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Davies JM, Pralong C, Tickner J, Timbrell V, Rodger A, Bogaard PVD, Rebeaud F. Nanofluidic point-of-care IgE test for subtropical grass pollen for rapid diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2024; 132:497-504.e3. [PMID: 38036031 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2023.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Widening of subtropical climate zones globally and increasing grass-pollen exposure provide the impetus for developing a more precise and accessible diagnosis of allergy. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the utility of recombinant allergen components of Panicoideae and Chloridoideae pollens for specific IgE testing in a rapid, point-of-care device. METHODS Recombinant (r) Pas n 1 and Cyn d 1 were expressed, purified, and tested in the nanofluidic device for measuring serum specific IgE (spIgE) in a well-characterized Australian cohort. Concentrations and classes of spIgE to rPas n 1 and rCyn d 1, and total IgE were compared with skin prick test results and spIgE with grass pollen. RESULTS Correlations between commercial and academic laboratories for 21 sera were high for rPas n 1 spIgE (r = 0.695) and total IgE (r = 0.945). Higher spIgE to rPas n 1 and rCyn d 1 fluorescence was detected in the patients with grass-pollen allergy and with clinician-diagnosed allergic rhinitis (n = 134) than in participants with other allergies (n = 49) or no allergies (n = 23). Correlation between spIgE concentrations to rPas n 1 (r = 0.679) and rCyn d 1 (r = 0.548), with Bahia and Bermuda grass-pollen spIgE, respectively, was highly significant (p<0.0001). The positive/negative predictive agreements of spIgE classes for rPas n 1 (73%/82.5%) and rCyn d 1 (67.8%/66.3%) between the nanofluidic and ImmunoCAP measurements for Bahia and Bermuda grass pollen, respectively, were substantial. CONCLUSION Point-of-care nanofluidic tests for spIgE to rPas n 1 and rCyn d 1 could increase access to more precise clinical diagnosis for patients with allergies in subtropical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet M Davies
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Immunity and Infection Control, Queensland University of Technology, Herston, Queensland, Australia.
| | | | - Jacob Tickner
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Immunity and Infection Control, Queensland University of Technology, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Victoria Timbrell
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Immunity and Infection Control, Queensland University of Technology, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alison Rodger
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
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Tegart LJ, Schiro G, Dickinson JL, Green BJ, Barberán A, Marthick JR, Bissett A, Johnston FH, Jones PJ. Decrypting seasonal patterns of key pollen taxa in cool temperate Australia: A multi-barcode metabarcoding analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 243:117808. [PMID: 38043901 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Pollen allergies pose a considerable global public health concern. Allergy risk can vary significantly within plant families, yet some key pollen allergens can only be identified to family level by current optical methods. Pollen information with greater taxonomic resolution is therefore required to best support allergy prevention and self-management. We used environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to deepen taxonomic insights into the seasonal composition of airborne pollen in cool temperate Australia, a region with high rates of allergic respiratory disease. In Hobart, Tasmania, we collected routine weekly air samples from December 2018 until October 2020 and sequenced the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and chloroplastic tRNA-Leucine tRNA-Phenylalanine intergenic spacer (trnL-trnF) regions in order to address the following questions: a) What is the genus-level diversity of known and potential aeroallergens in Hobart, in particular, in the families Poaceae, Cupressaceae and Myrtaceae? b) How do the atmospheric concentrations of these taxa change over time, and c) Does trnL-trnF enhance resolution of biodiversity when used in addition to ITS2? Our results suggest that individuals in the region are exposed to temperate grasses including Poa and Bromus in the peak grass pollen season, however low levels of exposure to the subtropical grass Cynodon may occur in autumn and winter. Within Cupressaceae, both metabarcodes showed that exposure is predominantly to pollen from the introduced genera Cupressus and Juniperus. Only ITS2 detected the native genus, Callitris. Both metabarcodes detected Eucalyptus as the major Myrtaceae genus, with trnL-trnF exhibiting primer bias for this family. These findings help refine our understanding of allergy triggers in Tasmania and highlight the utility of multiple metabarcodes in aerobiome studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lachlan J Tegart
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Gabriele Schiro
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States.
| | - Joanne L Dickinson
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Brett J Green
- Office of the Director, Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, 26505, United States.
| | - Albert Barberán
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States.
| | - James R Marthick
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Andrew Bissett
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Hobart, TAS, Australia.
| | - Fay H Johnston
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia; Public Health Services, Department of Health, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Penelope J Jones
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
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Three patterns of sensitization to mugwort, timothy, birch and their major allergen components revealed by Latent class analysis. Mol Immunol 2022; 145:59-66. [PMID: 35298938 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mugwort, timothy, and birch are commonly spread pollen allergens across China. Although several studies have described the rates of sensitization to mugwort, timothy, and birch in China, most of them just on specific whole-allergen extracts but little was known about the co-sensitization characteristics of its allergen components. This study aimed to explore the patterns of sensitization to mugwort, timothy, birch, and their major allergen components. METHOD Serum specific IgE (sIgE) levels of allergen components of mugwort, timothy, birch, and cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD) were detected in 160 patients whose serum showed positive results to at least one of mugwort, timothy, and birch allergens via EUROBlotMaster system. Skin prick testing was utilized to assess the allergic reaction of grass, weed, and tree allergens. Latent class analysis was used to identify underlying patterns of sensitization to a series of allergen components and their corresponding extracts. RESULTS 88.8% of patients with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma were positive for mugwort-sIgE, 30% for timothy-sIgE, and 32.5% for birch-sIgE. By using the LCA model, three sensitization patterns as "Mugwort, Art v 4, Bet v 2 and Phl p 12 co-sensitized", "Timothy, mugwort, and CCD co-sensitized", "Mugwort and Art v 1 co-sensitized" were revealed based on optimal statistical fit in this study. Compared with other clusters, participants in "Mugwort, Art v 4, Bet v 2 and Phl p 12 co-sensitized" pattern were associated with higher sensitization rates of common grass and tree pollens allergen. The spearman's coefficient between CCD and timothy was larger than the corresponding values of CCD with mugwort or birch. CONCLUSION CCD and profilin, as minor allergens in pollens, were associated with other pollen sIgE false positives presumably due to cross-reactivity. Patients sensitized with profilin had a significantly higher risk of sensitization to other pollens.
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van Nunen SA, Burk MB, Burton PK, Ford G, Harvey RJ, Lozynsky A, Pickford E, Rimmer JS, Smart J, Sutherland MF, Thien F, Weber HC, Zehnwirth H, Newbigin E, Katelaris CH. 5-grass-pollen SLIT effectiveness in seasonal allergic rhinitis: Impact of sensitization to subtropical grass pollen. World Allergy Organ J 2022; 15:100632. [PMID: 35280502 PMCID: PMC8873945 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2022.100632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Temperate grass (eg, ryegrass) pollen is a major driver of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) and asthma risks, including thunderstorm asthma. Data for the effectiveness of temperate grass pollen allergen immunotherapy (AIT) in SAR patients from the southern hemisphere, who are frequently polysensitized to subtropical grass pollens, are limited. The 300 IR 5-grass pollen sublingual immunotherapy tablet (300 IR 5-grass SLIT) is known to be effective in polysensitized SAR patients with primary allergy to temperate grasses, however, the influence of polysensitization to subtropical grass pollen on treatment responses has yet to be specifically addressed. Key aims of this study were to measure patient treatment satisfaction during 300 IR 5-grass SLIT treatment and evaluate how polysensitization to subtropical grass pollens affects treatment responses. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted in 63 patients (aged ≥5 years) in several temperate regions of Australia prescribed 300 IR 5-grass SLIT for SAR over 3 consecutive grass pollen seasons. Ambient levels of pollen were measured at representative sites. Patient treatment satisfaction was assessed using a QUARTIS questionnaire. Rhinoconjunctivitis Total Symptom Score (RTSS) and a Hodges-Lehmann Estimator analysis was performed to evaluate if polysensitization to subtropical grass pollen affected SAR symptom intensity changes during SLIT. Results A diagnosis of ryegrass pollen allergy was nearly universal. There were 74.6% (47/63) polysensitized to subtropical and temperate grass pollens. There were 23.8% (15/63) monosensitized to temperate grass pollens. From the first pollen season, statistically significant improvements occurred in SAR symptoms compared with baseline in both monosensitized and polysensitized patients, particularly in those polysensitized (P = 0.0297). Improvements in SAR symptoms were sustained and similar in both groups in the second and third pollen seasons, reaching 70–85% improvement (P < 0.01). Polysensitized patients from both northerly and southerly temperate regions in Australia showed similar improvements. Grass pollen counts in both regions were consistently highest during springtime. Conclusions 300 IR 5-grass SLIT is effective in a real-life setting in SAR patients in the southern hemisphere with primary allergy to temperate grass pollen and predominantly springtime grass pollen exposures. Importantly, SLIT treatment effectiveness was irrespective of the patient's polysensitization status to subtropical grass pollens.
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Relative Abundance of Alpha-Amylase/Trypsin Inhibitors in Selected Sorghum Cultivars. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25245982. [PMID: 33348658 PMCID: PMC7774315 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25245982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorghum is of growing interest and considered as a safe food for wheat related disorders. Besides the gluten, α-amylase/trypsin-inhibitors (ATIs) have been identified as probable candidates for these disorders. Several studies focused on wheat-ATIs although there is still a lack of data referring to the relative abundance of sorghum-ATIs. The objective of this work was therefore to contribute to the characterization of sorghum ATI profiles by targeted proteomics tools. Fifteen sorghum cultivars from different regions were investigated with raw proteins ranging from 7.9 to 17.0 g/100 g. Ammonium bicarbonate buffer in combination with urea was applied for protein extraction, with concentration from 0.588 ± 0.047 to 4.140 ± 0.066 mg/mL. Corresponding electrophoresis data showed different protein profiles. UniProtKB data base research reveals two sorghum ATIs, P81367 and P81368; both reviewed and a targeted LC–MS/MS method was developed to analyze these. Quantifier peptides ELAAVPSR (P81367) and TYMVR (P81368) were identified and retained as biomarkers for relative quantification. Different reducing and alkylating agents were assessed and combination of tris (2 carboxyethyl) phosphine/iodoacetamide gave the best response. Linearity was demonstrated for the quantifier peptides with standard recovery between 92.2 and 107.6%. Nine sorghum cultivars presented up to 60 times lower ATI contents as compared to wheat samples. This data suggests that sorghum can effectively be considered as a good alternative to wheat.
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Sabit M, Wong C, Andaya A, Ramos JD. Pollen allergen skin test and specific IgE reactivity among Filipinos: a community-based study. ALLERGY, ASTHMA, AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CANADIAN SOCIETY OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 16:74. [PMID: 32922458 PMCID: PMC7477877 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-020-00471-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the clinical importance of pollen allergens among Filipinos, few studies delve into the sensitization profiles of Filipinos against pollen allergens. This study determined the sensitization profile of Filipinos to pollen using skin prick test (SPT) and pollen-specific ELISA. METHODS Pollen from fifteen selected plant sources was collected and extracted for use in sensitization tests. Volunteers were interviewed for their clinical history prior to blood sampling and SPT. The blood samples collected were assessed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). RESULTS The best panel of pollen allergens for the skin prick test was Mangifera indica (64%), Acacia auriculiformis (28%), Mimosa spp. (25%) Amaranthus spinosus (22%), Lantana camara (20%), Pilea microphylla (16%) and Dichanthium aristatum (15%). Young adults had more sensitizations to pollen than among early childhood and elderly. There were more allergic subjects that have rhinitis (61%) than asthma (42%) and atopic dermatitis (35%). Pollen-specific IgE levels show low percent reactivity as compared to the skin test with Cocos nucifera obtaining the highest IgE reactivity (21%). CONCLUSIONS Pollen allergens from both arboreal and herbaceous plants used in this study yielded positive reactivities for both skin tests and specific IgE tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Sabit
- The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, 1008 Manila, Philippines
- Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences, Thomas Aquinas Research Complex, University of Santo Tomas, 1008 Manila, Philippines
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas, 1008 Manila, Philippines
| | - Cecil Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, 1008 Manila, Philippines
| | - Agnes Andaya
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, 1008 Manila, Philippines
| | - John Donnie Ramos
- The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, 1008 Manila, Philippines
- Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences, Thomas Aquinas Research Complex, University of Santo Tomas, 1008 Manila, Philippines
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas, 1008 Manila, Philippines
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Al-Nesf MA, Gharbi D, Mobayed HM, Dason BR, Mohammed Ali R, Taha S, Tuffaha A, Adeli M, Sattar HA, Trigo MDM. The association between airborne pollen monitoring and sensitization in the hot desert climate. Clin Transl Allergy 2020; 10:35. [PMID: 32788950 PMCID: PMC7416415 DOI: 10.1186/s13601-020-00339-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pollen is a major cause of allergic respiratory diseases. In Qatar, data on the presence and prevalence of allergenic airborne types of pollen is quite limited. Methods The study aimed to determine and correlate the most frequently implicated airborne pollen detected by aerobiological monitoring samplers in respiratory allergy symptoms. An aerobiological survey was started on May 8, 2017. Airborne pollen was collected using two Hirst type seven-day recorder volumetric traps. Skin prick test in patients attending allergy clinics in Doha using commercial extracts was conducted. Results Twenty-five pollen types representing the native, as well as the introduced plants, with a relatively low daily mean concentration were observed from May 2017 to May 2019. The highest pollen concentrations were reached by Amaranthaceae (58.9%), followed by Poaceae (21.7%). SPT revealed a comparatively higher degree of sensitization to pollen. Among 940 patients, 204 were sensitized to pollen (54% female) with 135 (66.2%) and 114 (55.8%) to Amaranthaceae and Poaceae, respectively. Some patients had polysensitization. There was a statistically significant association between Amaranthaceae, and asthma (r = 0.169, P = 0.016) and allergic rhinitis (r = 0.177, P = 0.012). Conclusions This is the first study to monitor airborne pollen in the state of Qatar. The main pollen detected were Amaranthaceae and Poaceae. Pollen may represent a possible exacerbating factor in adult patients with allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam A Al-Nesf
- Allergy and Immunology Section, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Dorra Gharbi
- Allergy and Immunology Section, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar.,Department of Plant Biology, University of Malaga, Campus de Teatinos, Malaga, Spain
| | - Hassan M Mobayed
- Allergy and Immunology Section, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Blessing Reena Dason
- Allergy and Immunology Section, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Ramzy Mohammed Ali
- Allergy and Immunology Section, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Salma Taha
- Allergy and Immunology Section, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | | | | | - Hisham A Sattar
- Pulmonary Division, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Maria Del Mar Trigo
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Malaga, Campus de Teatinos, Malaga, Spain
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Silver JD, Spriggs K, Haberle SG, Katelaris CH, Newbigin EJ, Lampugnani ER. Using crowd-sourced allergic rhinitis symptom data to improve grass pollen forecasts and predict individual symptoms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 720:137351. [PMID: 32325552 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (AR), also known as hay fever, is a common respiratory condition brought on by a range of environmental triggers. Previous work has characterised the relationships between community-level AR symptoms collected using mobile apps in two Australian cities, Canberra and Melbourne, and various environmental covariates including pollen. Here, we build on these relationships by assessing the skill of models that provide a next-day forecast of an individual's risk of developing AR and that nowcast ambient grass pollen concentrations using crowd-sourced AR symptoms as a predictor. Categorical grass pollen forecasts (low/moderate/high) were made based on binning mean daily symptom scores by corresponding categories. Models for an individual's risk were constructed by forward variable selection, considering environmental, demographic, behaviour and health-related inputs, with non-linear responses permitted. Proportional-odds logistic regression was then applied with the variables selected, modelling the symptom scores on their original five-point scale. AR symptom-based estimates of today's average grass pollen concentration were more accurate than those provided by two benchmark forecasting methods using various metrics for assessing accuracy. Predictions of an individual's next-day AR symptoms rated on a five-point scale were correct in 36% of cases and within one point on this scale in 82% of cases. Both outcomes were significantly better than chance. This large-scale AR symptoms measurement program shows that crowd-sourced symptom scores can be used to predict the daily average grass pollen concentration, as well as provide a personalised AR forecast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy D Silver
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kymble Spriggs
- Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Allergy and Immunology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon G Haberle
- School of Culture, History and Language, College of Asia and the Pacific, Australian National University Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | | | - Edward J Newbigin
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Edwin R Lampugnani
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Simunovic M, Dwarakanath D, Addison-Smith B, Susanto NH, Erbas B, Baker P, Davies JM. Grass pollen as a trigger of emergency department presentations and hospital admissions for respiratory conditions in the subtropics: A systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 182:109125. [PMID: 32069762 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is unknown if high concentration of airborne grass pollen, where subtropical grasses (Chloridoideae and Panicoideae) dominate, is a risk factor for respiratory health. Here we systematically reviewed the association between airborne grass pollen exposure and asthma emergency department (ED) presentations and hospital admissions in subtropical climates. OBJECTIVES A systematic review was performed to identify and summarise studies that reported on respiratory health (asthma ED presentations and hospital admissions) and airborne grass pollen exposure in subtropical climates. METHODS Searches were conducted in: MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL (EBSCO), Embase and Google Scholar databases (1966-2019). Risk of bias was assessed using a validated quality assessment tool. A meta-analysis was planned, however due to the heterogeneity in study design it was determined inappropriate and instead a narrative synthesis was undertaken. RESULTS Nineteen studies were identified for inclusion, with a total of 598,931 asthma ED presentation participants and 36,504 asthma hospital admission participants in six countries (Australia, India, Israel, Italy, Spain, USA). The narrative synthesis found airborne grass pollen appears to have a small and inconsistent increase on asthma ED presentations (judged as: probably little effect n = 5, may have little effect n = 4, no effect n = 2 and uncertain if there is an effect n = 4) and hospital admissions (judged as: probably increase slightly n = 2 probably little effect n = 1, may have a little effect n = 1, no effect n = 3 and we are uncertain if there is an effect n = 4) in the subtropics. Furthermore, the reported effect sizes were small and its clinical relevance may be difficult to discern. CONCLUSION Exposure to airborne grass pollen appears to have a small and inconsistent increase on asthma ED presentations and hospital admissions in the subtropics. These findings are comparable to reported observations from studies undertaken in temperate regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Simunovic
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Divya Dwarakanath
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Beth Addison-Smith
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nugroho H Susanto
- School of Public Health and Epidemiology, LaTrobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Public Health and Epidemiology, LaTrobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Philip Baker
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Janet M Davies
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Office of Research, Metro North Hospital and Health Services,Herston, Queensland, Australia
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Kailaivasan TH, Timbrell VL, Solley G, Smith WB, McLean-Tooke A, van Nunen S, Smith P, Upham JW, Langguth D, Davies JM. Biogeographical variation in specific IgE recognition of temperate and subtropical grass pollen allergens in allergic rhinitis patients. Clin Transl Immunology 2020; 9:e01103. [PMID: 32025301 PMCID: PMC6997006 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Globally, grass pollens (GP) are major aeroallergen triggers of allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma. However, patterns of allergic sensitisation to pollen of temperate (Pooideae: Lolium perenne) and subtropical (Chloridoideae: Cynodon dactylon and Panicoideae: Paspalum notatum) subfamilies in diverse climates remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate the level of allergic sensitisation and IgE specificity for major GP allergens representing the three subfamilies in biogeographically distinct regions. Methods Participants (GP‐allergic with AR, 330; non‐atopic, 29; other allergies, 54) were recruited in subtropical: Queensland, and temperate: New South Wales, Western and South Australia, regions. Clinical history, skin prick test (SPT), total and specific IgE to GP and purified allergens (ImmunoCAP) were evaluated. Cross‐inhibition of sIgE with Pas n 1, Cyn d 1 and Lol p 1 by GP extracts was investigated. Results Queensland participants showed higher sensitisation to P. notatum and C. dactylon than L. perenne GP. sIgE was higher to Pas n 1 and Cyn d 1, and sIgE to Pas n 1 and Cyn d 1 was inhibited more by Panicoideae and Chloridoideae, respectively, than Pooideae GP. Conversely, participants from temperate regions showed highest sensitisation levels to L. perenne GP and Lol p 1, and sIgE to Lol p 1 was inhibited more by Pooideae than other GP. Conclusion Levels and patterns of sensitisation to subtropical and temperate GP in AR patients depended on biogeography. Knowledge of the specificity of sensitisation to local allergens is important for optimal diagnosis and choice of allergen‐specific immunotherapy to maximise benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thina H Kailaivasan
- School of Biomedical Sciences Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation Queensland University of Technology Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Victoria L Timbrell
- School of Biomedical Sciences Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation Queensland University of Technology Brisbane QLD Australia
| | | | | | | | - Sheryl van Nunen
- Royal North Shore Hospital and The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Peter Smith
- Queensland Allergy Services Gold Coast QLD Australia
| | - John W Upham
- The University of Queensland and The Princess Alexandra Hospital Brisbane QLD Australia
| | | | - Janet M Davies
- School of Biomedical Sciences Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation Queensland University of Technology Brisbane QLD Australia.,Metro North Hospital and Health Service Herston QLD Australia
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Ramon GD, Barrionuevo LB, Viego V, Vanegas E, Felix M, Cherrez-Ojeda I. Sensitization to subtropical grass pollens in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis from Bahia Blanca, Argentina. World Allergy Organ J 2019; 12:100062. [PMID: 31641410 PMCID: PMC6796778 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2019.100062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Grass pollinosis is an important contributor to allergic diseases, with varying patterns and frequency of allergens according to the geographical location studied. Our study aims to provide a better understanding of subtropical grass pollinosis in Argentinian patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Methods We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study involving 894 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis from Bahía Blanca, Argentina. Skin prick tests were performed to selected pollen species belonging to three subfamilies of the Poaceae genera. Frequency of sensitization to specific grass pollen extracts, cross-reactivity of allergens assessed by skin prick test, and possible associations between allergen extracts and asthma or allergic conjunctivitis were analyzed. Results Sensitization to the Pooideae subfamily was the most frequent, encompassing 86.8% (CI: 84.4%–88.9%) of the studied population. Positive reactions to allergen extracts from the Chloridoideae and the Panicoideae subfamilies showed smaller papule size than allergen extracts from the Pooideae subfamily (χ2(5) = 83.75, p < 0.001). Patients with a positive skin prick test (SPT) to a specific extract were more likely to present some degree of cross-reactivity to the remaining pollens when compared to patients with negative SPT to the same specific extract. Even though the proportion of patients presenting with asthma (46.9%) was higher than those with conjunctivitis (22.6%), there was only a statistically significant association between sensitization to Festuca arundinacea (φ = 0.089, p = .009), Phalaris arundinacea (φ = 0.074, p = .032) and Paspalum notatum (φ = 0.070, p = .038) and the presence of conjunctivitis. Conclusions Our results suggest a high frequency of sensitization to grass pollen extracts from the Poaceae family among patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Overall, sensitization to the Pooidae subfamily was the most common, where Phalaris arundinacea presented the highest frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- German D Ramon
- Instituto de Alergia e Inmunología del Sur, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | | | - Valentina Viego
- Universidad Nacional del Sur, SCyT UNS 24/E134, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Emanuel Vanegas
- Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondón, Ecuador.,Respiralab, Respiralab Research Group. Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Miguel Felix
- Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondón, Ecuador.,Respiralab, Respiralab Research Group. Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Ivan Cherrez-Ojeda
- Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondón, Ecuador.,Respiralab, Respiralab Research Group. Guayaquil, Ecuador
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12
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Park SC, Hwang CS, Chung HJ, Purev M, Al Sharhan SS, Cho HJ, Yoon JH, Kim CH. Geographic and demographic variations of inhalant allergen sensitization in Koreans and non-Koreans. Allergol Int 2019; 68:68-76. [PMID: 30104152 DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To diagnose and treat respiratory allergic diseases, it is important to identify the specific allergens involved. Many differences exist between common inhalant allergens depending on the residential environment and demographic factors. This study aimed to compare common inhalant allergens between Koreans and non-Koreans according to their residential region, age, and sex. METHODS This study evaluated 15,334 individuals who underwent serum tests for multiple allergen-specific immunoglobulin E at a tertiary academic medical center between January 2010 and December 2016. The individuals included 14,786 Koreans and 548 non-Koreans. The AdvanSure™ Allostation assay (LG Life Science, Korea) was used to test for 33 inhalant allergens. RESULTS The house dust mite (HDM) was the most common allergen in both Koreans and non-Koreans, although the proportion of individuals with HDM sensitization was greater among Koreans. High sensitization rates for various pollen types were detected among Koreans in Gangwon region, whereas Japanese cedar pollen was unique among Koreans in Jeju region. Grass pollen and animal dander were relatively common among individuals from the Americas, whereas weed and grass pollen accounted for the 10 most common allergens for individuals from Central Asia. The total sensitization rate, sensitization to HDM, and sensitization to animal dander peaked among adolescents and young adults, then subsequently decreased with age. CONCLUSIONS This large-scale study demonstrates that various regional and age-related differences exist in the allergen sensitization rates of Koreans and non-Koreans. These data could be useful for development of avoidance measures, immunotherapy for causative allergens, and policymaking regarding allergic diseases.
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13
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The molecular allergology of subtropical grass pollen. Mol Immunol 2018; 100:126-135. [PMID: 29778490 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Grass pollens are amongst the most important aeroallergen sources world-wide triggering allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma in sensitised patients. Much of what we know about the allergen components of grasses is informed by research on pollen of temperate (Pooideae) species that are abundant in the temperate climate zones. However, climate changes are altering the biogeographical distribution as well as timing and allergenicity of grass pollens. This provides an impetus for better understanding of the contribution of subtropical subfamilies of grasses to pollen allergy globally. Pollen of Chloridoideae (e.g. Cynodon dactylon; Bermuda grass) and Panicoideae (e.g. Paspalum notatum; Bahia grass or Sorghum halepense; Johnson grass) subfamilies are clinically important in subtropical zones of Australia, Asia, India, Africa, and America. These grasses differ ecologically and phylogenetically from temperate grasses and, importantly their allergen composition is qualitatively different. For example, subtropical grass pollens appear to lack the major group 5 grass pollen allergen family. In this review we summarize current knowledge of the epidemiology and immunology of subtropical Chloridoideae and Pancoideae pollen allergens, describe the biochemical characteristics of known isoforms and variants as well as properties and structures of subtropical pollen allergen components. Whilst only one subtropical allergen component; Cyn d 1 of Bermuda grass pollen, is available commercially for diagnostic use, in a natural purified form, a number of allergens of Panicoideae grass pollen; Zea m 1, Zea m 3 and Zea m 13 of maize, Pas n 1 and Pas n 13 of Bahia, as well as Sor h 1, Sor h 2, Sor h 13 and Sor h 23 of Johnson grass, have been discovered. Research effort is directed towards making available subtropical grass pollen allergen components as innovative treatment and diagnostic options that more specifically address the needs of patients from warmer regions of the globe.
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14
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Molecular features of grass allergens and development of biotechnological approaches for allergy prevention. Biotechnol Adv 2017; 35:545-556. [PMID: 28535924 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Allergic diseases are characterized by elevated allergen-specific IgE and excessive inflammatory cell responses. Among the reported plant allergens, grass pollen and grain allergens, derived from agriculturally important members of the Poaceae family such as rice, wheat and barley, are the most dominant and difficult to prevent. Although many allergen homologs have been predicted from species such as wheat and timothy grass, fundamental aspects such as the evolution and function of plant pollen allergens remain largely unclear. With the development of genetic engineering and genomics, more primary sequences, functions and structures of plant allergens have been uncovered, and molecular component-based allergen-specific immunotherapies are being developed. In this review, we aim to provide an update on (i) the distribution and importance of pollen and grain allergens of the Poaceae family, (ii) the origin and evolution, and functional aspects of plant pollen allergens, (iii) developments of allergen-specific immunotherapy for pollen allergy using biotechnology and (iv) development of less allergenic plants using gene engineering techniques. We also discuss future trends in revealing fundamental aspects of grass pollen allergens and possible biotechnological approaches to reduce the amount of pollen allergens in grasses.
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15
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Watts AM, West NP, Smith PK, Cripps AW, Cox AJ. Probiotics and Allergic Rhinitis: A Simon Two-Stage Design to Determine Effectiveness. J Altern Complement Med 2016; 22:1007-1012. [PMID: 27732056 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2016.0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic upper respiratory disease affecting 10-30% of the population worldwide. It associated with significant economic and medical burden. Probiotics have received attention in recent years as a novel strategy to treat infectious/immune conditions, including AR. However, substantiation of these health claims by regulatory bodies has been rejected due, in part, to inadequate clinical trial design. While randomized controlled trials are considered the gold standard for assessing clinical efficacy, such trials require a priori preclinical data on effect size, which may be a reason for the conflicting results in the probiotic and AR literature. Progressive clinical trial designs, such as the Simon Two-Stage Design, are showing promise within the area of integrative and alternative medicine, particularly in relation to probiotic supplementation, to obtain empirical data for the design of clinical trials that meet regulatory requirements. METHODS This Phase II study uses a Simon Two-Stage Design to determine the response rate of patients with AR to a probiotic supplement. Patients will consume a multispecies probiotic twice daily for 8 weeks, and will attend an allergy clinic at the beginning and end of the intervention period for assessment. Symptom improvement following probiotic supplementation will be measured by the mini-Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes include twice-weekly symptom and medication diaries, objective determination of nasal congestion via Nasal Rhinomanometry, and change in frequency of medication usage. DISCUSSION This study provides an exemplar of the value of using a progressive study design in the complementary and alternative medicine setting. A Simon Two-Stage Design was adopted to investigate whether a multispecies probiotic supplement, not yet trialed in the context of AR, has promise as a therapeutic intervention and warrants the design of larger placebo-controlled studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle M Watts
- 1 Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University , Southport, Australia .,2 School of Medical Science, Griffith University , Southport, Australia
| | - Nicholas P West
- 1 Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University , Southport, Australia .,2 School of Medical Science, Griffith University , Southport, Australia
| | - Peter K Smith
- 3 School of Medicine, Griffith University , Southport, Australia .,4 Queensland Allergy Services Clinic , Southport, Australia
| | - Allan W Cripps
- 1 Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University , Southport, Australia
| | - Amanda J Cox
- 1 Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University , Southport, Australia .,2 School of Medical Science, Griffith University , Southport, Australia
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16
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Kam AW, Tong WWY, Christensen JM, Katelaris CH, Rimmer J, Harvey RJ. Microgeographic factors and patterns of aeroallergen sensitisation. Med J Aust 2016; 205:310-5. [DOI: 10.5694/mja16.00264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jenna M Christensen
- St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW
| | | | | | - Richard J Harvey
- St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW
- Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW
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17
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Luo W, Huang H, Zheng P, Wei N, Luo J, Sun B, Zeng G. Major grass pollen allergens and components detected in a southern Chinese cohort of patients with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma. Mol Immunol 2016; 78:105-112. [PMID: 27614266 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2016.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
There is so far a paucity of data about allergen component-resolved diagnosis, and the prevalence of grass pollen allergen components in China, in contrast to those from western countries. Even in this country, allergies to grass pollen allergen components in the vast south are inadequately described. This study aimed to determine the major sensitizing grass pollens in Guangzhou, the largest city in Guangdong province of southern China. Included in this study were 258 patients having allergic rhinitis with or without asthma and 88 healthy controls. ImmunoCap100 was used to examine the serum samples for sIgE to Bermuda, Timothy, and Humulus scandens. Subjects who tested positive were further examined for sIgE to Bermuda antigen Cyn d 1, Timothy antigens Phl p 1/4/5/6/7/11/12, and CCD. The relationship of grass pollen allergy to specific antigen sensitization was assessed. As a result, 22.5% of patients with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma were positive for Bermuda-sIgE, 13.6% for Timothy-sIgE, and 7.0% for Humulus scandens-sIgE. These patients were more likely to be sensitized compared with controls (P<0.001). Of the Bermuda-sIgE positive patients, 53.4% were Cyn d 1 positive and 60.3% were Timothy-sIgE positive. Of the Timothy positive patients, 100% were positive for Phl p 4, 17.1% were positive for Phl p 1 and 8.6% tested positive for Phl p 5/6/7/11/12. Patients with high Bermuda-sIgE levels were more likely to be positive for other grasses. In 41.4% of Bermuda grass positive patients, CCD-sIgE was also positive. Sensitization to Phl p 4 was significantly correlated with CCD (rs=0.928).In summary, we found that these southern Chinese patients with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma tested positive for Bermuda, Timothy, and Humulus scandens IgE. A high Bermuda-sIgE level may predict sensitization to other grasses. Correlations between sensitization to CCD and grass pollen allergens suggested a likelihood of cross-reactivity. Further in vitro inhibition assays are required to confirm this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Huimin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Peiyan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Nili Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiaying Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Baoqing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China.
| | - Guangqiao Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China.
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18
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Beggs PJ, Katelaris CH, Medek D, Johnston FH, Burton PK, Campbell B, Jaggard AK, Vicendese D, Bowman DMJS, Godwin I, Huete AR, Erbas B, Green BJ, Newnham RM, Newbigin E, Haberle SG, Davies JM. Differences in grass pollen allergen exposure across Australia. Aust N Z J Public Health 2016; 39:51-5. [PMID: 25648730 PMCID: PMC4704082 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Revised: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma are important chronic diseases posing serious public health issues in Australia with associated medical, economic, and societal burdens. Pollen are significant sources of clinically relevant outdoor aeroallergens, recognised as both a major trigger for, and cause of, allergic respiratory diseases. This study aimed to provide a national, and indeed international, perspective on the state of Australian pollen data using a large representative sample. Methods: Atmospheric grass pollen concentration is examined over a number of years within the period 1995 to 2013 for Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, and Sydney, including determination of the ‘clinical’ grass pollen season and grass pollen peak. Results: The results of this study describe, for the first time, a striking spatial and temporal variability in grass pollen seasons in Australia, with important implications for clinicians and public health professionals, and the Australian grass pollen‐allergic community. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that static pollen calendars are of limited utility and in some cases misleading. This study also highlights significant deficiencies and limitations in the existing Australian pollen monitoring and data. Implications: Establishment of an Australian national pollen monitoring network would help facilitate advances in the clinical and public health management of the millions of Australians with asthma and allergic rhinitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Beggs
- Department of Environment and Geography, Macquarie University, New South Wales
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19
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Caraballo L, Zakzuk J, Lee BW, Acevedo N, Soh JY, Sánchez-Borges M, Hossny E, García E, Rosario N, Ansotegui I, Puerta L, Sánchez J, Cardona V. Particularities of allergy in the Tropics. World Allergy Organ J 2016; 9:20. [PMID: 27386040 PMCID: PMC4924335 DOI: 10.1186/s40413-016-0110-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergic diseases are distributed worldwide and their risk factors and triggers vary according to geographical and socioeconomic conditions. Allergies are frequent in the Tropics but aspects of their prevalence, natural history, risk factors, sensitizers and triggers are not well defined and some are expected to be different from those in temperate zone countries. The aim of this review is to investigate if allergic diseases in the Tropics have particularities that deserve special attention for research and clinical practice. Such information will help to form a better understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of allergic diseases in the Tropics. As expected, we found particularities in the Tropics that merit further study because they strongly affect the natural history of common allergic diseases; most of them related to climate conditions that favor permanent exposure to mite allergens, helminth infections and stinging insects. In addition, we detected several unmet needs in important areas which should be investigated and solved by collaborative efforts led by the emergent research groups on allergy from tropical countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Caraballo
- />Institute for Immunological Research, University of Cartagena, Cra. 5 # 7-77, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Josefina Zakzuk
- />Institute for Immunological Research, University of Cartagena, Cra. 5 # 7-77, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Bee Wah Lee
- />Khoo Teck Puat- National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- />Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nathalie Acevedo
- />Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Translational Immunology Unit, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jian Yi Soh
- />Khoo Teck Puat- National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- />Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mario Sánchez-Borges
- />Allergy and Clinical Immunology Department, Centro Médico- Docente La Trinidad and Clínica El Avila, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Elham Hossny
- />Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Unit, Children’s Hospital, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Elizabeth García
- />Allergy Section, Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nelson Rosario
- />Federal University of Parana, Rua General Carneiro, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Ignacio Ansotegui
- />Department of Allergy and Immunology, Hospital Quirón Bizkaia, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Leonardo Puerta
- />Institute for Immunological Research, University of Cartagena, Cra. 5 # 7-77, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Jorge Sánchez
- />Department of Pediatrics, Graduate Program on Allergology, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Victoria Cardona
- />Allergy Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
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20
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Medek DE, Beggs PJ, Erbas B, Jaggard AK, Campbell BC, Vicendese D, Johnston FH, Godwin I, Huete AR, Green BJ, Burton PK, Bowman DMJS, Newnham RM, Katelaris CH, Haberle SG, Newbigin E, Davies JM. Regional and seasonal variation in airborne grass pollen levels between cities of Australia and New Zealand. AEROBIOLOGIA 2016; 32:289-302. [PMID: 27069303 PMCID: PMC4826055 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-015-9399-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Although grass pollen is widely regarded as the major outdoor aeroallergen source in Australia and New Zealand (NZ), no assemblage of airborne pollen data for the region has been previously compiled. Grass pollen count data collected at 14 urban sites in Australia and NZ over periods ranging from 1 to 17 years were acquired, assembled and compared, revealing considerable spatiotemporal variability. Although direct comparison between these data is problematic due to methodological differences between monitoring sites, the following patterns are apparent. Grass pollen seasons tended to have more than one peak from tropics to latitudes of 37°S and single peaks at sites south of this latitude. A longer grass pollen season was therefore found at sites below 37°S, driven by later seasonal end dates for grass growth and flowering. Daily pollen counts increased with latitude; subtropical regions had seasons of both high intensity and long duration. At higher latitude sites, the single springtime grass pollen peak is potentially due to a cooler growing season and a predominance of pollen from C3 grasses. The multiple peaks at lower latitude sites may be due to a warmer season and the predominance of pollen from C4 grasses. Prevalence and duration of seasonal allergies may reflect the differing pollen seasons across Australia and NZ. It must be emphasized that these findings are tentative due to limitations in the available data, reinforcing the need to implement standardized pollen-monitoring methods across Australasia. Furthermore, spatiotemporal differences in grass pollen counts indicate that local, current, standardized pollen monitoring would assist with the management of pollen allergen exposure for patients at risk of allergic rhinitis and asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul J Beggs
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alison K Jaggard
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bradley C Campbell
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Don Vicendese
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Fay H Johnston
- Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Ian Godwin
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Alfredo R Huete
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change, University of Technology, Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Brett J Green
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Pamela K Burton
- Campbelltown Hospital and the School of Medicine, University of Western Sydney, Macarthur, NSW, Australia
| | - David M J S Bowman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Rewi M Newnham
- School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Constance H Katelaris
- Campbelltown Hospital and the School of Medicine, University of Western Sydney, Macarthur, NSW, Australia
| | - Simon G Haberle
- Department of Archaeology and Natural History, College of Asia and the Pacific, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Ed Newbigin
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Janet M Davies
- School of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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21
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Davies JM, Beggs PJ, Medek DE, Newnham RM, Erbas B, Thibaudon M, Katelaris CH, Haberle SG, Newbigin EJ, Huete AR. Trans-disciplinary research in synthesis of grass pollen aerobiology and its importance for respiratory health in Australasia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 534:85-96. [PMID: 25891684 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Grass pollen is a major trigger for allergic rhinitis and asthma, yet little is known about the timing and levels of human exposure to airborne grass pollen across Australasian urban environments. The relationships between environmental aeroallergen exposure and allergic respiratory disease bridge the fields of ecology, aerobiology, geospatial science and public health. The Australian Aerobiology Working Group comprised of experts in botany, palynology, biogeography, climate change science, plant genetics, biostatistics, ecology, pollen allergy, public and environmental health, and medicine, was established to systematically source, collate and analyse atmospheric pollen concentration data from 11 Australian and six New Zealand sites. Following two week-long workshops, post-workshop evaluations were conducted to reflect upon the utility of this analysis and synthesis approach to address complex multidisciplinary questions. This Working Group described i) a biogeographically dependent variation in airborne pollen diversity, ii) a latitudinal gradient in the timing, duration and number of peaks of the grass pollen season, and iii) the emergence of new methodologies based on trans-disciplinary synthesis of aerobiology and remote sensing data. Challenges included resolving methodological variations between pollen monitoring sites and temporal variations in pollen datasets. Other challenges included "marrying" ecosystem and health sciences and reconciling divergent expert opinion. The Australian Aerobiology Working Group facilitated knowledge transfer between diverse scientific disciplines, mentored students and early career scientists, and provided an uninterrupted collaborative opportunity to focus on a unifying problem globally. The Working Group provided a platform to optimise the value of large existing ecological datasets that have importance for human respiratory health and ecosystems research. Compilation of current knowledge of Australasian pollen aerobiology is a critical first step towards the management of exposure to pollen in patients with allergic disease and provides a basis from which the future impacts of climate change on pollen distribution can be assessed and monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet M Davies
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Paul J Beggs
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Danielle E Medek
- Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Rewi M Newnham
- School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Public Health and Human Biosciences, La Trobe University, VIC 3086, Australia.
| | - Michel Thibaudon
- European Aerobiology Society, Réseau National de Surveillance Aérobiologique, 11 chemin de la Creuzille, 69690 Brussieu, France.
| | - Connstance H Katelaris
- Campbelltown Hospital, The School of Medicine, University of Western Sydney, Macarthur, NSW, Australia.
| | - Simon G Haberle
- Department of Archaeology and Natural History, College of Asia and the Pacific, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
| | - Edward J Newbigin
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Alfredo R Huete
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
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22
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Ellis AK, North ML. Expanding role of controlled allergen challenge facilities in allergic rhinitis research. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2015; 114:159-60. [PMID: 25744895 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2014.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anne K Ellis
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, Division of Allergy & Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University; Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Michelle L North
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, Division of Allergy & Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University; Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Nony E, Timbrell V, Hrabina M, Boutron M, Solley G, Moingeon P, Davies JM. Specific IgE recognition of pollen allergens from subtropic grasses in patients from the subtropics. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2015; 114:214-220.e2. [PMID: 25744907 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2014] [Revised: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pollens of subtropical grasses, Bahia (Paspalum notatum), Johnson (Sorghum halepense), and Bermuda (Cynodon dactylon), are common causes of respiratory allergies in subtropical regions worldwide. OBJECTIVE To evaluate IgE cross-reactivity of grass pollen (GP) found in subtropical and temperate areas. METHODS Case and control serum samples from 83 individuals from the subtropical region of Queensland were tested for IgE reactivity with GP extracts by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A randomly sampled subset of 21 serum samples from patients with subtropical GP allergy were examined by ImmunoCAP and cross-inhibition assays. RESULTS Fifty-four patients with allergic rhinitis and GP allergy had higher IgE reactivity with P notatum and C dactylon than with a mixture of 5 temperate GPs. For 90% of 21 GP allergic serum samples, P notatum, S halepense, or C dactylon specific IgE concentrations were higher than temperate GP specific IgE, and GP specific IgE had higher correlations of subtropical GP (r = 0.771-0.950) than temperate GP (r = 0.317-0.677). In most patients (71%-100%), IgE with P notatum, S halepense, or C dactylon GPs was inhibited better by subtropical GP than temperate GP. When the temperate GP mixture achieved 50% inhibition of IgE with subtropical GP, there was a 39- to 67-fold difference in concentrations giving 50% inhibition and significant differences in maximum inhibition for S halepense and P notatum GP relative to temperate GP. CONCLUSION Patients living in a subtropical region had species specific IgE recognition of subtropical GP. Most GP allergic patients in Queensland would benefit from allergen specific immunotherapy with a standardized content of subtropical GP allergens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Victoria Timbrell
- The University of Queensland, School of Medicine, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Janet M Davies
- The University of Queensland, School of Medicine, Brisbane, Australia
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24
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Wong KJ, Timbrell V, Xi Y, Upham JW, Collins AM, Davies JM. IgE+ B cells are scarce, but allergen-specific B cells with a memory phenotype circulate in patients with allergic rhinitis. Allergy 2015; 70:420-8. [PMID: 25556717 DOI: 10.1111/all.12563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the critical role of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in allergy, circulating IgE+ B cells are scarce. Here, we describe in patients with allergic rhinitis B cells with a memory phenotype responding to a prototypic aeroallergen. METHODS Fifteen allergic rhinitis patients with grass pollen allergy and 13 control subjects were examined. Blood mononuclear cells stained with carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) were cultured with Bahia grass pollen. Proliferation and phenotype were assessed by multicolour flow cytometry. RESULTS In blood of allergic rhinitis patients with high serum IgE to grass pollen, most IgE(hi) cells were CD123+ HLA-DR(-) basophils, with IgE for the major pollen allergen (Pas n 1). Both B and T cells from pollen-allergic donors showed higher proliferation to grass pollen than nonallergic donors (P = 0.002, and 0.010, respectively), whereas responses to vaccine antigens and mitogen did not differ between groups. Allergen-driven B cells that divided rapidly (CD19(mid) CD3(-) CFSE(lo) ) showed higher CD27 (P = 0.008) and lower CD19 (P = 0.004) and CD20 (P = 0.004) expression than B cells that were slow to respond to allergen (CD19(hi) CD3(-) CFSE(mid) ). Moreover, rapidly dividing allergen-driven B cells (CD19(mid) CFSE(lo) CD27(hi) ) showed higher expression of the plasmablast marker CD38 compared with B cells (CD19(hi) CFSE(mid) CD27(lo) ) that were slow to divide. CONCLUSION Patients with pollen allergy but not control donors have a population of circulating allergen-specific B cells with the phenotype and functional properties of adaptive memory B-cell responses. These cells could provide precursors for allergen-specific IgE production upon allergen re-exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. J. Wong
- Lung and Allergy Research Centre; School of Medicine; The University of Queensland; Woolloongabba Qld Australia
| | - V. Timbrell
- Lung and Allergy Research Centre; School of Medicine; The University of Queensland; Woolloongabba Qld Australia
| | - Y. Xi
- Lung and Allergy Research Centre; School of Medicine; The University of Queensland; Woolloongabba Qld Australia
| | - J. W. Upham
- Lung and Allergy Research Centre; School of Medicine; The University of Queensland; Woolloongabba Qld Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine; Princess Alexandra Hospital; Woolloongabba Qld Australia
| | - A. M. Collins
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences; University of New South Wales; Kensington NSW Australia
| | - J. M. Davies
- Lung and Allergy Research Centre; School of Medicine; The University of Queensland; Woolloongabba Qld Australia
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25
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Timbrell VL, Riebelt L, Simmonds C, Solley G, Smith WB, Mclean-Tooke A, van Nunen S, Smith PK, Upham JW, Langguth D, Davies JM. An immunodiagnostic assay for quantitation of specific IgE to the major pollen allergen component, Pas n 1, of the subtropical Bahia grass. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2015; 165:219-28. [PMID: 25612605 DOI: 10.1159/000369341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pollens of the Panicoideae subfamily of grasses including Bahia (Paspalum notatum) are important allergen sources in subtropical regions of the world. An assay for specific IgE to the major molecular allergenic component, Pas n 1, of Bahia grass pollen (BaGP) would have immunodiagnostic utility for patients with pollen allergy in these regions. METHODS Biotinylated Pas n 1 purified from BaGP was coated onto streptavidin ImmunoCAPs. Subjects were assessed by clinical history of allergic rhinitis and skin prick test (SPT) to aeroallergens. Serum total, BaGP-specific and Pas n 1-specific IgE were measured. RESULTS Pas n 1 IgE concentrations were highly correlated with BaGP SPT (r = 0.795, p < 0.0001) and BaGP IgE (r = 0.915, p < 0.0001). At 0.23 kU/l Pas n 1 IgE, the diagnostic sensitivity (92.4%) and specificity (93.1%) for the detection of BaGP allergy was high (area under receiver operator curve 0.960, p < 0.0001). The median concentrations of Pas n 1 IgE in non-atopic subjects (0.01 kU/l, n = 67) and those with other allergies (0.02 kU/l, n = 59) showed no inter-group difference, whilst grass pollen-allergic patients with allergic rhinitis showed elevated Pas n 1 IgE (6.71 kU/l, n = 182, p < 0.0001). The inter-assay coefficient of variation for the BaGP-allergic serum pool was 6.92%. CONCLUSIONS Pas n 1 IgE appears to account for most of the BaGP-specific IgE. This molecular component immunoassay for Pas n 1 IgE has potential utility to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of diagnosis of BaGP allergy for patients in subtropical regions.
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26
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Davies JM. Grass pollen allergens globally: the contribution of subtropical grasses to burden of allergic respiratory diseases. Clin Exp Allergy 2015; 44:790-801. [PMID: 24684550 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Grass pollens of the temperate (Pooideae) subfamily and subtropical subfamilies of grasses are major aeroallergen sources worldwide. The subtropical Chloridoideae (e.g. Cynodon dactylon; Bermuda grass) and Panicoideae (e.g. Paspalum notatum; Bahia grass) species are abundant in parts of Africa, India, Asia, Australia and the Americas, where a large and increasing proportion of the world's population abide. These grasses are phylogenetically and ecologically distinct from temperate grasses. With the advent of global warming, it is conceivable that the geographic distribution of subtropical grasses and the contribution of their pollen to the burden of allergic rhinitis and asthma will increase. This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the current global knowledge of (i) regional variation in allergic sensitivity to subtropical grass pollens, (ii) molecular allergenic components of subtropical grass pollens and (iii) allergic responses to subtropical grass pollen allergens in relevant populations. Patients from subtropical regions of the world show higher allergic sensitivity to grass pollens of Chloridoideae and Panicoideae grasses, than to temperate grass pollens. The group 1 allergens are amongst the allergen components of subtropical grass pollens, but the group 5 allergens, by which temperate grass pollen extracts are standardized for allergen content, appear to be absent from both subfamilies of subtropical grasses. Whilst there are shared allergenic components and antigenic determinants, there are additional clinically relevant subfamily-specific differences, at T- and B-cell levels, between pollen allergens of subtropical and temperate grasses. Differential immune recognition of subtropical grass pollens is likely to impact upon the efficacy of allergen immunotherapy of patients who are primarily sensitized to subtropical grass pollens. The literature reviewed herein highlights the clinical need to standardize allergen preparations for both types of subtropical grass pollens to achieve optimal diagnosis and treatment of patients with allergic respiratory disease in subtropical regions of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Davies
- Lung and Allergy Research Centre, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Qld, Australia
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27
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Total transcriptome, proteome, and allergome of Johnson grass pollen, which is important for allergic rhinitis in subtropical regions. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2015; 135:133-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2014.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Revised: 05/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Gangl K, Niederberger V, Valenta R. Multiple grass mixes as opposed to single grasses for allergen immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis. Clin Exp Allergy 2014; 43:1202-16. [PMID: 24152153 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2012] [Revised: 03/31/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Grass pollen allergy affects approximately 40% of allergic patients. Subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) is the only allergen-specific and disease-modifying treatment available. Currently available therapeutic vaccines for the treatment of grass pollen allergy are based on natural grass pollen extracts which are either made from pollen of one cross-reactive grass species or from several related grass species. Clinical studies have shown that SCIT performed with timothy grass pollen extract is effective for the treatment of grass pollen allergy. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that recombinant timothy grass pollen allergens contain the majority of relevant epitopes and can be used for SCIT in clinical trials. However, recent in vitro studies have suggested that mixes consisting of allergen extracts from several related grass species may have advantages for SCIT over single allergen extracts. Here, we review current knowledge regarding the disease-relevant allergens in grass pollen allergy, available clinical studies comparing SCIT with allergen extracts from timothy grass or from mixes of several related grass species of the Pooideae subfamily, in vitro cross-reactivity studies performed with natural allergen extracts and recombinant allergens and SCIT studies performed with recombinant timothy grass pollen allergens. In vitro and clinical studies performed with natural allergen extracts reveal no relevant advantages of using multiple grass mixes as opposed to single grass pollen extracts. Several studies analysing the molecular composition of natural allergen extracts and the molecular profile of patients' immune responses after SCIT with allergen extracts indicate that the major limitation for the production of a high quality grass pollen vaccine resides in intrinsic features of natural allergen extracts which can only be overcome with recombinant allergen-based technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Gangl
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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29
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Haberle SG, Bowman DMJS, Newnham RM, Johnston FH, Beggs PJ, Buters J, Campbell B, Erbas B, Godwin I, Green BJ, Huete A, Jaggard AK, Medek D, Murray F, Newbigin E, Thibaudon M, Vicendese D, Williamson GJ, Davies JM. The macroecology of airborne pollen in Australian and New Zealand urban areas. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97925. [PMID: 24874807 PMCID: PMC4038531 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 04/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The composition and relative abundance of airborne pollen in urban areas of Australia and New Zealand are strongly influenced by geographical location, climate and land use. There is mounting evidence that the diversity and quality of airborne pollen is substantially modified by climate change and land-use yet there are insufficient data to project the future nature of these changes. Our study highlights the need for long-term aerobiological monitoring in Australian and New Zealand urban areas in a systematic, standardised, and sustained way, and provides a framework for targeting the most clinically significant taxa in terms of abundance, allergenic effects and public health burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon G. Haberle
- Department of Archaeology and Natural History, College of Asia and the Pacific, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Rewi M. Newnham
- School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Fay H. Johnston
- Menzies Research Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Paul J. Beggs
- Department of Environment and Geography, Faculty of Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jeroen Buters
- Center for Allergy and Environment, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bradley Campbell
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Public Health and Human Biosciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian Godwin
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brett J. Green
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Alfredo Huete
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change, University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alison K. Jaggard
- Department of Environment and Geography, Faculty of Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Danielle Medek
- School of Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Frank Murray
- School of Environmental Science, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ed Newbigin
- School of Botany, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michel Thibaudon
- European Aerobiology Society, Réseau National de Surveillance Aérobiologique, Lyon, Rhône-Alpes, France
| | - Don Vicendese
- School of Public Health and Human Biosciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Grant J. Williamson
- School of Plant Science, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Janet M. Davies
- Lung and Allergy Research Centre, School of Medicine, and Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
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Popescu FD. Molecular biomarkers for grass pollen immunotherapy. World J Methodol 2014; 4:26-45. [PMID: 25237628 PMCID: PMC4145574 DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v4.i1.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2013] [Revised: 01/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Grass pollen allergy represents a significant cause of allergic morbidity worldwide. Component-resolved diagnosis biomarkers are increasingly used in allergy practice in order to evaluate the sensitization to grass pollen allergens, allowing the clinician to confirm genuine sensitization to the corresponding allergen plant sources and supporting an accurate prescription of allergy immunotherapy (AIT), an important approach in many regions of the world with great plant biodiversity and/or where pollen seasons may overlap. The search for candidate predictive biomarkers for grass pollen immunotherapy (tolerogenic dendritic cells and regulatory T cells biomarkers, serum blocking antibodies biomarkers, especially functional ones, immune activation and immune tolerance soluble biomarkers and apoptosis biomarkers) opens new opportunities for the early detection of clinical responders for AIT, for the follow-up of these patients and for the development of new allergy vaccines.
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31
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Song Z, Chen W, Huang X, Zhou X, Luo J, Wang H, Darsow U, Becker T, Qian F, Hao F, Ring J. Sensitization to beer ingredients in Chinese individuals with beer allergy: a clinical study of 20 cases. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2013; 163:135-41. [PMID: 24356415 DOI: 10.1159/000356703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rare case reports of allergic reactions to beer have been published, but the nature of the eliciting substances in beer ingredients is often unknown. OBJECTIVE It was the aim of this study to identify sensitization patterns against various beer ingredients in Chinese individuals with beer allergy. METHODS Twenty-seven Chinese individuals with a clear-cut history of beer allergy were prescreened to answer a specific questionnaire related to the history and symptoms of beer allergy. Twenty individuals underwent allergy diagnostics with different food allergens and extracts of beer ingredients using the skin prick test (SPT) and the open oral provocation test (OPT) with beer. RESULTS Fifteen patients (75%) showed positive reactions to one or more beer ingredients. Of these, 9 individuals, reactive to sorghum and/or sorghum malt also showed positive reactions to other ingredients. Seventeen individuals showed variable symptoms after the OPT. Cutaneous erythema and urticaria were the most common symptoms and usually persisted for over 2 h. There were no significant differences in SPT reactivity to beer ingredients between male and female individuals. Single patients reacted to barley, hops or yeast. CONCLUSIONS Sensitization to sorghum and/or sorghum malt was the most common finding in Chinese individuals with beer allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Song
- Department of Dermatology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Application of metabolomics approaches to the study of respiratory diseases. Bioanalysis 2013; 4:2265-90. [PMID: 23046268 DOI: 10.4155/bio.12.218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolomics is the global unbiased analysis of all the small-molecule metabolites within a biological system, under a given set of conditions. These methods offer the potential for a holistic approach to clinical medicine, as well as improving disease diagnosis and understanding of pathological mechanisms. Respiratory diseases including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder are increasing globally, with the latter predicted to become the third leading cause of global mortality by 2020. The root causes for disease onset remain poorly understood and no cures are available. This review presents an overview of metabolomics followed by in-depth discussion of its application to the study of respiratory diseases, including the design of metabolomics experiments, choice of clinical material collected and potentially confounding experimental factors. Particular challenges in the field are presented and placed within the context of the future of the applications of metabolomics approaches to the study of respiratory diseases.
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