmon, zucchini, and carrot. Frequently, the occurrence of cross-reactive IgE antibodies is not correlated with the development of clinical food allergy. In particular, the clinical relevance of sensitization to CCD is doubtful. Generally, pollen-related allergens tend to be more labile during heating procedures and in the digestive tract compared to allergens from classical allergenic foods such as peanut. However, recent DBPCFC studies have shown that both cooked celery and roasted hazelnuts still pose an allergenic risk for pollen-sensitized subjects. Since pathogenesis-related proteins share several common features with allergens and both the Bet v 1 and the Bet v 6-related food allergens are defense-related proteins, approaches to introduce such proteins as a measure to protect plants against diseases should be performed with caution as they may increase the allergenicity of these crops.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Vieths
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Department of Allergology, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 51-59, D-63225 Langen, Germany.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|