Gestational Dysfunction-Driven Diets and Probiotic Supplementation Correlate with the Profile of Allergen-Specific Antibodies in the Serum of Allergy Sufferers

Study protocol: The role of milk matrix lipids in programming the immunoreactivity of proteins derived from lactic acid bacteria

Food allergy is widely recognized as a significant health issue, having escalated into a global epidemic, subsequently giving rise to the development of numerous additional complications. Currently, the sole efficient method to curb the progression of allergy is through the implementation of an elimination diet. The increasing number of newly identified allergens makes it harder to completely remove or avoid them effectively. The immunoreactivity of proteins of bacterial origin remains an unexplored topic. Despite the substantial consumption of microbial proteins in our diets, the immunologic mechanisms they might induce require thorough validation. This stands as the primary objective of this study. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of bacterial proteins on the intestinal barrier and immune system parameters during hypersensitivity induction in both developing and mature organisms. The secondary objective was to evaluate the role of lipids in the immunoreactivity programming of these bacterial proteins. Notably, in this complex, comprehensively designed in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo trial, the immunoreactivity of various bacterial proteins will be examined. In summary, the proposed study intends to address the knowledge gaps regarding the effects of Lactobacillus microbial proteins on inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and intestinal barrier integrity in a single study.

Immunoreactive proteins of Capsicum-based spices as a threat to human health: mass spectrometry analysis and in silico mapping

Dietary patterns are changing severely, especially the consumption of highly processed foods with lots of spices is increasing, carrying an increased risk of immediate hypersensitivity (type I), in sensitised individuals, due to the possible presence of allergens, especially the hidden ones. Paprika is a fruit of the Capsicum genus, which belongs to the Solanaceae family and is commonly consumed fresh or as a spice. Despite recorded cases of anaphylaxis, its allergenicity has yet to be clearly investigated. In this study, we research to identify proteins that could trigger a severe allergic reaction in patients with an equivocal clinical picture. Two types of protein extracts extracted from 3 different paprika spices were immunoblotted with sera from patients with severe allergic symptoms, presumably to paprika. Proteins from the IgE reactive bands obtained were subjected to LC-MS/MS identification and then in silico analysis to assess their possible sensitising capacity and proinflammatory potential using online tools. The spices were shown to contain a number of incompletely investigated highly immunoreactive allergenic proteins, including proteins of foreign origin (contaminants), the presence of which can stimulate inflammatory mechanisms and cross-reactivity with other food allergens, which can threaten life and health and should be investigated in detail.

Maternal Macro- and Micronutrient Intake During Pregnancy: Does It Affect Allergic Predisposition in Offspring?

This review article explores the available literature on the association of maternal nutrient intake with development of allergies in offspring. It examines the mechanisms for maternal diet-mediated effects on offspring immunity and dissects recent human and animal studies that evaluate the role of both maternal macro- and micronutrient intake on offspring susceptibility to asthma, eczema, food allergy, and atopy.

Peanut allergen induces more serious allergic reactions than other allergens involving MAPK signaling pathways

There is no universally accepted uniform research to classify the severity of allergic reactions triggered by different food allergens. We established a food allergy model based on repeated intragastric administrations of proteins from peanut, egg, milk, or soybean mixed with cholera toxin followed by oral food challenges with a high dose of the sensitizing proteins. Increased specific IgE, specific IgG1, allergic symptom scores, histamine, murine mast cell proteases-1, vascular leakage, Th2 cytokines, and mast cell infiltration in the lungs and intestine were found in the allergic groups via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, hematoxylin-eosin, and toluidine blue staining. Each sensitized group showed a decrease in body temperature and Th1 cytokines after oral food challenge. The increased levels of Th2 cytokines, IL-25, IL-33, and TSLP, and related asthma genes ARG1, DCN, LTB4R1 and NFKBIA as well as the activation of MAPK signaling pathways were also revealed by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. In terms of the severity of food allergies, peanut allergy was the most serious followed by egg and milk, and soybean allergy was the least severe. Compared to other allergic groups, asthma genes were regulated through the MAPK signaling pathways to produce related Th2 cytokines in peanut allergy; consequently, mice in the peanut group exhibited more severe allergic reactions. Comparison of the severity of food allergies is required for the development of milder prevention for severe food allergies.

Potential Role of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Pediatric Food Allergy

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are involved both in immune system regulation and inflammation. In particular, within the PUFAs category, omega-3 (ω-3) may reduce inflammation, whereas omega-6 (ω-6) PUFAs are generally considered to have a proinflammatory effect. Recent evidence highlights an imbalance in the ω-3:ω-6 ratio with an increased intake of ω-6, as a consequence of the shift towards a westernized diet. In critical age groups such as infants, toddlers and young children, as well as pregnant and lactating women or fish allergic patients, ω-3 intake may be inadequate. This review aims to discuss the potential beneficial effects of PUFAs on pediatric food allergy prevention and treatment, both at prenatal and postnatal ages. Data from preclinical studies with PUFAs supplementation show encouraging effects in suppressing allergic response. Clinical studies results are still conflicting about the best timing and dosages of supplementation and which individuals are most likely to benefit; therefore, it is still not possible to draw firm conclusions. With regard to food-allergic children, it is still debated whether PUFAs could slow disease progression or not, since consistent data are lacking. In conclusion, more data on the effects of ω-3 PUFAs supplementation alone or in combination with other nutrients are warranted, both in the general and food allergic population.

Food Allergy and Intolerance: A Narrative Review on Nutritional Concerns

Adverse food reactions include immune-mediated food allergies and non-immune-mediated intolerances. However, this distinction and the involvement of different pathogenetic mechanisms are often confused. Furthermore, there is a discrepancy between the perceived vs. actual prevalence of immune-mediated food allergies and non-immune reactions to food that are extremely common. The risk of an inappropriate approach to their correct identification can lead to inappropriate diets with severe nutritional deficiencies. This narrative review provides an outline of the pathophysiologic and clinical features of immune and non-immune adverse reactions to food-along with general diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Special emphasis is placed on specific nutritional concerns for each of these conditions from the combined point of view of gastroenterology and immunology, in an attempt to offer a useful tool to practicing physicians in discriminating these diverging disease entities and planning their correct management. We conclude that a correct diagnostic approach and dietary control of both immune- and non-immune-mediated food-induced diseases might minimize the nutritional gaps in these patients, thus helping to improve their quality of life and reduce the economic costs of their management.

Two Faces of Milk Proteins Peptides with Both Allergenic and Multidimensional Health Beneficial Impact- Integrated In Vitro/In Silico Approach

The main food-origin antigens that the infant's body is in contact with are cow's milk proteins (CMP). Still, CMP are one of the main sources of beneficial biologically active peptides that play a role in treatment of non-communicable diseases. Safe methods to quickly predict the sensitizing potential of food proteins among their range of health-promoting properties are essential. The aim of study was to adapt an integrated approach combining several in silico (IS) studies and in vitro (IV) assays to screen the multifunctionality of CMP-derived peptides. Major histocompatability complex type II MHC II-binders, interleukin-4 and -10 inducers, interferon γ -inducers and immunobioactivity tools were used to predict the peptide-power of inducing allergies or tolerance. A comparison of the peptide profiless revealed the presence of one identical and one overlapping sequence in IS and IV hydrolysate. By IS analysis, four of 24 peptides were found to have high affinity and stimulate IL-4 expression, and by IV, one of seven peptides had this potential (Bos d9 peptide DIPNPIGSENSEK (195-208)). Three IV peptides may induce IL-10 expression. The IV/IS assessment seems promising agents for peptides' potential determination dedicated only to preliminary screening of peptides. The IV verification is still crucial in further steps of studies.