Research note: Increasing Amb a 1 content in common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) pollen as a function of rising atmospheric CO2 concentration

Abstract

Although the impact of increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) on production of common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) pollen has been examined in both indoor and outdoor experiments, the relationship between allergen expression and [CO2] is not known. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify Amb a 1, ragweed’s major allergen, in protein extracted from pollen of A. artemisiifolia grown at different [CO2] values in a previous experiment. The concentrations used approximated atmospheric pre-industrial conditions (i.e. at the end of the 19th century), current conditions, and the CO2 concentration projected for the middle of the 21st century (280, 370 and 600 μmol mol–1 CO2, respectively). Although total pollen protein remained unchanged, significant increases in Amb a 1 allergen were observed between pre-industrial and projected future [CO2] and between current and projected future [CO2] (1.8 and 1.6 times, respectively). These data suggest that recent and projected increases in [CO2] could directly increase the allergenicity of ragweed pollen and consequently the prevalence and / or severity of seasonal allergic disease. However, genetic and abiotic factors governing allergen expression will need to be better established to fully understand these data and their implications for public health.

The toxicology of climate change: Environmental contaminants in a warming world

“…Shifts in plant populations have already been documented as a result of climate change (Rogers et al, 2006;Root et al, 2003;Singer et al, 2005). For example, studies show that increasing concentrations of CO 2 enhance the production of Amb a 1 allergen and pollen from ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) (Rogers et al, 2006;Singer et al, 2005).…”

“…For example, studies show that increasing concentrations of CO 2 enhance the production of Amb a 1 allergen and pollen from ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) (Rogers et al, 2006;Singer et al, 2005). In addition, diesel exhaust, which contains numerous pollutants, including PM, NOx, VOCs, CO, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), has been shown to enhance allergenicity and asthma symptoms in adults and children by acting synergistically with allergens (D' Amato et al, 2002;Diaz-Sanchez et al, 2003;Janssen et al, 2003).…”

Climate change and respiratory diseases

“…Pollen counts could rise due to multiple mechanisms such as increased ambient carbon dioxide levels [12], increased temperature or earlier spring seasons [13]. Studies on plant responses to elevated carbon dioxide concentrations indicate that plants exhibit enhanced photosynthesis and reproductive effects and produce more pollen [12]. Elevated carbon dioxide concentration often increases plant leaf biomass and the carbon/nitrogen ratio which can affect not only pollen but also mould [14].…”

“…Moreover, plants flower earlier in urban areas than in the corresponding rural areas with earlier pollination by about 2-4 days. Pollen counts could rise due to multiple mechanisms such as increased ambient carbon dioxide levels [12], increased temperature or earlier spring seasons [13]. Studies on plant responses to elevated carbon dioxide concentrations indicate that plants exhibit enhanced photosynthesis and reproductive effects and produce more pollen [12].…”

Determination of Extraction Buffer and Ammonium Sulfate Percentage for Pollen Crude Protein Extracts of Mangifera, Durio and Syzygium Fruit Flowers

“…According to Allergy Centre Malaysia in 2014, pollen is the third contribution to allergic rhinitis. Although, studies on the allergenic properties of pollen from various species have been carried out by several workers [3,4,5,6], information on allergy to pollen in Malaysia is completely lacking, even though there are numerous tropical fruits trees flowering in all season of the year. Nevertheless, there was no such type of research work carried out in Malaysia for investigating the reason of pollen allergy except by [7] where he perform a survey of skin prick tests (SPT) using pollen extracts on 200 patients with clinical symptoms of asthma.…”