Assessing Degree of Flowering Implicates Multiple <i>Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae</i> Species in Allergy

Abstract

Background: IgE-mediated sensitization to the Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae families is a cause of allergic symptoms in arid areas. Salsola kali and Chenopodium album are considered the main species responsible; however, there is a discrepancy between the pollination period of these two plants and clinical symptoms. The objectives of this study were to identify new Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae members with sensitization capacity and to correlate symptoms, pollen counts and degree of flowering of different species. Methods: A total of 37 individuals monosensitized to S. kali and C. album were included in the study. All patients recorded daily symptom scores between May and October 2007. Extracts from Chenopodium (album, vulvaria and murale), Salsola (kali, vermiculata, and oppositifolia), Bassia scoparia, Atriplex (patula and halimus) and Amaranthus (deflexus and muricatus) were manufactured and used in skin prick tests (SPTs). Protein content and IgE binding were assessed for each extract. Pollen counts and degree of flowering (based on the Orshan specific semiquantitative method) were assessed weekly. Results: Symptom scores demonstrated a positive correlation with pollen counts even outside the pollination period of S. kali. Positive SPTs were obtained with all 11 species tested, which showed common proteins with IgE-binding capacity. Different species flowered at different times during the pollen season. Conclusion: Different taxonomically related species of Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae can induce allergic sensitization and should be considered for use in diagnosis and treatment. Degree of flowering is a complementary method for assessing pollination that could be used for botanical families with indistinguishable pollen grains.

Amaranthus species around Bangkok, Thailand and the release of allergenic proteins from their pollens

“…pollen concentration. 6,15 Although six species of Amaranthus can be found in Thailand, this study identified only three species: A. spinosus, A. hybridus, and A. viridis, commonly found in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region. These three species had different characteristics.…”

“…Pollen allergen surveys showed that pollen of Amaranthus can be found in the atmosphere throughout the year. 6,15 A study performed in Spain showed that the maximum concentration of Amaranthus pollen was found between June and October each year 6,15,16 , while another study performed in Romania showed the highest daily pollen concentration between late July and mid-August 7 . Previous airborne pollen survey in Bangkok showed that the peak of Amaranthus pollen count occurred between November and January with the highest concentration in December.…”

“…Most allergenic proteins are found in the pollen cytoplasm and must be released from pollen to cause allergic symptoms. 15 Released proteins from Amaranth pollen were analyzed for concentration and size. Bradford's assay showed that the highest concentration of proteins was released from Amaranth pollen within the first 15 minutes after incubation.…”

The natural profilin from Russian thistle (Salsola kali ) contains a low IgE‐binding ability isoform – molecular and immunological characterization

“…After immunological characterization, we determined that the various isoforms of Sal k 4 show various IgE‐binding capabilities, and suggests a hypoallergenic nature for rSal k 4.02 in comparison to rSal k 4.03 and rChe a 2 because it binds significantly lower levels of IgE. Although the possibility cannot be discarded that this response is due to a lower IgE cross‐reactivity of Sal k 4.02 to other primary sensitizing profilins in other pollens of the environment, it should be taken into account that S. kali pollen is a main source of sensitization for the Zaragoza patient population , and thus S. kali profilin is a primary sensitization source. In the province of Jaén, S. kali co‐exists with olive tree cultivars, the main agriculture crop, and is an important source of allergenic pollen.…”

Relevance of Allergenic Sensitization to Cynodon dactylon and Phragmites communis: Cross-reactivity With Pooideae Grasses

“…Studies of flowering may help to identify specific grasses responsible for pollen allergy by identifying the pollination season of different species [8]. C dactylon has been found to flower later than temperate grasses [6], possibly explaining the onset of symptoms in grass-sensitized patients in late June or July.…”