Silk sensitivity

Figley, Karl D.; Parkhurst, H. J.

doi:10.1016/s0021-8707(33)90171-9

Cited by 32 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…In some early reports on human allergic sensitivity to silk (Clarke and Meyer 1923; Figley and Parkhurst 1933), sericin was indeed suggested as a cause, but only because its solubility in water. Most of the studies published at the same time or later (Taub 1930; Friedman et al 1957; Brown and Coleman 1957; Kino and Oshima 1979; Häcki et al 1982; Johansson et al 1985; Harindranath et al 1985; Nakazawa and Umegae 1990; Suzuki et al 1995; Celedón et al 2001) could not confirm this suggestion.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of silk sericin as a biomaterial: in vitro growth of human corneal limbal epithelial cells on Bombyx mori sericin membranes

et al. 2013

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Sericin and fibroin are the two major proteins in the silk fibre produced by the domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori. Fibroin has been extensively investigated as a biomaterial. We have previously shown that fibroin can function successfully as a substratum for growing cells of the eye. Sericin has been so far neglected as a biomaterial because of suspected allergenic activity. However, this misconception has now been dispelled, and sericin’s biocompatibility is currently indisputable. Aiming at promoting sericin as a possible substratum for the growth of corneal cells in order to make tissue-engineered constructs for the restoration of the ocular surface, in this study we investigated the attachment and growth in vitro of human corneal limbal epithelial cells (HLECs) on sericin-based membranes. Sericin was isolated and regenerated from the silkworm cocoons by an aqueous procedure, manufactured into membranes, and characterized (mechanical properties, structural analysis, contact angles). Primary cell cultures from two donors were established in serum-supplemented media in the presence of murine feeder cells. Membranes made of sericin and fibroin-sericin blends were assessed in vitro as substrata for HLECs in a serum-free medium, in a cell attachment assay and in a 3-day cell growth experiment. While the mechanical characteristics of sericin were found to be inferior to those of fibroin, its ability to enhance the attachment of HLECs was significantly superior to fibroin, as revealed by the PicoGreen® assay. Evidence was also obtained that cells can grow and differentiate on these substrata.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/2194-0517-2-14) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of silk sericin as a biomaterial: in vitro growth of human corneal limbal epithelial cells on Bombyx mori sericin membranes

et al. 2013

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“…Sensitization to silk and occupational asthma have long been known to be hazards of sericulture. [13][14][15] China is the homeland of silk. The allergenicities of the 2 groups of silk used in China, mulberry and wild, are very similar.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sensitization to Silk and Childhood Asthma in Rural China

Celedón

Palmer

Xu³

et al. 2001

Pediatrics

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ABSTRACT.Objective. Sensitization to perennial aeroallergens is associated with asthma in industrialized countries with a Western lifestyle. Because silk products are commonly used in Chinese society, we were interested in examining the relation between sensitization to silk and asthma.Design. Cross-sectional study of 871 children in 503 families living in Anqing, a predominantly rural province of China.Results. After adjustment for age, gender, familial correlations, and sensitization to other aeroallergens, skin test reactivity to silk was an independent predictor of asthma (odds ratio ‫؍‬ 2.6; 95% confidence interval ‫؍‬ 1.2-5.7). This association became stronger after inclusion of the eosinophil count and history of parasitic diseases of the participants in the multivariate model (odds ratio ‫؍‬ 3.6; 95% confidence interval ‫؍‬ 1.4 -8.9).Conclusion. Because sericulture is an important activity in China and other countries throughout the world, sensitization to silk may influence the pathogenesis and severity of asthma in people living in these nations. T he silk production industry began in China ϳ2640 BC, when the Empress Hsi-ling Shih is credited with learning how to raise silkworms and unwind the silk filaments from their cocoons. Although sericulture then spread to Japan and later westward over India and Central Asia, China is the main producer of raw silk in the world today.Skin test reactivity to perennial aeroallergens, such as the house dust mite, animal dander, and mold, is strongly associated with asthma in countries with a Western lifestyle. [1][2][3][4][5][6] Because silk is an aeroallergen that is ubiquitous in Chinese society, 7 we were interested in examining the relation between sensitization to silk and asthma among 871 children living in Anqing, a predominantly rural province of China. METHODSAnqing stretches for ϳ80 km along the northern bank of the Yangtze river. The annual temperature is 15°C. Anqing has 3 urban areas and 8 rural counties, with a total area of 15 000 km. 2 The population in 1990 was 5.8 million (urban, 9%; rural, 91%). Families were selected from the general population. All families were selected by a 2-stage random sampling technique using 1992 census records. The sample unit at the first stage was the administrative unit (eg, the village). At the second stage, the unit was the household. The following criteria were used for inclusion of families in the study: 1) 2 or more siblings in the family; 2) age of the youngest sibling Ն6 years; and 3) both parents available. ProceduresInformed consent was obtained from the parents of all participating children Ͻ12 years old and from all participating children Ͼ12 years old. Local officials and health centers arranged for appointments to take place at a central office at a time convenient for the participants. Data were collected by faculty members from Anhui Medical University and by trained interviewers between July 1, 1994, and January 26, 1998.The following procedures were conducted: 1) completion of a modified American Thor...

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“…Fibroin, the protein substance of silk, has a low allergenic potential. Scarves, ties, and other clothes made of washed silk are safe for the consumer, and only single cases of allergy to silk clothes were reported in the 1930s (3–5).…”

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confidence: 99%