ORCID Profile
0000-0002-2940-9235
Current Organisations
University of Sydney
,
James Cook University
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In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Fisheries Sciences | Fish Physiology and Genetics | Aquaculture | Immunology | Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry | Fish Pests and Diseases | Biologically Active Molecules | Chemical Characterisation of Materials | Preventive Medicine | Medical Biochemistry: Proteins and Peptides (incl. Medical Proteomics) | Allergy | Proteins and Peptides |
Aquaculture Fin Fish (excl. Tuna) | Aquaculture Prawns | Fisheries - Aquaculture not elsewhere classified | Preventive Medicine | Expanding Knowledge in the Chemical Sciences | Immune System and Allergy | Food Safety
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2017
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 17-01-2013
DOI: 10.1021/PR300755P
Abstract: Occupational asthma is a major chronic health dilemma among workers involved in the seafood industry. Several proteins notoriously known to cause asthma have been reported in different seafood. This work involves the application of an allergenomics strategy to study the most potent allergens of northern shrimp. The proteins were extracted from shrimp tissue and profiled by gel electrophoresis. Allergenic proteins were identified based on their reactivity to patient sera and were structurally identified using tandem mass spectrometry. Northern shrimp tropomyosin, arginine kinase, and sarcoplasmic calcium-binding protein were found to be the most significant allergens. Multiple proteolytic enzymes enabled 100% coverage of the sequence of shrimp tropomyosin by tandem mass specrometry. Only partial sequence coverage was obtained, however, for the shrimp allergen arginine kinase. Signature peptides, for both tropomyosin and arginine kinase, were assigned and synthesized for use in developing the multiple reaction monitoring tandem mass spectrometric method. Subsequently, air s les were collected from a shrimp processing plant and two aerosolized proteins quantified using tandem mass specrometry. Allergens were detected in all areas of the plant, reaching levels as high as 375 and 480 ng/m(3) for tropomyosine and arginine kinase, respectively. Tropomyosine is much more abundant than arginine kinase in shrimp tissues, so the high levels of arginine kinase suggest it is more easily aerosolized. The present study shows that mass spectrometric analysis is a sensitive and accurate tool in identifying and quantifying aerosolized allergens.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1038/MI.2010.46
Abstract: Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infections generate pulmonary pathologies that can be associated with strong T(H)2 polarization of the host's immune response. We present data demonstrating N. brasiliensis-driven airway mucus production to be dependent on smooth muscle cell interleukin 4 receptor-α (IL-4Rα) responsiveness. At days 7 and 10 post infection (PI), significant airway mucus production was found in IL-4Rα(-/lox) control mice, whereas global knockout (IL-4Rα(-/-)) and smooth muscle-specific IL-4Rα-deficient mice (SM-MHC(Cre) IL-4Rα(-/lox)) showed reduced airway mucus responses. Furthermore, interleukin (IL)-13 and IL-5 cytokine production in SM-MHC(Cre) IL-4Rα(-/lox) mice was impaired along with a transient reduction in T-cell numbers in the lung. In vitro treatment of smooth muscle cells with secreted N. brasiliensis excretory-secretory antigen (NES) induced IL-6 production. Decreased protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent smooth muscle cell proliferation associated with cell cycle arrest was found in cells stimulated with NES. Together, these data demonstrate that both IL-4Rα and NES-driven responses by smooth muscle cells make important contributions in initiating T(H)2 responses against N. brasiliensis infections.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.FOODCHEM.2013.06.105
Abstract: The major heat-stable shellfish allergen, tropomyosin, demonstrates immunological cross-reactivity, making specific differentiation of crustaceans and molluscs for food labelling very difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of allergen-specific monoclonal antibodies in differential detection of shellfish-derived tropomyosin in 11 crustacean and 7 mollusc species, and to study the impact of heating on its detection. Cross-reactive tropomyosin was detected in all crustacean species, with partial detection in molluscs: mussels, scallops and snails but none in oyster, octopus and squid. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that heating of shellfish has a profound effect on tropomyosin detection. This was evident by the enhanced recognition of multiple tropomyosin variants in the analysed shellfish species. Specific monoclonal antibodies, targetting the N-terminal region of tropomyosin, must therefore be developed to differentiate tropomyosins in crustaceans and molluscs. This can help in correct food labelling practices and thus protection of consumers.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1071/MF12211
Abstract: A survey was undertaken to characterise larval anisakid nematodes present in teleosts at Lizard Island on the northern Great Barrier Reef. In total, 464 fish were examined from 32 families, 62 genera and 107 species. Anisakid nematodes were found in 46 (9.9%) of the fish examined. Infections in Atherinidae, Lethrinidae, Lutjanidae and Serranidae were moderately prevalent, with the intensities of infection ranging from 1 to 80 whereas in the Sphyraenidae and Scombridae, the prevalence of infection was very high, with intensities ranging from 1 to anisakids. A combined morphological and molecular-phylogenetic approach was employed to identify larval anisakid nematodes to species and/or genotypes. The nematodes examined were identified as Anisakis typica (three genotypes based on molecular characterisation), Terranova Types I (five genotypes) and II (five genotypes) and Hysterothylacium Types IV, V (four genotypes), VI and X. The findings of the present study provide some insights into the distribution of larval anisakid nematodes in coral-reef fishes and a basis for future investigations of anisakid populations in marine fishes.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 22-12-2020
DOI: 10.3390/IJMS22010032
Abstract: Shellfish allergy affects 2% of the world’s population and persists for life in most patients. The diagnosis of shellfish allergy, in particular shrimp, is challenging due to the similarity of allergenic proteins from other invertebrates. Despite the clinical importance of immunological cross-reactivity among shellfish species and between allergenic invertebrates such as dust mites, the underlying molecular basis is not well understood. Here we mine the complete transcriptome of five frequently consumed shrimp species to identify and compare allergens with all known allergen sources. The transcriptomes were assembled de novo, using Trinity, from raw RNA-Seq data of the whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon), banana shrimp (Fenneropenaeus merguiensis), king shrimp (Melicertus latisulcatus), and endeavour shrimp (Metapenaeus endeavouri). BLAST searching using the two major allergen databases, WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature and AllergenOnline, successfully identified all seven known crustacean allergens. The analyses revealed up to 39 unreported allergens in the different shrimp species, including heat shock protein (HSP), alpha-tubulin, chymotrypsin, cyclophilin, beta-enolase, aldolase A, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PD). Multiple sequence alignment (Clustal Omega) demonstrated high homology with allergens from other invertebrates including mites and cockroaches. This first transcriptomic analyses of allergens in a major food source provides a valuable resource for investigating shellfish allergens, comparing invertebrate allergens and future development of improved diagnostics for food allergy.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-2016
DOI: 10.1111/PAI.12563
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 29-10-2013
DOI: 10.1021/LA3033836
Abstract: Polymer nanocapsules have gained an important place as drug delivery vehicles for a myriad of biomedical applications. However, the influence of nanocapsule size, wall thickness, and porosity toward controlling the drug delivery efficiency of nanocapsular systems is not well understood. We report a facile template-mediated approach for the development of near monodispersed chitosan nanocapsules of different sizes, wall thicknesses, and porosities in a controllable manner. The ability of this approach to finely tune the structural characteristics of chitosan nanocapsules enabled us to systematically investigate the influence of capsule size, wall thickness, and porosity on their efficiency as drug delivery vehicles against mouse mastocytoma cells after loading them with curcumin, a natural lipophilic anticancer drug. This study establishes an important finding in the field of nanocapsule-based drug delivery systems that although several structural characteristics of a nanocapsule might be responsible in influencing their efficiency as a chemotherapeutic carrier, the size of the nanocapsules is likely to play the most important role in dictating the chemotherapeutic efficiency of such systems.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2016
DOI: 10.1111/IMJ.20_13197
Publisher: CRC Press
Date: 28-09-2009
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2017
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 05-07-2013
DOI: 10.1021/CB400231P
Abstract: Antibiotic resistance is a growing global problem, with very few new compounds in development. Bacterial transcription is an underutilized target for antibiotics, which has been attributed to the similarity of the active site of RNA polymerases (RNAPs) across all domains of life and the ease with which resistance can arise through point mutation at multiple sites within this conserved region. In this study we have taken a rational approach to design a novel set of compounds that specifically target the formation of transcription initiation complexes by preventing the unique bacterial σ initiation factor from binding to RNAP. We have identified the region of RNAP to which these compounds bind and demonstrate that one compound, GKL003, has an inhibition constant in the low nanomolar range. This compound has activity against both Gram-positive and -negative organisms, including a community acquired methicillin-resistant strain of the major pathogen Staphylococcus aureus.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 04-08-2023
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114522002458
Abstract: The sulphur amino acids methionine (Met) and cysteine (Cys) and their derivative taurine (Tau) are metabolically active molecules with interlinked roles in nutritional requirements. Deficiencies in these nutrients are linked to poor growth and health however, the impacts of these deficiencies on organ structure and function are largely unknown. This study examined the effects of dietary Met, Cys and Tau fed at different levels on yellowtail kingfish (YTK) liver histology and surface colour, plasma biochemistry and posterior intestine histology. S les were collected from two dose–response feeding trials that quantified (1) the Tau requirement and sparing effect of Met by feeding YTK diets containing one of seven levels of Tau at one of two levels of Met and (2) the Met requirement and sparing effect of Cys by feeding YTK diets containing one of five levels of Met at one of two levels of Cys. YTK fed inadequate levels of dietary Met, Cys and Tau exhibited thicker bile ducts, less red livers, more intestinal acidic goblet cell mucus and supranuclear vacuoles and less posterior intestinal absorptive surface area. Further, thicker bile ducts correlated with less red livers (a*, R), whereas increased hepatic fat correlated with a liver yellowing (b*). Our results indicate a shift towards histological properties and functions indicative of improved intrahepatic biliary condition, posterior intestinal nutrient absorption and homoeostasis of YTK fed adequate amounts of Met, Cys and Tau. These findings may assist in formulating aquafeed for optimised gastrointestinal and liver functions and maintaining good health in YTK.
Publisher: EMBO
Date: 14-08-2009
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 25-12-2018
Abstract: Recent studies have highlighted the potential protective role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in asthma. This study aimed at determining the association between seafood intake, serum PUFA composition and clinical endpoints of asthma in adults. A cross-sectional study of 642 subjects used the European Committee Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) questionnaire, skin prick tests, spirometry and methacholine challenge tests following ATS guidelines. Sera was analysed for n-3 and n-6 PUFA composition. Subjects had a mean age of 34 years, were largely female (65%) and 51% were current smokers. While 99% reported fish consumption, rock lobster, mussels, squid and abalone were also consumed less frequently. The prevalence of asthma symptoms was 11%, current asthma (ECRHS definition) was 8% and non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness (NSBH) was much higher (26%) In adjusted models the n-3 PUFAs 20:5 (EPA) and 22:5 (DPA) were significantly associated with a decreased risk of having NSBH. Total n-3 PUFA composition was associated with decreased NSBH risk (OR = 0.92), while high n-6 PUFA composition was associated with an increased risk (OR = 1.14).
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJHEH.2014.03.006
Abstract: Tropomyosin is a cross-reactive allergenic protein present in ingested shellfish species. Exposure and sensitization to this protein via inhalation is particularly important in the crustacean processing industry where workers are continuously exposed to the aerosolized form of this allergen. The aim of this study was to develop an antibody-based immunoassay to enable the specific and sensitive quantification of aerosolized tropomyosin present in the environment of two crab processing facilities. Anti-tropomyosin antibody was generated in rabbits against tropomyosins from four different crustacean species. These antibodies were purified using recombinant tropomyosin using an immuno-affinity column. The recombinant tropomyosin was also used as an allergen standard for the sandwich ELISA. In order to quantify aerosolized tropomyosin, air collection was performed in the personal breathing zone of 80 workers during two crab processing activities, edible crab (Cancer pagurus) and king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) using polytetrafluoroethylene filters. The purified antibody was able to detect tropomyosin selectively from different crustaceans but not from vertebrate sources. The limit of detection (LOD) for the developed sandwich ELISA was 60 picogram/m(3) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) 100 picogram/m(3). Immunoassay validation was based on linearity (R(2) 0.999), matrix interference test (78.8±6.5%), intra-assay CV (9.8%) and inter-assay CV (11%). The novel immunoassay was able to successfully identify working activities, which generated low, medium or high concentrations of the aerosolized food allergen. We describe an IgG antibody-based immunoassay for quantification of the major food allergen tropomyosin, with high sensitivity and specificity. This modified immunological approach can be adapted for the detection of other aerosolized food allergens, assisting in the identification of high-risk allergen exposure areas in the food industry.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-07-2013
Abstract: Interaction of nanoparticles with proteins is the basis of nanoparticle bio-reactivity. This interaction gives rise to the formation of a dynamic nanoparticle-protein corona. The protein corona may influence cellular uptake, inflammation, accumulation, degradation and clearance of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, the nanoparticle surface can induce conformational changes in adsorbed protein molecules which may affect the overall bio-reactivity of the nanoparticle. In depth understanding of such interactions can be directed towards generating bio-compatible nanomaterials with controlled surface characteristics in a biological environment. The main aim of this review is to summarise current knowledge on factors that influence nanoparticle-protein interactions and their implications on cellular uptake.
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 06-06-2020
DOI: 10.1101/2020.06.05.135731
Abstract: Shellfish allergy affects up to 2% of the world’s population and persists for life in most patients. The diagnosis of a shellfish allergy, in particular shrimp, is however often challenging due to the similarity of allergenic proteins in other invertebrates. Despite the clinical importance, the complete allergen repertoire of allergy-causing shrimps remains unclear. Here we mine the complete transcriptome of five frequently consumed shrimp species to identify and compare allergens with all known allergen sources. The transcriptomes were assembled de novo from raw RNA-Seq data of the whiteleg shrimp ( Litopenaeus vannamei ), black tiger shrimp ( Penaeus monodon ), banana shrimp ( Fenneropenaeus merguiensis ), king shrimp ( Melicertus latisulcatus ), and endeavour shrimp ( Metapenaeus endeavouri ). Trinity was used to assemble the transcriptome, and Transrate and BUSCO applied to verify the assembly. Blast search with the two major allergen databases, WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature and AllergenOnline, successfully identified all seven known crustacean allergens. Salmon was utilised to measure their relative abundance, demonstrating sarcoplasmic calcium-binding protein, arginine kinase and myosin light chain as highly abundant allergens. In addition, the analyses revealed up to 40 unreported allergens in different shrimp species, including heat shock protein (HSP), alpha-tubulin, chymotrypsin, cyclophilin, beta-enolase, aldolase A, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PD). Multiple sequence alignment, conducted in Jalview 2.1 with Clustal Omega, demonstrated high homology with allergens from other invertebrates including mites and cockroaches. This first transcriptomic analyses of allergens in a major food source provides a valuable genomic resource for investigating shellfish allergens, comparing invertebrate allergens and developing improved diagnostics and novel immunotherapeutics for food allergy.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-1985
DOI: 10.1111/J.1749-6632.1985.TB37514.X
Abstract: While changes in cochlear frequency tuning are thought to play an important role in the perceptual difficulties of people with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), the possible role of temporal processing deficits remains less clear. Our knowledge of temporal envelope coding in the impaired cochlea is limited to two studies that examined auditory-nerve fiber responses to narrowband litude modulated stimuli. In the present study, we used Wiener-kernel analyses of auditory-nerve fiber responses to broadband Gaussian noise in anesthetized chinchillas to quantify changes in temporal envelope coding with noise-induced SNHL. Temporal modulation transfer functions (TMTFs) and temporal windows of sensitivity to acoustic stimulation were computed from 2nd-order Wiener kernels and analyzed to estimate the temporal precision, litude, and latency of envelope coding. Noise overexposure was associated with slower (less negative) TMTF roll-off with increasing modulation frequency and reduced temporal window duration. The results show that at equal stimulus sensation level, SNHL increases the temporal precision of envelope coding by 20-30%. Furthermore, SNHL increased the litude of envelope coding by 50% in fibers with CFs from 1-2 kHz and decreased mean response latency by 0.4 ms. While a previous study of envelope coding demonstrated a similar increase in response litude, the present study is the first to show enhanced temporal precision. This new finding may relate to the use of a more complex stimulus with broad frequency bandwidth and a dynamic temporal envelope. Exaggerated neural coding of fast envelope modulations may contribute to perceptual difficulties in people with SNHL by acting as a distraction from more relevant acoustic cues, especially in fluctuating background noise. Finally, the results underscore the value of studying sensory systems with more natural, real-world stimuli.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-06-2019
DOI: 10.1111/ALL.13807
Abstract: Occupational exposure to foods is responsible for up to 25% of cases of occupational asthma and rhinitis. Animal and vegetable high-molecular-weight proteins present in aerosolized foods during food processing, additives, preservatives, antioxidants, and food contaminants are the main inhalant allergen sources. Most agents typically cause IgE-mediated allergic reactions, causing a distinct form of food allergy (Class 3 food allergy). The allergenicity of a food protein, allergen exposure levels, and atopy are important risk factors. Diagnosis relies on a thorough medical and occupational history, functional assessment, assessment of sensitization, including component-resolved diagnostics where appropriate, and in selected cases specific inhalation tests. Exposure assessment, including allergen determination, is a cornerstone for establishing preventive measures. Management includes allergen exposure avoidance or reduction (second best option), pharmacological treatment, assessment of impairment, and worker's compensation. Further studies are needed to identify and characterize major food allergens and define occupational exposure limits, evaluate the relative contribution of respiratory versus cutaneous sensitization to food antigens, evaluate the role of raw versus cooked food in influencing risk, and define the absolute or relative contraindication of patients with ingestion-related food allergy, pollinosis, or oral allergy syndrome continuing to work with exposure to aerosolized food allergens.
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 12-2016
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 08-2016
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 22-05-2020
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 06-2009
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 08-2000
Abstract: The work practices, occupational health services and allergic health problems among workplaces which process seafood in Western Cape province of South Africa were examined. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 68 workplaces that were sent a self-administered postal survey questionnaire. Workplaces reporting a high prevalence of work-related symptoms associated with seafood exposure were also inspected. Forty-one (60%) workplaces responded to the questionnaire. The workforce consisted mainly of women (62%) and 31% were seasonal workers. Common seafoods processed were bony fish (76%) and rock lobster (34%). Major work processes involved freezing (71%), cutting (63%) and degutting (58%). Only 45% of workplaces provided an on-site occupational health service and 58% of workplaces conducted medical surveillance. Positive trends were observed between workplace size and activities such as occupational health service provision (P = 0.002), medical surveillance programmes (P = 0.055) and reporting work-related symptoms (P = 0.016). None of the workplaces had industrial hygiene surveillance programmes to evaluate the effects of exposure to seafood. Common work-related symptoms included skin rashes (78%), asthma (7%) and other non-specific allergies (15%). The annual prevalence of work-related skin symptoms reported per workplace was substantially higher for skin (0-100%) than for asthmatic (0-5%) symptoms. The relatively low prevalence of employer-reported asthmatic symptoms, when compared to epidemiological studies using direct investigator assessment of in idual health status, suggests likely under-detection. This can be attributed to under-provision and under-development of occupational health surveillance programmes in workplaces with less than 200 workers. This is compounded further by the lack of specific statutory guidelines for the evaluation and control of bio-aerosols in South African workplaces.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2016
DOI: 10.1111/IMJ.16_13197
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 07-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-02-2019
DOI: 10.1111/PAI.13022
Abstract: There is a paucity of data on the prevalence of food allergy (FA) in Vietnam. A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted to evaluate the current prevalence of FA among 2- to 6-year-old children in two different regions in Vietnam. A structured, anonymous questionnaire, modified from published FA epidemiologic studies and based on EAACI guidelines, was distributed to parents/guardians of participating children in Hue City (urban area) and Tien Giang Province (rural area). Data collected from the survey were statistically analyzed to generate the prevalence of self-reported and doctor-diagnosed FA and overarching pattern of food allergens. A total of 8620 responses were collected (response rate 81.5%). Children in Tien Giang reported more than twice the food-induced adverse reactions seen in children in Hue (47.8% vs. 20.5%). In contrast, children in Hue showed higher self-reported FA (9.8%) and doctor-diagnosed FA rates (8.4%) than children in Tien Giang (7.9% and 5.0%, respectively). Crustacean was the predominant allergy-inducing food in both areas (330 of 580 cases, 56.9%), followed by fish, mollusk, beef, milk, and egg. However, substantial variations of FA patterns were seen between the study sites. Geographic location and co-morbidities of other allergic diseases were key risk factors for FA (P < 0.001). The prevalence of FA in Vietnamese children seems to be higher than previously reported from other Asian countries. Crustacean is the predominant allergy-inducing food among participating preschool children in Vietnam. The variation of reported food allergen sources across different socio-economic locations could imply different eating habits or the participation of indoor and outdoor allergen exposure.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-11-2017
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-017-15873-W
Abstract: In this study, the biocompatibility and in vitro degradation behaviour of a commercial zinc-based alloy (Zn-5 Al-4 Mg) were evaluated and compared with that of pure zinc for temporary orthopaedic implant applications. Biocompatibility tests were conducted using human alveolar lung epithelial cells (A549), which showed that the zinc alloy exhibits similar biocompatibility as compared to pure zinc. In vitro degradation evaluation was performed using weight loss and electrochemical methods in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 °C. Weight loss measurements revealed that the degradation of the zinc alloy was slightly lower during the initial immersion period (1–3 days), but marginally increased after 5 and 7 days immersion as compared to pure zinc. Potentiodynamic polarisation experiments showed that the zinc alloy exhibits higher degradation rate than pure zinc. However, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis suggests that pure zinc is susceptible to localized degradation, whereas the zinc alloy exhibited passivation behaviour. Post-degradation analysis revealed localized degradation in both pure zinc and the zinc alloy.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2005
DOI: 10.1016/J.AQUATOX.2004.10.005
Abstract: Cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) monoxygenase, vitellogenin (Vtg) and Zona radiata proteins (Zrp) are frequently used as biomarkers of fish exposure to organic contaminants. In this work, swordfish liver sections obtained from the Mediterranean Sea, the South African coasts (South Atlantic and South Western Indian Oceans) and the Central North Pacific Ocean were immunostained with antisera against CYP1A, Zrp, and Vtg. CYP1A induction was found in hepatocytes, epithelium of the biliary ductus and the endothelium of large blood vessels of fish from the Mediterranean Sea and South African waters, but not from the Pacific Ocean. Zrp and Vtg were immunolocalized in hepatocytes of male swordfish from the Mediterranean Sea and from South African waters. Plasma Dot-Blot analysis, performed in Mediterranean and Pacific specimens, revealed the presence of Zrp and Vtg in males from Mediterranean but not from Pacific. These results confirm previous findings about the potential exposure of Mediterranean swordfish to endocrine, disrupting chemicals and raise questions concerning the possible presence of xenobiotic contaminants off the Southern coasts of South Africa in both the South Atlantic and South Western Indian Oceans.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-2022
DOI: 10.1111/PAI.13781
Abstract: Clinical cross‐reactivity between bony fish, cartilaginous fish, frog, and chicken muscle has previously been demonstrated in fish‐allergic patients. In indicative studies, two reports of anaphylaxis following the consumption of crocodile meat and IgE‐cross‐binding were linked to the major fish allergen parvalbumin (PV). This study investigates IgE‐binding proteins in crocodile meat with a focus on PV and their clinical relevance. Proteins were extracted from muscle tissue of crocodile, three bony fish, and two cartilaginous fish. A cohort of fish‐allergic pediatric patients ( n = 77) underwent allergen skin prick testing (SPT) to three fish preparations ( n = 77) and crocodile ( n = 12). IgE‐binding proteins were identified and quantified by SDS‐PAGE, mass spectrometric analyses, and immunoblotting using commercial and in‐house antibodies, as well as in idual and pooled patients’ serum. PV isoforms were purified or recombinantly expressed before immunological analyses, including human mast cell degranulation assay. Of the tissues analyzed, PV was most abundant in heated crocodile preparation, triggering an SPT of ≥3 mm in 8 of 12 (67%) fish‐allergic patients. Seventy percent (31 of 44) of fish PV‐sensitized patients demonstrated IgE‐binding to crocodile PV. Crocodile β‐PV was the major IgE‐binding protein but 20‐fold less abundant than α‐PV. Cellular reactivity was demonstrated for β‐PV and epitopes predicted, explaining frequent IgE‐cross‐binding of β‐PVs. Both PV isoforms are now registered as the first reptile allergens with the WHO/IUIS (β‐PV as Cro p 1 and α‐PV as Cro p 2). Fish‐allergic in iduals may be at risk of an allergy to crocodile and should seek specialist advice before consuming crocodilian meat.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-09-2018
DOI: 10.1002/AJIM.22904
Abstract: Cellulose is an insoluble plant polysaccharide produced from soft-wood pulp. Although chronic respiratory effects associated with high cellulose-based dust levels have been previously described, occupational asthma has not. A 37 year old machine operator in a sanitary pad production factory presented with new-onset work-related asthma symptoms for two years. The worker underwent clinical, pulmonological and immunological (skin prick tests, serum specific IgE determinations) evaluation using standardised procedures. The cellulose product was subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination. A specific inhalation challenge test performed with the cellulose product ensured that dust concentrations were kept below 5 mg/m The subject was not atopic and did not have elevated IgE to pine wood or xylanase. The cellulose product appeared to be free of protein contaminants on SEM. The Work Effect Index computed on serial PEF recordings was elevated (WEI = 3.8).Specific inhalational challenge with the cellulose product dust revealed a late bronchial response (39% drop in FEV This is the first reported case of occupational asthma to a cellulose fibre product. A non-specific immune reaction or irritant response seems likely. These fibres may therefore not be biologically inert. The occupational exposure limit of 10 mg/m
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.FOODCHEM.2013.10.035
Abstract: The EF-hand calcium binding protein, parvalbumin, is a major fish allergen. Detection of this allergen is often difficult due to its structural ersity among various fish species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cross-reactivity of parvalbumin in a comprehensive range of bony and cartilaginous fish, from the Asia-Pacific region, and conduct a molecular analysis of this highly allergenic protein. Using the monoclonal anti-parvalbumin antibody PARV-19, we demonstrated the presence of monomeric and oligomeric parvalbumin in all fish analysed, except for gummy shark a cartilaginous fish. Heat processing of this allergen greatly affected its antibody reactivity. While heating caused a reduction in antibody reactivity to multimeric forms of parvalbumins for most bony fish, a complete loss of reactivity was observed for cartilaginous fish. Molecular analysis demonstrated that parvalbumin cross-reactivity, among fish species, is due to the molecular phylogenetic association of this major fish allergen.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-1997
DOI: 10.1016/S0091-6749(97)70168-4
Abstract: There is a paucity of published data on the clinical presentation and the nature of the allergens involved in hypersensitivity to mollusks. This study reports the clinical and immunologic findings in 38 patients with reported immediate and delayed adverse reactions to abalone (Haliotis midae, Class Gastropoda). Patients were recruited as part of a South African seafood allergy survey. Allergic symptoms were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 38 patients with abalone sensitivity were recruited. Specific IgE responses to abalone and other mollusks were studied by using RAST and inhibition ELISAs. Skin prick tests and lymphocyte proliferation assays were also performed on several of the subjects. Allergenic components of Haliotis midae were identified with Western blotting. Twenty five of the 38 patients in the study were first seen with immediate symptoms, and 13 had delayed reactions. Seventeen of the sera tested were RAST positive. Skin prick tests responses with abalone extract were positive in all subjects with positive RAST responses (n = 8) and in 6 of 13 subjects with negative RAST responses. Five of the subjects with positive RAST responses had positive results on Western blotting and demonstrated binding to two major allergens with molecular weights of 38 and 49 kd. The 49 kd IgE-binding protein has been designated as Hal-m-1. Abalone allergens are heat-stable proteins with molecular weights of 38 and 49 kd, later designated as Hal-m-1 according to International Union of Immunological Societies allergen nomenclature regulation. Our studies indicate a clear clinical and immunologic heterogeneity in patients reactive to abalone.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 21-01-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-02-2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-09-2009
DOI: 10.1002/PRO.239
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-10-2020
DOI: 10.1111/ALL.14574
Abstract: Diagnostic tests for fish allergy are h ered by the large number of under‐investigated fish species. Four salmon allergens are well‐characterized and registered with the WHO/IUIS while no catfish allergens have been described so far. In 2008, freshwater‐cultured catfish production surpassed that of salmon, the globally most‐cultured marine species. We aimed to identify, quantify, and compare all IgE‐binding proteins in salmon and catfish. Seventy‐seven pediatric patients with clinically confirmed fish allergy underwent skin prick tests to salmon and catfish. The allergen repertoire of raw and heated protein extracts was evaluated by immunoblotting using five allergen‐specific antibodies and patients' serum followed by mass spectrometric analyses. Raw and heated extracts from catfish displayed a higher frequency of IgE‐binding compared to those from salmon (77% vs 70% and 64% vs 53%, respectively). The major fish allergen parvalbumin demonstrated the highest IgE‐binding capacity (10%‐49%), followed by triosephosphate isomerase (TPI 19%‐34%) in raw and tropomyosin (6%‐32%) in heated extracts. Six previously unidentified fish allergens, including TPI, were registered with the WHO/IUIS. Creatine kinase from salmon and catfish was detected by IgE from 14% and 10% of patients, respectively. Catfish L‐lactate dehydrogenase, glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, pyruvate kinase, and glucose‐6‐phosphate isomerase showed IgE‐binding for 6%‐13% of patients. In salmon, these proteins could not be separated successfully. We detail the allergen repertoire of two highly farmed fish species. IgE‐binding to fish tropomyosins and TPIs was demonstrated for the first time in a large patient cohort. Tropomyosins, in addition to parvalbumins, should be considered for urgently needed improved fish allergy diagnostics.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.FOODCHEM.2017.05.153
Abstract: This study aimed to develop a novel approach to determine the correlation between the parvalbumin (PAV) contents and their corresponding immunoreactivity (detectability) in southern hemisphere fish species. The immuno-detected PAV contents of the test fish species were estimated by a quantitative SDS-PAGE. A quantitative Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) was formatted to assess relative immunoreactivity of PAV. Sixteen species (forty-three percent) displayed a positive correlation with the anti-cod PAV polyclonal antibody, but no correlation with the anti-carp PAV monoclonal antibody. There was a strong phylogenetic association of the PAV immunoreactivity. Species from the order of Perciformes showed strong binding with both antibodies whereas species from Salmoniformes, Ophidiiformes, Scombriformes, Scorpaeniformes, and Tetraodontiformes showed weak or no binding. This approach showed for the first time a statistical correlation between the PAV content and the immunoreactivity and allowed to rank the relative species/order specificity of the two antibodies for the southern hemisphere fish PAV.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2000
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 14-03-2013
DOI: 10.1136/OEMED-2012-101163
Abstract: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for allergic respiratory disease in spice mill workers. A cross-sectional study of 150 workers used European Community Respiratory Health Survey questionnaires, Phadiatop, serum specific IgE (garlic, chili pepper), spirometry and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Personal air s les (n=62) collected from eight-hour shifts were analysed for inhalable particulate mass. Novel immunological assays quantified airborne garlic and chili pepper allergen concentrations. Mean dust particulate mass (geometric mean (GM)=2.06 mg/m(3)), chili pepper (GM=0.44 µg/m(3)) and garlic allergen (GM=0.24 µg/m(3)) were highest in blending and were highly correlated. Workers' mean age was 33 years, 71% were men, 46% current smokers and 45% atopic. Spice-dust-related asthma-like symptoms (17%) were common, as was garlic sensitisation (19%), with 13% being monosensitised and 6% cosensitised to chili pepper. Airflow reversibility and FeNO>50 ppb was present in 4% and 8% of workers respectively. Spice-dust-related ocular-nasal (OR 2.40, CI 1.09 to 5.27) and asthma-like (OR 4.15, CI 1.09 to 15.72) symptoms were strongly associated with airborne garlic in the highly exposed (>0.235 µg/m(3)) workers. Workers monosensitised to garlic were more likely to be exposed to higher airborne chili pepper (>0.92 µg/m(3)) (OR 11.52, CI 1.17 to 113.11) than garlic allergens (OR 5.08, CI 1.17 to 22.08) in this mill. Probable asthma was also more strongly associated with chili pepper than with garlic sensitisation. Exposure to inhalable spice dust (GM >2.06 mg/m(3)) containing garlic (GM>0.24 µg/m³ ) and chili pepper (GM >0.44 µg/m(3)) allergens increase the risk of allergic respiratory disease and asthma.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-07-2014
DOI: 10.1007/S11882-014-0455-3
Abstract: The food-borne parasite Anisakis is an important hidden food allergen. Anisakis is a parasitic nematode which has a third-stage larval form that infects mainly fish, and ingestion of contaminated seafood can result in severe allergic reactions. Symptoms experienced due to exposure to this parasite include gastrointestinal disorders, urticaria, dermatitis, asthma and even anaphylaxis. Accurate prevalence data of allergic sensitisation to Anisakis are difficult to estimate due to the lack of well-designed population-based studies. Current diagnostic approaches rely on the detection of serum IgE antibodies to allergenic proteins, which however demonstrate considerable immunological cross-reactivity to other invertebrate allergens. While exposure to this parasite seems to increase due to the increasing consumption of seafood worldwide, the immunology of infection and allergic sensitization is not fully understood.
Publisher: Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
Date: 02-2016
Publisher: S. Karger AG
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1159/000103226
Abstract: i Background: /i Recent studies have reported an increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms among farm workers. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with spider mite allergy among table grape farm workers. i Methods: /i A cross-sectional study of 207 workers in table grape farms was conducted. Skin prick tests used extracts of 8 common aeroallergens, grape mould i (Botrytis cinerea) /i and i Tetranychus urticae /i . Specific IgE to i T. urticae /i was quantified using ImmunoCAP (Phadia). Erythrocyte cholinesterase levels were determined using the Test-mate ChE Cholinesterase Test System (model 460). i Results: /i The average duration of employment of workers was 10 years and 12% were pesticide crop sprayers. Work-related wheeze (26%), ocular-nasal (24%) and urticaria/skin symptoms (14%) were more prevalent in the orchards. The prevalence of sensitization (skin prick test) was highest to i T. urticae /i (22%) followed by house dust mite (16%), with 25% being atopic. The prevalence of allergy to i T. urticae /i (skin reactivity and work-related symptoms) was 9.5%, with respiratory allergy (6%) more common than skin allergy (3%). Work-related ocular-nasal (OR = 4.9) and skin (OR = 3.7) symptoms were more commonly reported by pesticide crop sprayers. Workers with i T. urticae /i -allergic rhino-conjunctivitis and probable asthma were more likely to be atopic, spray pesticides and have low ( U/g hemoglobin) erythrocyte cholinesterase levels. i Conclusions: /i This study demonstrated that spider mite, i T. urticae /i , is an important outdoor allergen among table grape farm workers. The increased risk of spider mite allergy appears to be related to high pesticide exposure among crop sprayers.
Publisher: American Society of Hematology
Date: 09-2011
DOI: 10.1182/BLOOD-2010-06-286393
Abstract: To investigate the role of Aire in thymic selection, we examined the cellular requirements for generation of ovalbumin (OVA)–specific CD4 and CD8 T cells in mice expressing OVA under the control of the rat insulin promoter. Aire deficiency reduced the number of mature single-positive OVA-specific CD4+ or CD8+ T cells in the thymus, independent of OVA expression. Importantly, it also contributed in 2 ways to OVA-dependent negative selection depending on the T-cell type. Aire-dependent negative selection of OVA-specific CD8 T cells correlated with Aire-regulated expression of OVA. By contrast, for OVA-specific CD4 T cells, Aire affected tolerance induction by a mechanism that operated independent of the level of OVA expression, controlling access of antigen presenting cells to medullary thymic epithelial cell (mTEC)–expressed OVA. This study supports the view that one mechanism by which Aire controls thymic negative selection is by regulating the indirect presentation of mTEC-derived antigens by thymic dendritic cells. It also indicates that mTECs can mediate tolerance by direct presentation of Aire-regulated antigens to both CD4 and CD8 T cells.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJPARA.2015.01.002
Abstract: Gastro-allergic anisakiasis and Anisakis sensitisation associated chronic urticaria are diseases which differ in their IgE and IgG4 responses against both crude extract and specific allergens. Anisakis and Ascaris are closely related nematodes that usually cause problems with specificity in immunodiagnostics. In this study we measured IgE and IgG4 antibodies against Anisakis simplex sensu lato (s. l.) and Ascaris suum haemoglobins in sera of 21 gastro-allergic anisakiasis and 23 chronic urticaria patients. We used a capture ELISA with the anti-Anisakis haemoglobin monoclonal antibody 4E8g, which also recognises Ascaris haemoglobin. In addition, we determined specific IgE and IgG4 to both nematodes by indirect ELISA and immunoblotting. Anti-A. simplex s. l. haemoglobin IgE and IgG4 levels were higher in gastro-allergic anisakiasis than in chronic urticaria patients (P=0.002 and 0.026, respectively). Surprisingly, no patient had detectable IgE levels against A. suum haemoglobin. Finally, we carried out an in silico study of the B-cell epitopes of both haemoglobin molecules. Five epitopes were predicted in Anisakis pegreffii and four in A. suum haemoglobin. The epitope propensity values of Anisakis haemoglobin in the equivalent IgE binding region of the allergenic haemoglobin Chi t 1 from Chironomus thummi, were higher those of the Ascaris haemoglobin. In conclusion, we describe A. simplex haemoglobin as a new major allergen (Ani s 13), being recognised by a large number (64.3%) of sensitised patients and up to 80.9% in patients with gastro-allergic anisakiasis. The presence of a specific epitope and the different values of epitope propensity between Anisakis and Ascaris haemoglobin could explain the lack of cross-reactivity between the two molecules. The absence of IgE reactivity to Ascaris haemoglobin in Anisakis patients makes Anisakis haemoglobin (Ani s 13) a potential candidate for developing more specific diagnosis tools.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-06-2022
DOI: 10.1111/ALL.15377
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-09-2023
DOI: 10.1111/ALL.15892
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 12-02-2021
Abstract: Despite recent technological advances, novel allergenic protein discovery is limited by their low abundance, often due to specific physical characteristics restricting their recovery during the extraction process from various allergen sources. In this study, eight different extraction buffers were compared for their ability to recover proteins from Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas). The protein composition was investigated using high resolution mass spectrometry. The antibody IgE-reactivity of each extract was determined using a pool of serum from five shellfish-allergic patients. Most of the investigated buffers showed good capacity to extract proteins from the Pacific oyster. In general, a higher concentration of proteins was recovered using high salt buffers or high pH buffers, subsequently revealing more IgE-reactive bands on immunoblotting. In contrast, low pH buffers resulted in a poor protein recovery and reduced IgE-reactivity. Discovery of additional IgE-reactive proteins in high salt buffers or high pH buffers was associated with an increase in allergen abundance in the extracts. In conclusion, increasing the ionic strength and pH of the buffer improves the solubility of allergenic proteins during the extraction process for oyster tissue. This strategy could also be applied for other difficult-to-extract allergen sources, thereby yielding an improved allergen panel for increased diagnostic efficiency.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACA.2010.09.040
Abstract: Measuring the levels of the major airborne allergens of snow crab in the workplace is very important in studying the prevalence of crab asthma in workers. Previously, snow crab tropomyosin (SCTM) was identified as the major aeroallergen in crab plants and a unique signature peptide was identified for this protein. The present study advances our knowledge on aeroallergens by developing a method of quantification of airborne SCTM by using isotope dilution mass spectrometry. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was developed for separation and analysis of the signature peptides. The tryptic digestion conditions were optimized to accomplish complete digestion. The validity of the method was studied using international conference on harmonization protocol, Where 2-9% for CV (precision) and 101-110% for accuracy, at three different levels of quality control. Recovery of the spiked protein from PTFE and TopTip filters was measured to be 99% and 96%, respectively. To further demonstrate the applicability and the validity of the method for real s les, 45 kg of whole snow crab were processed in an enclosed (simulated) crab processing line and air s les were collected. The levels of SCTM ranged between 0.36-3.92 μg m(-3) and 1.70-2.31 μg m(-3) for butchering and cooking stations, respectively.
Publisher: American Society for Microbiology
Date: 09-2010
DOI: 10.1128/IAI.01131-09
Abstract: Infection with the fish parasite Anisakis following exposure to contaminated fish can lead to allergic reactions in humans. The present study examined the immunological mechanisms underlying the development of allergic airway inflammation in mice after different routes of sensitization to Anisakis . Wild-type and interleukin-4 receptor alpha (IL-4Rα)-deficient BALB/c mice were sensitized intraperitoneally with live or heat-killed Anisakis larvae or by intranasal administration of an Anisakis extract and were subsequently challenged intranasally with an Anisakis extract. Both routes of sensitization induced IL-4Rα-dependent allergic airway responses, whereas allergen-specific antibody responses developed only when mice were sensitized intraperitoneally. Intranasal sensitization induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in wild-type mice only, showing that AHR was IL-4/IL-13 dependent. Unexpectedly, infection with Anisakis larvae induced AHR in both wild-type and IL-4Rα-deficient mice. IL-4Rα-independent AHR was mediated by gamma interferon (IFN-γ), as evidenced by the fact that in vivo neutralization of IFN-γ abrogated AHR. Together, these results demonstrate that both infection with larvae and inhalational exposure to Anisakis proteins are potent routes of allergic sensitization to Anisakis , explaining food- and work-related allergies in humans. Importantly for diagnosis, allergic airway inflammation can be independent of detectable Anisakis -specific antibodies. Moreover, depending on the route of sensitization, AHR can be induced either by IL-4/IL-13 or by IFN-γ.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.INTIMP.2011.02.017
Abstract: Mast cells play important roles in allergic and inflammatory diseases. Efforts to better understand human mast cell activation and develop novel inhibitory agents have been h ered by the lack of suitable human mast cell lines. The HMC-1 mast cell line has been extensively used, but lacks native expression of the human high-affinity IgE receptor FcεRI limiting its applications. We have stably transfected HMC-1 cells with the IgE-binding α-subunit of FcεRI to generate HMCα cells that are antigen-responsive. We have used flow cytometry, cell signaling assays, pharmacological pathway inhibitors and cell functional assays to characterize the properties of HMCα cells. IgE/antigen responses were compared with those of the adenosine receptor agonist NECA. Surface expression of FcεRI in HMCα cells was demonstrated and was enhanced by prior sensitization with IgE. Activation of HMCα cells with IgE/antigen did not produce degranulation, but did lead to release of numerous cytokines. Whilst there was no measurable increase of intracellular Ca(2+) or marked general changes in protein tyrosine phosphorylation, IgE/antigen stimulation of HMCα cells enhanced phosphorylation of p38(MAPK) and Erk. Inhibitors of these pathways, as well as the src kinase inhibitor PP2, attenuated IgE/antigen-induced cytokine release. In summary, we have generated and characterized HMCα cells and show that they are a useful and relevant human mast cell model to examine FcεRI stabilization, signaling and mediator release. We envisage that HMCα cells will have utility in understanding the importance of mast cells in human allergic disease and in assessing the activity of novel anti-allergic compounds.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-2002
DOI: 10.1007/S10126-002-0009-X
Abstract: Species identification based on biochemical and molecular techniques has a broad range of applications. These include compliance enforcement, the management and conservation of marine organisms, and commercial quality control. Abalone poaching worldwide and illegal trade in abalone products have increased mainly because of the attractive prices obtained and caused a sharp decline in stocks. Alleged poachers have been acquitted because of lack of evidence to correctly identify species. Therefore, a robust method is required that would identify tissue of abalone origin to species level. The aim of this study was to develop immunologic techniques, using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, to identify 10 different abalone species and subspecies from South Africa, the United States, Australia, and Japan. The combination of 3 developed monoclonal antibodies to South African abalone (Haliotis midae) enabled differentiation between most of the 10 species including the subspecies H. ersicolor supertexta and H. ersicolor ersicolor. In a novel approach, using antibodies of patients with allergy to abalone, the differentiation of additional subspecies, H. discus discus and H. discus hannai, was possible. A field-based immunoassay was developed to identify confiscated tissue of abalone origin.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 10-2019
DOI: 10.1093/EURHEARTJ/EHZ748.1153
Abstract: In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), local atrial bipolar electrograms (EGM) are clinically used to determine peak-to-peak voltage (Vpp), dominant frequency (DF) and Shannon Entropy (ShEn) for electroanatomical substrate characterization and substrate-based ablation. The effect of bipolar vector orientation and inter-electrode spacing on these EGM-derived measures during AF is unclear. To quantify the impact of bipolar vector orientation and inter-electrode spacing, bipolar EGM (10,496 and 20,968 atrial sites, respectively) were reconstructed from unipolar EGM recorded with an array of 18 electrodes in 14 patients with persistent AF. We compared Vpp, DF and ShEn between any two adjacent bipolar vectors with a difference of 45 degree. Vpp, DF and ShEn values were ranked into different classes from highest to lowest value. To quantify the effect of inter-electrode spacing, bipolar EGM were constructed from electrodes spaced 4mm, 8mm, and 12mm apart, respectively. First, bipolar vector orientation significantly impacts Vpp (maximal difference: 1.341±2.169 mV vs. 0.595±0.652 mV p .01) and the percentage of atrial low voltage areas (Vpp .05mV) (maximal difference: 62.31% vs. 32.54%). Bipolar vector orientation also influences DF (maximal difference: 8.547±2.971 Hz vs. 6.360±1.077 Hz p .01) and ShEn (maximal difference: 4.898±0.488 vs. 4.120±0.650 p .01) measurements. Second, inter-electrode spacing affects Vppincreasing from 0.854±1.299 mV to 1.013±1.302 mV for 4mm, and 12mm, respectively (p .01). The percentage of atrial low voltage areas differed between 53.77% and 42.03% for 4mm and 12mm, respectively. Furthermore, inter-electrode spacing alters DF (maximal difference: 7.316±2.239 Hz vs. 7.234±2.124 Hz p .01) and ShEn (maximal difference: 4.364±0.714 vs. 4.514±0.624 p .01) measurements. Bipolar vector orientation and inter-electrode spacing both significantly affect bipolar EGM-derived measures that may result in significant uncertainty around the electroanatomical substrate characterization in AF patients, which should be considered in the development of future mapping catheter tools and algorithms.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 28-05-2016
Abstract: Aerosolization of components when processing king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) and edible crab (Cancer pagurus) may cause occupational health problems when inhaled by workers. A cross-sectional study was carried out in three king crab plants and one edible crab plant. Personal exposure measurements were performed throughout work shifts. Air was collected for measurement of tropomyosin, total protein, endotoxin, trypsin, and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAGase). T-tests and ANOVAs were used to compare the levels of exposure in the different plants and areas in the plants. Total protein and tropomyosin levels were highest in the edible crab plant, endotoxin levels were highest in king crab plants. King crab exposure levels were highest during raw processing. Tropomyosin levels were highest during raw king crab processing with geometric mean (GM) 9.6 versus 2.5ng m(-3) during cooked processing. Conversely, edible crab tropomyosin levels were highest during cooked processing with GM 45.4 versus 8.7ng m(-3) during raw processing. Endotoxin levels were higher in king crab plants than in the edible crab plant with GM = 6285.5 endotoxin units (EU) m(-3) versus 72 EU m(-3). In the edible crab plant, NAGase levels were highest during raw processing with GM = 853 pmol4-methylumbelliferone (MU) m(-3) versus 422 pmol4-MU m(-3) during cooked processing. Trypsin activity was found in both king crab and edible crab plants and levels were higher in raw than cooked processing. Differences in exposure levels between plants and worker groups (raw and cooked processing) were identified. Norwegian crab processing workers are exposed to airborne proteins, tropomyosin, endotoxins, trypsin, and NAGase in their breathing zone. Levels vary between worker groups and factories.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2010
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-11-2000
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2006
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACA.2018.03.058
Abstract: Metabolome, the ultimate functional product of the genome, can be studied through identification and quantification of small molecules. The global metabolome influences the in idual phenotype through clinical and environmental interventions. Metabolomics has become an integral part of clinical research and allowed for another dimension of better understanding of disease pathophysiology and mechanism. More than 95% of the clinical biochemistry laboratory routine workload is based on small molecular identification, which can potentially be analyzed through metabolomics. However, multiple challenges in clinical metabolomics impact the entire workflow and data quality, thus the biological interpretation needs to be standardized for a reproducible outcome. Herein, we introduce the establishment of a comprehensive targeted metabolomics method for a panel of 220 clinically relevant metabolites using Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) standardized for clinical research. The sensitivity, reproducibility and molecular stability of each targeted metabolite (amino acids, organic acids, acylcarnitines, sugars, bile acids, neurotransmitters, polyamines, and hormones) were assessed under multiple experimental conditions. The metabolic tissue distribution was determined in various rat organs. Furthermore, the method was validated in dry blood spot (DBS) s les collected from patients known to have various inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs). Using this approach, our panel appears to be sensitive and robust as it demonstrated differential and unique metabolic profiles in various rat tissues. Also, as a prospective screening method, this panel of erse metabolites has the ability to identify patients with a wide range of IEMs who otherwise may need multiple, time-consuming and expensive biochemical assays causing a delay in clinical management.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2016
DOI: 10.1111/IMJ.11_13197
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-11-2019
DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2019.1679890
Abstract: The
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-10-2017
DOI: 10.1002/MAS.21548
Abstract: Metabolomics, which is the metabolites profiling in biological matrices, is a key tool for biomarker discovery and personalized medicine and has great potential to elucidate the ultimate product of the genomic processes. Over the last decade, metabolomics studies have identified several relevant biomarkers involved in complex clinical phenotypes using erse biological systems. Most diseases result in signature metabolic profiles that reflect the sums of external and internal cellular activities. Metabolomics has a major role in clinical practice as it represents >95% of the workload in clinical laboratories worldwide. Many of these metabolites require different analytical platforms, such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Mass Spectrometry (MS), and Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC), while many clinically relevant metabolites are still not routinely amenable to detection using currently available assays. Combining metabolomics with genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics studies will result in a significantly improved understanding of the disease mechanisms and the pathophysiology of the target clinical phenotype. This comprehensive approach will represent a major step forward toward providing precision medical care, in which in idual is accounted for variability in genes, environment, and personal lifestyle. In this review, we compare and evaluate the metabolomics strategies and studies that focus on the discovery of biomarkers that have "personalized" diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic value, validated for monitoring disease progression and responses to various management regimens.
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 05-2016
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 17-02-2020
DOI: 10.1101/2020.02.17.919845
Abstract: Tropomyosins are highly conserved proteins, an attribute that forms the molecular basis for their IgE antibody cross-reactivity. Despite structural similarities, their allergenicity varies greatly between ingested and inhaled invertebrate sources. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the structural stability of different tropomyosins, their endolysosomal degradation patterns and T-cell reactivity. We investigated the differences between four tropomyosins - the major shrimp allergen Pen m 1 and the minor allergens Der p 10 (dust mite), Bla g 7 (cockroach) and Ani s 3 (fish parasite) - in terms of IgE binding, structural stability, endolysosomal degradation and subsequent peptide generation, and T-cell cross-reactivity in a BALB/c murine model. Despite their conserved primary structure and consequent IgE co-reactivity, the invertebrate tropomyosins displayed different protein stabilities. Pen m 1 and Ani s 3, but not Der p 10 and Bla g 7 elicited differential melting temperatures that were pH-dependent. Endolysosomal experiments demonstrated differential degradation, as a function of stability, generating different peptide repertoires. Pen m 1 T-cell clones, with specificity for sequences highly conserved in all four tropomyosins, did not proliferate with Der p 10, Bla g 7 and Ani s 3, indicating that these peptides were not naturally produced for other invertebrate tropomyosins. Our data suggest that, although invertebrate tropomyosins exhibit a high degree of IgE cross-reactivity due to conserved B-cell epitopes, they do not necessarily share identical cross-reactive T-cell epitopes. This is likely due to differential endolysosomal processing as a function of different structural stabilities.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.JIM.2014.10.008
Abstract: Food allergies are increasing worldwide, demonstrating a considerable public health concern. Shellfish allergy is one of the major food groups causing allergic sensitization among adults and children, affecting up to 2% of the general world population. Tropomyosin (TM) is the major allergen in shellfish and frequently used in the diagnosis of allergic sensitization and the detection of cross-contaminated food. To improve and establish better and more sensitive diagnostics for allergies and immunotherapeutics, large quantities of pure allergens are required. To establish a reproducible method for the generation of pure recombinant tropomyosin we utilized in this study different Escherichia coli strains (NM522, TOP10 and BL21(DE3)RIPL). In addition, isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG) induction was compared with a novel auto-induction system to allow the generation of larger quantities of recombinant allergen. We demonstrated that the B-strain of E. coli is better for the expression of TM compared to the K-strain. Moreover, a higher yield could be achieved when using the auto-induction system, with up to 62 mg/l. High yield expressed recombinant TM from King prawn (KP) was compared to recombinant TM from Black tiger prawn (Pen m 1). We demonstrated that recombinant TM from KP and known isoallergen Pen m 1 have very similar molecular and immunological characteristics. Overall, we demonstrate that auto-induction can be used to express larger quantities of recombinant allergens for the development of diagnostic, to quantify allergens as well as immunotherapeutics employing isoallergens.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2019
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 19-07-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2016
DOI: 10.1111/IMJ.22_13197
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-08-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S11517-016-1557-Y
Abstract: Globally suicidal behavior is the third most common cause of death among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). This study presents multi-lag tone-entropy (T-E) analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) as a screening tool for identifying MDD patients with suicidal ideation. Sixty-one ECG recordings (10 min) were acquired and analyzed from control subjects (29 CONT), 16 MDD subjects with (MDDSI+) and 16 without suicidal ideation (MDDSI-). After ECG preprocessing, tone and entropy values were calculated for multiple lags (m: 1-10). The MDDSI+ group was found to have a higher mean tone value compared to that of the MDDSI- group for lags 1-8, whereas the mean entropy value was lower in MDDSI+ than that in CONT group at all lags (1-10). Leave-one-out cross-validation tests, using a classification and regression tree (CART), obtained 94.83 % accuracy in predicting MDDSI+ subjects by using a combination of tone and entropy values at all lags and including demographic factors (age, BMI and waist circumference) compared to results with time and frequency domain HRV analysis. The results of this pilot study demonstrate the usefulness of multi-lag T-E analysis in identifying MDD patients with suicidal ideation and highlight the change in autonomic nervous system modulation of the heart rate associated with depression and suicidal ideation.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2019
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 11-07-2014
DOI: 10.1021/PR500247R
Abstract: Food allergies are increasing worldwide and becoming a public health concern. Food legislation requires detailed declarations of potential allergens in food products and therefore an increased capability to analyze for the presence of food allergens. Currently, antibody-based methods are mainly utilized to quantify allergens however, these methods have several disadvantages. Recently, mass spectrometry (MS) techniques have been developed and applied to food allergen analysis. At present, 46 allergens from 11 different food sources have been characterized using different MS approaches and some specific signature peptides have been published. However, quantification of allergens using MS is not routinely employed. This review compares the different aspects of food allergen quantification using advanced MS techniques including multiple reaction monitoring. The latter provides low limits of quantification for multiple allergens in simple or complex food matrices, while being robust and reproducible. This review provides an overview of current approaches to analyze food allergens, with specific focus on MS systems and applications.
Publisher: South African Medical Association NPC
Date: 21-11-2014
DOI: 10.7196/SAMJ.8082
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-04-2019
DOI: 10.1111/ALL.13748
Abstract: Commercial allergen extracts for allergy skin prick testing (SPT) are widely used for diagnosing fish allergy. However, there is currently no regulatory requirement for standardization of protein and allergen content, potentially impacting the diagnostic reliability of SPTs. We therefore sought to analyse commercial fish extracts for the presence and concentration of fish proteins and in vitro IgE reactivity using serum from fish-allergic patients. Twenty-six commercial fish extracts from five different manufacturers were examined. The protein concentrations were determined, protein compositions analysed by mass spectrometry, followed by SDS-PAGE and subsequent immunoblotting with antibodies detecting 4 fish allergens (parvalbumin, tropomyosin, aldolase and collagen). IgE-reactive proteins were identified using serum from 16 children with confirmed IgE-mediated fish allergy, with focus on cod, tuna and salmon extracts. The total protein, allergen concentration and IgE reactivity of the commercial extracts varied over 10-fold between different manufacturers and fish species. The major fish allergen parvalbumin was not detected by immunoblotting in 6/26 extracts. In 7/12 extracts, five known fish allergens were detected by mass spectrometry. For cod and tuna, almost 70% of patients demonstrated the strongest IgE reactivity to collagen, tropomyosin, aldolase A or β-enolase but not parvalbumin. Commercial fish extracts often contain insufficient amounts of important allergens including parvalbumin and collagen, resulting in low IgE reactivity. A comprehensive proteomic approach for the evaluation of SPT extracts for their utility in allergy diagnostics is presented. There is an urgent need for standardized allergen extracts, which will improve the diagnosis and management of fish allergy.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.MOLIMM.2018.04.008
Abstract: Seafood refers to several distinct groups of edible aquatic animals including fish, crustacean, and mollusc. The two invertebrate groups of crustacean and mollusc are, for culinary reasons, often combined as shellfish but belong to two very different phyla. The evolutionary and taxonomic ersity of the various consumed seafood species poses a challenge in the identification and characterisation of the major and minor allergens critical for reliable diagnostics and therapeutic treatments. Many allergenic proteins are very different between these groups however, some pan-allergens, including parvalbumin, tropomyosin and arginine kinase, seem to induce immunological and clinical cross-reactivity. This extensive review details the advances in the bio-molecular characterisation of 20 allergenic proteins within the three distinct seafood groups fish, crustacean and molluscs. Furthermore, the structural and biochemical properties of the major allergens are described to highlight the immunological and subsequent clinical cross-reactivities. A comprehensive list of purified and recombinant allergens is provided, and the applications of component-resolved diagnostics and current therapeutic developments are discussed.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2005
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-09-2011
DOI: 10.1038/NG.913
Publisher: The American Association of Immunologists
Date: 09-2007
DOI: 10.4049/JIMMUNOL.179.5.2758
Abstract: IL-4Rα-mediated STAT6 activation serves an essential role in various animal models of allergy and asthma at both the sensitization and effector phases. IL-4 and IL-13 signaling via the IL-4Rα chain exacerbates murine anaphylaxis, but the cell-specific requirements for IL-4Rα expression are unclear. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms of systemic anaphylaxis to OVA in gene-targeted mice with a deletion of the IL-4Rα chain in the macrophage/neutrophil or CD4+ T lymphocyte population. Results demonstrated that anaphylaxis in this model was entirely dependent upon the FcγRII/III and was associated with mast cell degranulation. Expression of the IL-4Rα on CD4+ T cells, but not macrophages or neutrophils, was critical for severe anaphylaxis, characterized by diarrhea, hypothermia, and death. Ab depletion experiments demonstrated that IFN-γ protected against mortality and severe intestinal pathology despite the presence of Ag and specific Ab. This protection was associated with reduced levels of mast cell protease, a marker of mast cell degranulation, suggesting that IFN-γ may inhibit mast cell degranulation in vivo. These data suggest that it may be possible to limit the severity of anaphylaxis using rational therapies designed to increase numbers of IFN-γ-producing cells by targeting IL-4Rα signaling in CD4+ T lymphocytes.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 28-03-2023
Abstract: Food allergy and food-related anaphylaxis have become a growing public health and food safety issue worldwide [...]
Publisher: Future Science Ltd
Date: 02-2014
DOI: 10.4155/BIO.13.315
Abstract: Background: The increasing prevalence of food allergies requires development of specific and sensitive tests capable of identifying the allergen responsible for the disease. The development of serologic tests that can detect specific IgE antibodies to allergenic proteins would, therefore, be highly received. Results: Here we present two new quantitative immuno-PCR assays for the sensitive detection of antibodies specific to the shrimp allergen tropomyosin. Both assays are based on the self-assembling Tus-Ter-lock protein–DNA conjugation system. Significantly elevated levels of tropomyosin-specific IgE were detected in sera from patients allergic to shrimp. Conclusion: This is the first time an allergenic protein has been fused with Tus to enable specific IgE antibody detection in human sera by quantitative immuno-PCR.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 23-07-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.MOLIMM.2019.05.006
Abstract: Shrimp is one of the predominant causes of food allergy among adults, often presenting with severe reactions. Current in vitro diagnostics are based on quantification of patient specific-IgE (sIgE) to shrimp extract. Tropomyosin is the known major shrimp allergen, but IgE sensitisation to other allergens is poorly characterised. In this study, the binding of IgE to various shrimp allergens, additional to tropomyosin, was investigated using sera from 21 subjects who had clinical reactions to one or more shellfish species. Total shrimp-sIgE was quantified using ImmunoCAP, while allergen-sIgEs were quantified using immunoblotting and mass spectrometry, and immuno-PCR to recombinant shrimp tropomyosin. Sixty-two percent of subjects (13/21) were positive to shrimp by ImmunoCAP. IgE from 43% of subjects (9/21) bound tropomyosin, while an additional 29% of subjects (6/21) demonstrated IgE-binding solely to other shrimp allergens, including sarcoplasmic calcium-binding protein, arginine kinase and hemocyanin. Furthermore, IgE sensitisation to other shrimp allergens was demonstrated in 50% of subjects (4/8) who were ImmunoCAP negative. The lack of standardised shrimp allergens and inadequacy of current extracts for shrimp allergy diagnosis is highlighted by this study. Comprehensive knowledge of less studied allergens and their inclusion in component-resolved diagnostics will improve diagnostic accuracy, benefitting the wider population suffering from shellfish allergy.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2020
Publisher: S. Karger AG
Date: 2005
DOI: 10.1159/000087354
Abstract: i Background: /i Aerosolization of fish proteins during seafood processing has been identified as a potential route for allergic sensitization and occupational asthma among workers involved in high-risk activities. The aim of this study was to develop immunological assays for the quantification of aerosolized fish antigens in a fish-processing factory. i Methods: /i Polyclonal antibodies to the main fish species processed in the factory (anchovy and pilchard) were generated in rabbits and compared by ELISA inhibition assay and immunoblotting. These antisera were utilized to develop ELISA assays for the detection of fish antigens. The ELISA inhibition assays were evaluated by analyzing environmental air s les collected from three areas in a fish-processing factory: pilchard canning, fish meal production and lobster processing. i Results: /i By immunoblotting, the rabbit polyclonal antibodies demonstrated IgG antibody binding patterns comparable with IgE antibodies of fish-sensitized patients, particularly in regard to the major fish allergens parvalbumins. The sensitivity of the fish-specific ELISA assays developed was 0.5 µg/ml. The ELISA inhibition assays were able to differentiate between the two different fish species of interest but did not recognize a crustacean species. Notable differences in exposure levels to canned pilchard and anchovy antigens were demonstrated in the three different working areas of the factory, with assays having a detection limit as low as 105 ng/m sup /sup . i Conclusion: /i These ELISA-based assays are sensitive and specific to quantify differential exposure levels to fish antigens produced during fish processing, making it possible to investigate exposure-disease response relationships among workers in this industry.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.MOLIMM.2014.09.019
Abstract: Fish are the largest and most erse group of vertebrates. Fish are also a part of the eight food groups that cause the majority of IgE mediated food reactions. Detection tools for fish allergens are however limited due to the great ersity of fish species, despite fish allergy and its major allergen parvalbumin being well documented. The most commonly studied fish are frequently consumed in North America and Europe. However, much less is known about fish allergens in the Australasian region although fish is widely consumed in this region. A comprehensive phylogenetic analysis was performed of known parvalbumin amino acid sequences to determine possible candidate antigens for new cross-reactive antibodies to be used to detect most fish parvalbumins. Polyclonal rabbit antibodies were raised against parvalbumins from frequently consumed barramundi (Lates calcarifer), basa (Pangasius bocourti), pilchard (Sardinops sagax) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). These were evaluated for cross-reactivity against a panel of 45 fish extracts (raw, heated and canned fish). Anti-barramundi parvalbumin proved to be the most cross-reactive antibody, detecting 87.5% of the 40 species analyzed, followed by anti-pilchard and anti-basa antibody. In contrast the anti-salmon antibody was very specific and only reacted to salmonidae and a few other fish. All analyzed fish species, except mahi mahi, swordfish, yellowfin tuna and all 5 canned fish had parvalbumin detected in raw extracts. However antibody reactivity to many fish was heat liable or susceptible to denaturation, demonstrating that some parvalbumins have most likely conformational epitopes, which lose antibody reactivity after heat treatment. We have demonstrated the generation of highly cross-reactive anti-parvalbumin antibodies that could be used for the detection of allergenic fish parvalbumin in contaminated food products. This cross-reactivity study thus shows processing of fish, especially canning, can have on impact on antibody recognition by ELISA, possibly similar to IgE-binding in vivo.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 28-03-2011
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2002
DOI: 10.1016/S0015-0282(02)03305-8
Abstract: Cryopreservation of embryos and oocytes has become an essential service for infertility treatment. The clinical application of this technology should ensure optimal survival of the embryos and oocytes that are stored and subsequently thawed for transfer. The aim of this review is to compare the widely employed slow cooling procedures with vitrification to evaluate and recommend the more effective and safer procedure. The review is mainly based on a comparison of the principles, procedures, and results reported in the literature. A historical description of vitrification and personal experiences with this technology are also included. University-based hospitals and private clinics that treat infertility and have published information on cryopreservation. Women being treated for infertility and reproductive technology clinics. The application of slow cooling involving a range of cooling rates is compared with vitrification using rapid and ultrarapid cooling in simple containers. The purpose of both techniques is the induction of a glasslike state in cells to protect them from damage by ice crystals. The early development of vitrification involved the use of long pre-equilibration procedures. Improved methods resulted from the use of mixtures of penetrating and nonpenetrating solutes that are not toxic and a range of cooling rates. Reported number of pregnancies established after transfer of embryos that were cryopreserved by vitrification, or transfer of embryos derived from vitrified oocytes. Both slow cooling and vitrification procedures have resulted in the successful cryopreservation of human embryos and oocytes. Both procedures have resulted in healthy births, although the slow cooling of oocytes gives very low success rates. Vitrification is a promising novel technique in assisted reproductive technology, but comparative success rates are yet to be established. Vitrification is a simple procedure that requires less time and is likely to become safer and more cost effective than slow cooling.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2023
DOI: 10.1111/PAI.13854
Abstract: Since the discovery of immunoglobulin E (IgE) as a mediator of allergic diseases in 1967, our knowledge about the immunological mechanisms of IgE‐mediated allergies has remarkably increased. In addition to understanding the immune response and clinical symptoms, allergy diagnosis and management depend strongly on the precise identification of the elicitors of the IgE‐mediated allergic reaction. In the past four decades, innovations in bioscience and technology have facilitated the identification and production of well‐defined, highly pure molecules for component‐resolved diagnosis (CRD), allowing a personalized diagnosis and management of the allergic disease for in idual patients. The first edition of the “EAACI Molecular Allergology User's Guide” (MAUG) in 2016 rapidly became a key reference for clinicians, scientists, and interested readers with a background in allergology, immunology, biology, and medicine. Nevertheless, the field of molecular allergology is moving fast, and after 6 years, a new EAACI Taskforce was established to provide an updated document. The Molecular Allergology User's Guide 2.0 summarizes state‐of‐the‐art information on allergen molecules, their clinical relevance, and their application in diagnostic algorithms for clinical practice. It is designed for both, clinicians and scientists, guiding health care professionals through the overwhelming list of different allergen molecules available for testing. Further, it provides diagnostic algorithms on the clinical relevance of allergenic molecules and gives an overview of their biology, the basic mechanisms of test formats, and the application of tests to measure allergen exposure.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 09-2001
DOI: 10.1136/OEM.58.9.553
Abstract: Recent years have seen increased levels of production and consumption of seafood, leading to more frequent reporting of allergic reactions in occupational and domestic settings. This review focuses on occupational allergy in the fishing and seafood processing industry. Workers involved in either manual or automated processing of crabs, prawns, mussels, fish, and fishmeal production are commonly exposed to various constituents of seafood. Aerosolisation of seafood and cooking fluid during processing are potential occupational situations that could result in sensitisation through inhalation. There is great variability of aerosol exposure within and among various jobs with reported allergen concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 5.061(microg/m(3)). Occupational dermal exposure occurs as a result of unprotected handling of seafood and its byproducts. Occupational allergies have been reported in workers exposed to arthropods (crustaceans), molluscs, pisces (bony fish) and other agents derived from seafood. The prevalence of occupational asthma ranges from 7% to 36%, and for occupational protein contact dermatitis, from 3% to 11%. These health outcomes are mainly due to high molecular weight proteins in seafood causing an IgE mediated response. Cross reactivity between various species within a major seafood grouping also occurs. Limited evidence from dose-response relations indicate that development of symptoms is related to duration or intensity of exposure. The evidence for atopy as a risk factor for occupational sensitisation and asthma is supportive, whereas evidence for cigarette smoking is limited. Disruption of the intact skin barrier seems to be an important added risk factor for occupational protein contact dermatitis. The range of allergic disease associated with occupational exposure to crab is well characterised, whereas for other seafood agents the evidence is somewhat limited. There is a need for further epidemiological studies to better characterise this risk. More detailed characterisation of specific protein antigens in aerosols and associated establishment of dose-response relations for acute and chronic exposure to seafood the respective roles of skin contact and inhalational exposure in allergic sensitisation and cross reactivity and the contribution of host associated factors in the development of occupational seafood allergies are important areas for future research.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-09-2017
DOI: 10.1111/PAI.12764
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2008
DOI: 10.1002/AJIM.20635
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 09-2005
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-01-2005
DOI: 10.1111/J.1398-9995.2005.00661.X
Abstract: Recent reports of fatal asthma cases associated with swarms of locusts affecting African countries have highlighted the importance of this insect in causing asthma morbidity and mortality. However, only limited information is available about the allergic health outcomes such as asthma and its determinants in exposed in iduals. In this study, workers exposed to the African migratory locust Locusta migratoria were evaluated for allergic health outcomes as well as the nature of the offending allergens. Ten scientists and technicians exposed to locusts in a laboratory were investigated for locust-related allergy using questionnaires and immunological tests. The presence of allergy was determined by quantification of specific IgE and IgG to L. migratoria using the UniCAP system and via skin-prick testing (SPT). The allergens were characterized by Western blot and ImmunoCAP inhibition assays. Six of the 10 workers experienced symptoms ranging from urticaria and rhinoconjuctivitis to asthma. Seven in iduals demonstrated sensitivity on SPT and five had specific IgE antibodies to L. migratoria. Significant cross-reactivity was demonstrated for allergens in the locust faeces, body and wings but not to cockroach allergens. Novel allergens with molecular weights of approximately 70 kDa were identified in locust wings, which are distinctly different from other known allergen sources from locusts. Exposure to L. migratoria allergens is a potential sensitizer in exposed in iduals. Raised levels of locust-specific IgE can be readily quantified. The wings of this insect species have been identified as a novel allergen source.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 19-11-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.MOLIMM.2015.02.021
Abstract: The development of nanoparticles (NPs) for commercial products is undergoing a dramatic expansion. Many sunscreens and cosmetics now use zinc oxide (ZnO) or titania (TiO2) NPs, which are effective ultraviolet (UV) filters. Zinc oxide topical creams are also used in mild anti-inflammatory treatments. In this study we evaluated the effect of size and dispersion state of ZnO and TiO2 NPs, compared to "bulk" ZnO, on mast cell degranulation and viability. ZnO and TiO2 NPs were characterized using dynamic light scattering and disc centrifugation. Rat basophilic leukaemia (RBL-2H3) cells and primary mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) were exposed to ZnO and TiO2 NPs of different sizes (25-200 nm) and surface coatings at concentrations from 1 to 200 μg/mL. The effect of NPs on immunoglobulin E (IgE)-dependent mast cell degranulation was assessed by measuring release of both β-hexosaminidase and histamine via colorimetric and ELISA assays. The intracellular level of Zn(2+) and Ca(2+) ions were measured using zinquin ethyl ester and Fluo-4 AM fluorescence probes, respectively. Cellular viability was determined using the soluble tetrazolium-based MTS colorimetric assay. Exposure of RBL-2H3 and primary mouse BMMC to ZnO NPs markedly inhibited both histamine and β-hexosaminidase release. This effect was both particle size and dispersion dependent. In contrast, TiO2 NPs did not inhibit the allergic response. These effects were independent of cytotoxicity, which was observed only at high concentrations of ZnO NPs, and was not observed for TiO2 NPs. The inhibitory effects of ZnO NPs on mast cells were inversely proportional to particle size and dispersion status, and thus these NPs may have greater potential than "bulk" zinc in the inhibition of allergic responses.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 18-01-2021
Abstract: Fish allergy constitutes a severe problem worldwide. Its prevalence has been calculated as high as 7% in paediatric populations, and in many cases, it persists into adulthood with life-threatening signs and symptoms. The following review focuses on the epidemiology of Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated fish allergy, its pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and a thorough approach to diagnosis and management in the paediatric population. The traditional approach for managing fish allergy is avoidance and rescue medication for accidental exposures. Food avoidance poses many obstacles and is not easily maintained. In the specific case of fish, food is also not the only source of allergens aerosolisation of fish proteins when cooking is a common source of highly allergenic parvalbumin, and elimination diets cannot prevent these contacts. Novel management approaches based on immunomodulation are a promising strategy for the future of these patients.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-10-2018
DOI: 10.1111/ALL.13610
Abstract: Hyper-IgE syndromes (HIES) are a clinically overlapping, heterogeneous group of inborn errors of immunity characterized by elevated serum IgE level, eosinophilia, atopy, and immune dysregulation. Deficiency of DOCK8 protein is potentially a life-threatening autosomal recessive HIES and only curable with bone marrow transplantation. Hence, the diagnosis of DOCK8 deficiency is critical and should be sought at an early stage to initiate definitive therapy. Serum s les from patients with DOCK8 deficiency and atopic dermatitis were profiled on a cytokine/chemokine panel for potential differential expression. CXCL10 and TNF-A were upregulated in DOCK8 patients when compared to AD, possibly contributing toward increased susceptibility to infections and cancer. In contrast, epidermal growth factor (EGF) was significantly downregulated in a subgroup of DOCK8-deficient and AD patients, while IL-31 expression was comparable between both DOCK8-deficient and AD cohorts, possibly contributing toward pruritus seen in both groups. This comprehensive cytokine profile in HIES patients reveals distinctive biomarkers that differentiate between the DOCK8-deficient and AD patients. The unique expression profile of various inflammatory cytokines in patients with DOCK8 deficiency vs atopic dermatitis likely reflects disease-specific perturbations in multiple cellular processes and pathways leading to a predisposition to infections and allergies seen in these patients. These data agree with the role for EGF replacement therapy in EGF-deficient in iduals with AD as well as DOCK8 deficiency through a potential shared pathway. In addition, these novel biomarkers may be potentially useful in distinguishing DOCK8 deficiency from AD allowing early-targeted treatment options.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 2018
Abstract: Food allergies are increasing globally, including numbers of allergens, the sensitization rate, and the prevalence rate. To protect food-allergic in iduals in the community, food allergies need to be appropriately managed. This paper describes current Australian food allergen management practices. In Australia, the prevalence of food allergies, the anaphylaxis rate, and the fatal anaphylaxis rate are among the highest in the world. Interagency and stakeholder collaboration is facilitated and enhanced as Australia moves through past, current, and ongoing food allergen challenges. As a result, Australia has been a global leader in regulating the labeling of common allergens in packaged foods and their disclosure in foods not required to bear a label. Moreover, the food industry in Australia and New Zealand has developed a unique food allergen risk management tool, the Voluntary Incidental Trace Allergen Labelling program, which is managed by the Allergen Bureau. This paper summarizes insights and information provided by the major stakeholders involved to protect food-allergic consumers from any allergic reaction. Stakeholders include government consumer protection, regulation, and enforcement agencies the food industry and food allergen testing and food allergen/allergy research bodies in Australia. The ongoing goal of all stakeholders in food allergen management in Australia is to promote best practice food allergen management procedures and provide a wide choice of foods, while enabling allergic consumers to manage their food allergies and reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 16-02-2022
Abstract: The intestinal microbial community (microbiota) is dynamic and variable amongst in iduals and plays an essential part in gut health and homeostasis. Dietary components can modulate the structure of the gut microbiota. In recent years, substantial efforts have been made to find novel dietary components with positive effects on the gut microbial community structure. Natural algal polysaccharides and carotenoids have been reported to possess various functions of biological relevance and their impact on the gut microbiota is currently a topic of interest. This study, therefore, reports the effect of the sulfated polysaccharide ulvan and the carotenoid astaxanthin extracted and purified from the aquacultured marine green macroalgae Ulva ohnoi and freshwater green microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, respectively, on the temporal development of the murine gut microbiota. Significant changes with the increase in the bacterial classes Bacteroidia, Bacilli, Clostridia, and Verrucomicrobia were observed after feeding the mice with ulvan and astaxanthin. Duration of the treatments had a more substantial effect on the bacterial community structure than the type of treatment. Our findings highlight the potential of ulvan and astaxanthin to mediate aspects of host-microbe symbiosis in the gut, and if incorporated into the diet, these could assist positively in improving disease conditions associated with gut health.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 25-02-2021
DOI: 10.3389/FNSYS.2021.578875
Abstract: Brain computer interfaces (BCI) provide a direct communication link between the brain and a computer or other external devices. They offer an extended degree of freedom either by strengthening or by substituting human peripheral working capacity and have potential applications in various fields such as rehabilitation, affective computing, robotics, gaming, and neuroscience. Significant research efforts on a global scale have delivered common platforms for technology standardization and help tackle highly complex and non-linear brain dynamics and related feature extraction and classification challenges. Time-variant psycho-neurophysiological fluctuations and their impact on brain signals impose another challenge for BCI researchers to transform the technology from laboratory experiments to plug-and-play daily life. This review summarizes state-of-the-art progress in the BCI field over the last decades and highlights critical challenges.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-1982
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 19-06-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.JACI.2005.12.1357
Abstract: Several case reports show allergy and anaphylactic reactions to the fish parasite Anisakis in the domestic and occupational setting. Further research is needed on the prevalence and mechanisms of disease. To determine the prevalence of Anisakis sensitization and related symptoms among workers in 2 fish-processing factories, and to use gene-deficient mice to determine the working mechanisms of Anisakis allergy. A modified version of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey was used to interview 578 South African fish-processing workers. Sensitization to Anisakis, seafood, and common aeroallergens was determined by skin prick test. Lung function was measured by spirometry and methacholine challenge. Serum eicosapentaenoic acid levels were used as an index of seafood consumption. Sensitized wild-type, IL-4, or IL-4 receptor alpha-deficient mice were challenged orally with Anisakis extract. Allergic reactions, lung pathology, antibodies, cytokines, mast cell proteases, and histamine were evaluated. The prevalence of sensitization to Anisakis was higher than the prevalence of sensitization to fish (8% vs 6%). Anisakis-specific IgE reactivity was associated with bronchial hyperreactivity and dermatitis, and significantly increased with fish consumption. In mice, Anisakis infective larvae (L3) induced a striking T(H)2/type 2 response. Food-allergic-type reactions induced by oral challenge with Anisakis extract were absent in IL-4 receptor alpha knockout mice. Anisakis sensitization in fish-processing workers is associated with allergic symptoms and correlates with high levels of fish consumption. Anisakis proteins induce allergic reactions in sensitized mice by IL-4/IL-13-mediated mechanisms. Anisakis allergy should be considered in fish-processing workers with allergic symptoms.
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 12-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2014
Publisher: S. Karger AG
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1159/000283038
Abstract: i Background: /i Three spice mill workers developed work-related allergy and asthma after prolonged exposure to high levels ( mg/m sup /sup ) of inhalable spice dust. Patterns of sensitization to a variety of spices and putative allergens were identified. i Methods: /i Work-related allergy and asthma were assessed on history, clinical evaluation, pulmonary function and fractional exhaled nitric oxide. Specific IgE reactivity to a range of common inhalant, food and spice allergens was evaluated using ImmunoCAP and allergen microarray. The presence of non-IgE-mediated reactions was determined by basophil stimulation (CAST-ELISA). Specific allergens were identified by immunoblotting to extracts of raw and dried processed garlic, onion and chili pepper. i Results: /i Asthma was confirmed in all 3 subjects, with work-related patterns prominent in worker 1 and 3. Sensitization to multiple spices and pollen was observed in both atopic workers 1 and 2, whereas garlic and chili pepper sensitization featured in all 3 workers. Microarray analysis demonstrated prominent profilin reactivity in atopic worker 2. Immunoblotting demonstrated a 50-kDa cross-reactive allergen in garlic and onion, and allergens of approximately 40 and 52 kDa in chili pepper. Dry powdered garlic and onion demonstrated greater IgE binding. i Conclusions: /i This study demonstrated IgE reactivity to multiple spice allergens in workers exposed to high levels of inhalable spice dust. Processed garlic and onion powder demonstrated stronger IgE reactivity than the raw plant. Atopy and polysensitization to various plant profilins, suggesting pollen-food syndrome, represent additional risk factors for sensitizer-induced work-related asthma in spice mill workers.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-02-2013
DOI: 10.1007/S12016-013-8363-1
Abstract: Globally, the rising consumption of fish and its derivatives, due to its nutritional value and ergence of international cuisines, has led to an increase in reports of adverse reactions to fish. Reactions to fish are not only mediated by the immune system causing allergies, but are often caused by various toxins and parasites including ciguatera and Anisakis. Allergic reactions to fish can be serious and life threatening and children usually do not outgrow this type of food allergy. The route of exposure is not only restricted to ingestion but include manual handling and inhalation of cooking vapors in the domestic and occupational environment. Prevalence rates of self-reported fish allergy range from 0.2 to 2.29 % in the general population, but can reach up to 8 % among fish processing workers. Fish allergy seems to vary with geographical eating habits, type of fish processing, and fish species exposure. The major fish allergen characterized is parvalbumin in addition to several less well-known allergens. This contemporary review discusses interesting and new findings in the area of fish allergy including demographics, novel allergens identified, immunological mechanisms of sensitization, and innovative approaches in diagnosing and managing this life-long disease.
Publisher: CRC Press
Date: 07-09-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.FOODCHEM.2019.126133
Abstract: The development of a sensitive and rapid detection approach for allergens in various food matrices is essential to assist patients in managing their allergies. The most common methods used for allergen detection are based on immunoassays, PCR and mass spectrometry. However, all of them are very complex and time-consuming. Herein, an aptamer biosensor for the detection of the major shrimp allergen tropomyosin (TM) was developed. Graphene oxide (GO) was used as a platform for screening of the minimal-length aptamer sequence required for high-affinity target binding. A fluorescein dye labeled GO quenches the truncated aptamer by π-stacking interactions. After the addition of TM, the fluorescence was restored due to the competitive binding of the aptamer to GO. One of the truncated aptamers was found to bind to TM with four-fold higher affinity (30 nM) compared to the full-length aptamer (124 nM), with a limit of detection (LOD) of 2 nM. The aptamer-based sensor demonstrates the sensitive, selective, and specific detection of TM in 30 min. The performance of the sensor was confirmed using TM spiked chicken soup, resulting in a high percentage recovery (~97 ± 10%). The association of GO and labelled aptamer sensor platform has shown the rapid detection of TM in food, which is compared to other methods very sensitive, specific and performs in high throughput application.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 1995
DOI: 10.1039/P29950000091
Publisher: No publisher found
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1007/S11882-013-0347-Y
Abstract: Occupational allergy and asthma is a serious adverse health outcome affecting seafood-processing workers. Allergic reactions are directed to two major seafood groups: fish and shellfish, with the latter group comprising crustaceans and molluscs. Several allergenic proteins have been identified in these different groups, but few have been characterised on a molecular level. Parvalbumin appears to be the major fish allergen, while tropomyosin the major crustacean allergen. Other IgE-binding proteins have also been identified in molluscs and other seafood-associated agents (e.g. Anisakis sp), although their molecular nature has not been characterised. Aerosolised allergens can be identified and quantified using immunological and chemical approaches, detecting levels as low as 10 ng/m(3). This contemporary review discusses interesting and recent findings in the area of occupational seafood allergy including high-risk occupations, environmental risk factors for airborne exposures, major and minor allergens implicated and innovative approaches in diagnosing and managing occupational allergy and asthma associated with seafood processing.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2009
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.MOLIMM.2009.06.018
Abstract: IgE-mediated allergic reaction to seafood is a common cause of food allergy including anaphylactic reactions. Parvalbumin, the major fish allergen, has been shown to display IgE cross-reactivity among fish species consumed predominantly in Europe and the Far East. However, cross-reactivity studies of parvalbumin from fish species widely consumed in the Southern hemisphere are limited as is data relating to immunological and molecular characterisation. In this study, antigenic cross-reactivity and the presence of oligomers and isomers of parvalbumin from five highly consumed fish species in Southern Africa were assessed by immunoblotting using purified parvalbumin and crude fish extracts. Pilchard (Sardinops sagax) parvalbumin was found to display the strongest IgE reactivity among 10 fish-allergic consumers. The cDNA sequence of the beta-form of pilchard parvalbumin was determined and designated Sar sa 1.0101 (accession number FM177701 EMBL/GenBank/DDBJ databases). Oligomeric forms of parvalbumin were observed in all fish species using a monoclonal anti-parvalbumin antibody and subject's sera. Isoforms varied between approximately 10-13 kDa. A highly cross-reactive allergenic isoform of parvalbumin was identified and sequenced, providing a successful primary step towards the generation of a recombinant form that could be used for diagnostic and potential therapeutic use in allergic in iduals.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 30-01-2022
Abstract: The Pacific oyster is a commercially important mollusc and, in contrast to most other shellfish species, frequently consumed without prior heat treatment. Oysters are rich in many nutrients but can also cause food allergy. Knowledge of their allergens and cross-reactivity remains very limited. These limitations make an optimal diagnosis of oyster allergy difficult, in particular to the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas), the most cultivated and consumed oyster species worldwide. This study aimed to characterise IgE sensitisation profiles of 21 oyster-sensitised patients to raw and heated Pacific oyster extract using immunoblotting and advanced mass spectrometry, and to assess the relevance of recombinant oyster allergen for improved diagnosis. Tropomyosin was identified as the major allergen recognised by IgE from 18 of 21 oyster-sensitised patients and has been registered with the WHO/IUIS as the first oyster allergen (Cra g 1). The IgE-binding capacity of oyster-sensitised patients’ IgE to purified natural and recombinant tropomyosin from oyster, prawn, and dust mite was compared using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The degree of IgE binding varied between patients, indicating partial cross-sensitisation and/or co-sensitisation. Amino acid sequence alignment of tropomyosin from these three species revealed five regions that contain predicted IgE-binding epitopes, which are most likely responsible for this cross-reactivity. This study fully biochemically characterises the first and major oyster allergen Cra g 1 and demonstrates that the corresponding recombinant tropomyosin should be implemented in improved component-resolved diagnostics and guide future immunotherapy.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 10-02-2005
Abstract: Aerosolization of seafood and subsequent inhalation, during processing is a potential high-risk activity for allergic respiratory disease. To quantify total thoracic particulate, protein concentration and specific fish (pilchard, anchovy) antigen concentrations in fish processing plants to determine the correlation between these exposure metrics and to identify the major determinants of variability and the optimal grouping strategies for establishing dose-response relationships for fish antigen exposures. Exposure assessments were conducted on randomly selected in iduals within each of the identified 'exposure groups' (EGs) in two fish processing factories. Personal time-integrated s ling was conducted with a thoracic fraction s ler and analysed for particulate mass, total protein and specific fish antigens. Exposure metrics were developed on the basis of in idually measured exposures and average levels of these personal s les within EGs. The main components of the exposure variability were determined using ANOVA techniques. A total of 198 full-shift personal aerosol s les were collected and analysed. Twenty-two percent of the s les were below the limit of detection (LOD) for pilchard and 23% for anchovy assays. Personal s ling revealed wide variations across EGs in arithmetic mean concentrations of thoracic particulate 0.61 mg m(-3) (range: LOD-11.3), total protein 0.89 microg m(-3) (LOD-11.5), pilchard antigen 150 ng m(-3) (LOD-15 973) and anchovy antigen 552 ng m(-3) (LOD-75 748) levels. The fishmeal loading and bagging sections of both plants showed consistently high thoracic particulate mass (0.811-2.714 mg m(-3)), total protein (0.185-1.855 microg m(-3)), pilchard antigen (538-3288 ng m(-3)) and anchovy antigen (1708-15 431 ng m(-3)). The a priori strategy that grouped workers according to EGs produced reasonably satisfactory summary exposure metric statistics. An alternative grouping strategy based on department revealed comparable elasticity (exposure contrast). While the correlation between the log-transformed thoracic particulate mass and fish antigen concentrations were generally modest (Pearson's r = 0.32-0.35, P < 0.001), a high correlation was found between pilchard and anchovy antigen concentrations (Pearson's r = 0.71, P < 0.001). Models using factory and department grouping strategies accounted for a significant portion of the variability (adjusted r(2) = 0.18, P = 0.043) in pilchard antigen levels. Grouping strategies using a combination of factory and department yielded the highest degree of elasticity for thoracic particulate (0.38) and pilchard antigen (0.42) levels. Workers involved in bony fish processing are at risk of inhaling aerosols containing pilchard and anchovy fish antigens. Antigen exposures are highest during fishmeal production and bagging. Grouping strategies based on department and factory may provide a more efficient approach than a priori classification of EGs for evaluating fish antigen exposures.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-01-2014
Abstract: Prawn allergy is one of the leading causes of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to food. Alterations of IgE-antibody reactivity to prawn allergens due to thermal processing are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of heating on prawn allergens using a comprehensive allergenomic approach. Proteins from raw and heat-processed black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) extracts as well as recombinant tropomyosin (rPen m1) were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting using sera from 16 shellfish allergic patients. IgE antibody binding proteins were identified by advanced mass spectroscopy, characterized by molecular structure analysis and their IgE reactivity compared among the prepared black tiger prawn extracts. Heat processing enhanced the overall patient IgE binding to prawn extracts and increased recognition of a number of allergen variants and fragments of prawn allergens. Allergens identified were tropomyosin, myosin light chain, sarcoplasmic calcium binding protein, and putative novel allergens including triose phosphate isomerase, aldolase, and titin. Seven allergenic proteins are present in prawns, which are mostly heat-stable and form dimers or oligomers. Thermal treatment enhanced antibody reactivity to prawn allergens as well as fragments and should be considered in the diagnosis of prawn allergy and detection of crustacean allergens in processed food.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-03-2010
DOI: 10.1002/JMS.1721
Abstract: The protein tropomyosin (TM) is a known major allergen present in shellfish causing frequent food allergies. TM is also an occupational allergen generated in the working environment of snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) processing plants. The TM protein was purified from both claw and leg meats of snow crab and analyzed by electrospray ionization and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) using hybrid quadruple time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (QqToF-MS). The native polypeptide molecular weight of TM was determined to be 32,733 Da. The protein was further characterized using the 'bottom-up' MS approach. A peptide mass fingerprinting was obtained by two different enzymatic digestions and de novo sequencing of the most abundant peptides performed. Any post-translational modifications were identified by searching their calculated and predicted molecular weights in precursor ion spectra. The immunological reactivity of snow crab extract was evaluated using specific antibodies and allergenic reactivity assessed with serum of allergic patients. Subsequently, a signature peptide for TM was identified and evaluated in terms of identity and homology using the basic local alignment search tool (BLAST). The identification of a signature peptide for the allergen TM using MALDI-QqToF-MS will be critical for the sensitive and specific quantification of this highly allergenic protein in the work place.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S40629-016-0124-2
Abstract: Shellfish belongs to “The Big 8” food groups causing allergy, which often does not outgrow during childhood. Shellfish is one of the main food allergens in adults and constitutes a erse group of species sub ided into crustaceans and mollusks, which seem to include similar but also different allergens. Several pan-allergens are characterized in detail, including tropomyosin and arginine kinase, responsible for clinical cross-reactivity with other invertebrate allergen sources, embracing mites, insects, and parasites. Currently, at least seven different shellfish allergens have been identified, mostly from crustaceans. However, only three recombinant allergens are available for IgE-based routine diagnostic, including tropomyosin, arginine kinase, and sarcoplasmic Ca 2+ -binding protein. Other allergens include myosin light chain, troponin C, triosephosphate isomerase, and actin. This review summarizes the current advances on the molecular characterization of shellfish allergens, clinical cross-reactivity, and current diagnostic approaches for the management of this life-threatening disease.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-06-2020
DOI: 10.1111/ALL.14410
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 19-11-2019
Publisher: S. Karger AG
Date: 2004
DOI: 10.1159/000078651
Abstract: i Background: /i Exposure to organic dust produced by birds often gives rise to an immune response, e.g. IgG antibodies, but intense exposure can lead to high concentrations of IgG antibodies and the development of allergic alveolitis, often known as ‘bird fancier’s lung’. The aim of this study was to establish the distribution of bird-specific IgG antibodies in exposed and nonexposed in iduals and compare a nonquantitative and quantitative method in evaluating raised levels of IgG antibodies. i Methods: /i Sera were collected in Sweden and South Africa and levels of IgG antibodies specific to pigeon, budgerigar and parrot antigens were quantified using the UniCAP system. Results were compared to the precipitation in gel assay. The IgG antibody values of symptomatic patients without precipitating antibodies (non-PP group n = 51) and patients with precipitating antibodies (PP group n = 34) were analyzed and compared to nonexposed asymptomatic blood donors (BD group n = 73) and environmentally exposed pigeon breeders (n = 11). i Results: /i The IgG antibody response of the analyzed groups in Sweden and South Africa did not vary significantly from each other. IgG antibody responses were the strongest to pigeon antigens with clear increased IgG antibody levels in the PP group [geometric mean (GM) 603 mg/l] compared to the non-PP (GM 6.9 mg/l) and BD group (GM 5.0 mg/l). Threshold values, calculated as the GM value from the BD group plus 3 standard deviations (99% confidence interval), were 9.8, 10.8 and 10.0 mg/l for pigeons, budgerigars and parrots, respectively. Comparison of the two methods resulted in a good concordance with a level of agreement of 94.1% (kappa statistic = 0.83). i Conclusions: /i The UniCAP system for the detection of bird-specific IgG antibodies is a highly reproducible, generally available, quantitative method for routine diagnostic testing and monitoring of exposed subjects with a very high level of agreement to the precipitating gel assay.
Publisher: European Respiratory Society (ERS)
Date: 14-05-2009
DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00164408
Abstract: While baker's asthma has been well described, various asthma phenotypes in bakery workers have yet to be characterised. Our study aims to describe the asthma phenotypes in supermarket bakery workers in relation to host risk factors and self-reported exposure to flour dust. A cross-sectional study of 517 supermarket bakery workers in 31 bakeries used a questionnaire, skin prick tests, and specific immunoglobulin E to wheat, rye and fungal alpha-amylase and methacholine challenge testing. The prevalence of probable occupational asthma (OA, 13%) was higher than atopic (6%), nonatopic (6%) and work-aggravated asthma (WAA, 3%) phenotypes. Previous episodes of high exposure to dusts, fumes and vapours causing asthma symptoms were more strongly associated with WAA (OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.7-19.2) than OA (2.8, 1.4-5.5). Work-related ocular-nasal symptoms were significantly associated with WAA (4.3, 1.3-13.8) and OA (3.1, 1.8-5.5). Bakers with OA had an increased odds ratio of reporting adverse reactions to ingested grain products (6.4, 2.0-19.8). OA is the most common phenotype among supermarket bakery workers. Analysis of risk factors contributes to defining clinical phenotypes, which will guide ongoing medical surveillance and clinical management of bakery workers.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 31-08-2023
DOI: 10.1111/ALL.15864
Abstract: Major fish allergens, including parvalbumin (PV), are heat stable and can withstand extensive cooking processes. Thus, the management of fish allergy generally relies on complete avoidance. Fish‐allergic patients may be advised to consume canned fish, as some fish‐allergic in iduals have reported tolerance to canned fish. However, the safety of consuming canned fish has not been evaluated with comprehensive immunological and molecular analysis of canned fish products. We characterized the in vitro immunoreactivity of serum obtained from fish‐allergic subjects to canned fish. Seventeen canned fish products (salmon n = 8 tuna n = 7 sardine n = 2) were assessed for the content and integrity of PV using allergen‐specific antibodies. Subsequently, the sIgE binding of five selected products was evaluated for in idual fish‐allergic patients ( n = 53). Finally, sIgE‐binding proteins were identified by mass spectrometry. The canned fish showed a markedly reduced PV content and binding to PV‐specific antibodies compared with conventionally cooked fish. However, PV and other heat‐stable fish allergens, including tropomyosin and collagen, still maintained their sIgE‐binding capacity. Of 53 patients, 66% showed sIgE binding to canned fish proteins. The canned sardine contained proteins bound to sIgE from 51% of patients, followed by canned salmon (43%–45%) and tuna (8%–17%). PV was the major allergen in canned salmon and sardine. Tropomyosin and/or collagen also showed sIgE binding. We showed that canned fish products may not be safe for all fish‐allergic patients. Canned fish products should only be considered into the diet of in iduals with fish allergy, after detailed evaluation which may include in vitro diagnostics to various heat‐stable fish allergens and food challenge conducted in suitable environments.
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 09-2015
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 12-2014
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-10-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S00436-017-5642-4
Abstract: Tropomyosin (TM) is a major allergen in shellfish, known to cross-react with mite, cockroach and/or some roundworm (nematode) TM. In this study, we aimed to express and purify TM from the parasitic nematode Anisakis pegreffii and also to characterise its cross-reactivity with TM from shellfish. A. pegreffii was isolated from the flathead tiger fish (Neoplatycephalus richardsoni) and characterised using single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP)-based sequencing of the first and second internal transcribed spacers (ITS-1 and ITS-2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA. The recombinant tropomyosin (rTM) of A. pegreffii was expressed, purified and confirmed by immunohistochemistry, sequencing and LC-MS/MS analyses. Immunohistochemistry showed the muscle and the base layer of the third-stage larvae (L3) of A. pegreffii as the location of TM in A. pegreffii. The molecular relationship of TM of A. pegreffii with homologs from other nematodes and crustaceans was inferred from phylogenetic analysis. Immunogenicity of TM from A. pegreffii was tested by immunoblotting, which showed that rTM from A. pegreffii binds to IgE from sera of patients with allergy to crustaceans. Immunoblotting also showed that the anti-TM monoclonal antibody (MAb) did not recognise rTM from A. pegreffii. The rTM from A. pegreffii was, however, recognised by anti-TM polyclonal antibodies (PAbs) as well as anti-crustacean polyclonal antibodies (PAbs). The detection of specific serum IgE antibody against parasite TM has been proposed as a useful approach for the diagnosis of parasite-induced allergy. The findings of this study merit further exploration of the cross-reactive allergenic proteins of Anisakis for improved, future diagnosis of allergenic diseases.
Publisher: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Date: 11-2005
Abstract: In this report we describe a 9-month-old boy with severe persistent asthma and documented cow's milk allergy (presented with eczema and severe systemic reactions) who had an anaphylactic reaction to a soy formula contaminated with cow's milk protein. Quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis revealed trace quantities of β-lactoglobulin in the offending soy formula as well as the dry powder. The patient did not demonstrate clinical reactivity to soy protein (negative challenge, tolerated pure soy formula well). Cross-contamination of the offending soy formula was presumed to have occurred during food manufacturing. This case demonstrates that trace quantities of cow's milk protein can elicit severe systemic reactions in highly milk-allergic in iduals. This infant ingested the equivalent of 0.4 mL of cow's milk from the soy formula as documented by an immunoassay for β-lactoglobulin. This highlights the ease with which cross-contamination can occur during food processing and reinforces the need for better quality control.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-06-2018
Abstract: Shellfish allergy is an increasing global health priority, frequently affecting adults. Molluscs are an important shellfish group causing food allergy but knowledge of their allergens and cross‐reactivity is limited. Optimal diagnosis of mollusc allergy enabling accurate advice on food avoidance is difficult. Allergens of four frequently ingested Asia‐Pacific molluscs are characterized: Sydney rock oyster ( Saccostrea glomerata ), blue mussel ( Mytilus edulis ), saucer scallop ( Amusium balloti ), and southern calamari ( Sepioteuthis australis ), examining cross‐reactivity between species and with blue swimmer crab tropomyosin, Por p 1. IgE ELISA showed that cooking increased IgE reactivity of mollusc extracts and basophil activation confirmed biologically relevant IgE reactivity. Immunoblotting demonstrated strong IgE reactivity of several proteins including one corresponding to heat‐stable tropomyosin in all species (37–40 kDa). IgE‐reactive Sydney rock oyster proteins were identified by mass spectrometry, and the novel major oyster tropomyosin allergen was cloned, sequenced, and designated Sac g 1 by the IUIS. Oyster extracts showed highest IgE cross‐reactivity with other molluscs, while mussel cross‐reactivity was weakest. Inhibition immunoblotting demonstrated high cross‐reactivity between tropomyosins of mollusc and crustacean species. These findings inform novel approaches for reliable diagnosis and improved management of mollusc allergy.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-2005
Abstract: Food allergy is defined as an adverse immunologic reaction to allergens present in food and is associated with symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal discomfort to anaphylactic shock and death. The increase in prevalence and potential fatality of disease has led to increased efforts to find effective therapies and prophylaxis. While specific immunotherapy (SIT) is effective in desensitization against inhalant allergens, it is unadvised against food allergy because of the high risk of adverse side effects. A review of the recent literature shows that various approaches have been taken to develop safer and more effective SIT regimens. Here we discuss the use of recombinant allergens, peptides, DNA vaccines, immunostimulatory DNA sequences, and other bacterial products in SIT. In addition, we review nonspecific therapies such as anti-IgE administration and cytokine therapy as well as natural therapies such as probiotics and Chinese herbal medications. In conclusion, anti-IgE treatment and SIT using hypoallergenic recombinant allergens in combination with Th1-inducing adjuvants appear the most promising approaches. New initiatives to increase our understanding of the pathophysiology and immunologic mechanisms of food allergy along with the molecular characterization of food allergens should pave the way towards safer and more effective ways of combating this debilitating and potentially life-threatening disease.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.JAIP.2019.10.019
Abstract: Seafood plays an important role in human nutrition and health. A good patient workup and sensitive diagnostic analysis of IgE antibody reactivity can distinguish between a true seafood allergy and other adverse reactions generated by toxins or parasites contaminating ingested seafood. The 2 most important seafood groupings include the fish and shellfish. Shellfish, in the context of seafood consumption, constitutes a erse group of species sub ided into crustaceans and mollusks. The prevalence of shellfish allergy seems to be higher than that of fish allergy, with an estimate of up to 3% in the adult population and fin fish allergy prevalence of approximately 1%. Clinical evaluation of the seafood-allergic patient involves obtaining a detailed history and obtaining in vivo and/or in vitro testing with careful interpretation of results with consideration of cross-reactivity features of the major allergens. Oral food challenge is useful not only for the diagnosis but also for avoiding unnecessary dietary restrictions. In this review, we highlight some of the recent reports to provide solid clinical and laboratory tools for the differentiation of fish allergy from shellfish allergy, enabling best treatment and management of these patients.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.MOLIMM.2015.11.011
Abstract: Food allergy affects an increasing population in Western world but also developing countries. Researchers have been taking great efforts in identifying and characterising food allergens using molecular tools. However, there are still many mechanistic hypotheses that need to be tested using an appropriate in vivo experimental platform. To date, a number of mouse models for food allergy have been established and provided valuable insights into food allergenicity, development of therapies and allergic inflammation mechanisms. Nevertheless, a large ersity of protocols have been developed for the establishment of relevant mouse models. As a result, comparisons of outcomes between different models are very difficult to be conducted. The phenotypes of mouse models are greatly influenced by genetic background, gender, route of allergen exposure, the nature and concentration of food allergens, as well as the usage of adjuvants. This review focuses on IgE-mediated food allergy, compares the differential approaches in developing appropriate murine models for food allergy and details specific findings for three major food allergens, peanut, milk and shellfish.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.JACI.2012.03.011
Abstract: Markers of alternatively activated macrophages (AAMs) are upregulated in the lungs of asthmatic patients and in mice with allergic airway disease. AAMs are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of allergic airway disease by virtue of their decreased NO production and increased production of proline and polyamines, which are important in the synthesis of connective tissues such as collagen. We aimed to define the role of AAMs in the pathogenesis of allergic airway disease. The IL-4 receptor alpha (IL-4Rα) gene is genetically abrogated in macrophages in LysM(cre)IL-4Rα(-/lox) mice, which therefore have impaired IL-4/IL-13 activation of AAMs through IL-4R types 1 and 2. Responses of LysM(cre)IL-4Rα(-/lox) mice and IL-4Rα(-/lox) littermate controls were examined in ovalbumin- and house dust mite-induced allergic airway disease. IL-4Rα expression was shown to be efficiently depleted from alveolar macrophages, interstitial macrophages, and CD11b(+)MHCII(+) inflammatory macrophages. Although the expression of markers of AAMs such as Ym-1, arginase and found in inflammatory zone 1 was decreased in macrophages of LysM(cre)IL-4Rα(-/lox) mice in chronic ovalbumin-induced allergic airway disease, airway hyperreactivity, T(H)2 responses, mucus hypersecretion, eosinophil infiltration, and collagen deposition were not significantly reduced. LysM(cre)IL-4Rα(-/lox) mice and littermate controls also developed similar responses in acute ovalbumin- and house dust mite-induced allergic airway disease. Our results suggest that the presence of AAMs in allergic airway disease may be only an association, as a result of the increased T(H)2 responses present during disease, and that IL-4Rα-dependent AAMs do not play an important role in the pathology of disease.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2011
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 29-08-2013
Publisher: Inter-Research Science Center
Date: 05-01-2010
DOI: 10.3354/MEPS08371
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-02-2017
DOI: 10.1111/CEA.12892
Abstract: Allergy to bony fish is common and probably increasing world-wide. The major heat-stable pan-fish allergen, parvalbumin (PV), has been identified and characterized for numerous fish species. In contrast, there are very few reports of allergic reactions to cartilaginous fish despite widespread consumption. The molecular basis for this seemingly low clinical cross-reactivity between these two fish groups has not been elucidated. PV consists of two distinct protein lineages, α and β. The α-lineage of this protein is predominant in muscle tissue of cartilaginous fish (Chondrichthyes), while β-PV is abundant in muscle tissue of bony fish (Osteichthyes). The low incidence of allergic reactions to ingested rays and sharks is likely due to the lack of molecular similarity, resulting in reduced immunological cross-reactivity between the two PV lineages. Structurally and physiologically, both protein lineages are very similar however, the amino acid homology is very low with 47-54%. Furthermore, PV from ancient fish species such as the coelacanth demonstrates 62% sequence homology to leopard shark α-PV and 70% to carp β-PV. This indicates the extent of conservation of the PV isoforms lineages across millennia. This review highlights prevalence data on fish allergy and sensitization to fish, and details the molecular ersity of the two protein lineages of the major fish allergen PV among different fish groups, emphasizing the immunological and clinical differences in allergenicity.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 08-03-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-06-2020
DOI: 10.1002/JSFA.10451
Publisher: S. Karger AG
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1159/000102616
Abstract: i Background: /i Occupational allergy to latex is generally reported from occupational groups such as health care workers however, few reports derive from other occupational settings. i Methods: /i Two male subjects working as loom tuners in a textile manufacturing plant developed severe allergic reactions during the cutting and weaving of elastic bands, initially not suspected to contain latex constituents. Clinical evaluation and lung function tests were supplemented by skin prick testing, specific IgE evaluation and basophil activation assays with extracted elastic bands. i Results: /i Both workers presented with rhinitis, episodes of tight chest and itchy eyes. Initial spirometry was normal with no significant reversibility however, a histamine challenge test was positive in one worker. Skin prick testing to a battery of common inhalant allergens was negative however, raised IgE levels were detected to latex using ImmunoCAP. On further testing, the specific IgE response was directed mainly to the major latex allergens rHev b 5, rHev b 6.01, rHev b 6.02 and nHev b 13. Basophils of the two workers, but not the unaffected control subjects, were strongly activated by extracts of the elastic and the cutting dust material. i Conclusions: /i Workers are at high risk of becoming sensitised to latex allergens when exposed to excessive dust produced by loom tuning machines. Latex sensitisation should therefore be considered in workers developing unexplained work-related allergic reactions (including asthma) associated with unlabelled materials in the textile industry.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 03-03-2010
Abstract: Exposure to flour dust has been reported as an important risk factor for allergic respiratory disease among bakery workers. A high prevalence of allergic sensitization and asthma was recently reported in South African supermarket bakeries. The aim of this study was to conduct a detailed exposure assessment of these bakeries so as to provide the baseline for a broader intervention study. A total of 211 full-shift personal s les were collected on randomly selected in iduals within five different job categories in 18 bakeries. The s les were analyzed for particulate mass and specific flour dust allergens (wheat, rye, and fungal alpha-amylase). Exposure models were developed using job, bakery size, tasks, and specific ingredients used. Bakery and worker were regarded as random effect components. Bread bakers had the highest average (geometric mean) exposures (1.33 mg m(-3) flour dust particulate, 13.66 microg m(-3) wheat allergens, and 5.14 microg m(-3) rye allergens). For alpha-amylase allergens, most s les were below the limit of detection for several occupational titles. In the mixed effect models, the significant predictors of elevated exposure to inhalable dust particulate as well as wheat and rye allergen concentrations were large bakery size, bread baking, and use of cereal flours, while tasks such as confectionery work were negatively correlated with these exposure metrics. Weighing tasks and use of premix products were associated with increased exposure to fungal alpha-amylase. A high correlation between particulate dust and wheat (r = 0.84) as well as rye (r = 0.86) was observed, with a much lower correlation between particulate dust and fungal alpha-amylase (r = 0.33). Overall, a low proportion (39%) of bakery stores implemented various control measures to reduce dust exposures in the bakeries. This study confirms that current exposure control strategies in supermarket bakery stores are inadequate in reducing dust exposures to protect the health of bakery workers.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-01-2018
DOI: 10.1111/CEA.13069
Abstract: Fish is a well-recognized cause of food allergy and anaphylaxis. The evolutionary and taxonomic ersity of the various consumed fish species pose a challenge in the identification and characterization of the major fish allergens critical for reliable diagnostics. Globally, fish is a rising cause of food allergy complicated by a large under-investigated variety of species as well as increasing global tourism and trade. This is the first comprehensive study on allergen profiles of heat-processed fish from Vietnam. The aim of this study was to identify the major heat-stable allergens from frequently exported Asia-Pacific freshwater and marine fish and to characterize the major allergen parvalbumin (PV) from one of the most consumed and exported fish species from Asia, the Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta). Heated protein extracts from 33 fish species were separated by gel electrophoresis. PV isoforms were identified by immunoblotting utilizing 3 different PV-specific monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies and further characterized by mass spectrometry. IgE reactivity was investigated using sera from 21 patients with confirmed fish allergy. Heat-stable IgE-reactive PVs, with up to 5 isoforms per species, were identified in all 33 analysed fish species. In the Indian mackerel, 7 PV isoforms were identified by 2D-gel electrophoresis combined with mass spectrometric analyses. The amino acid sequence deduced from cDNA of the most expressed isoform showed a high identity (>90%) to PVs from 2 other mackerel species. Different PVs were identified as the major heat-stable allergens in all 33 analysed freshwater and marine fish species from Vietnam, many of which are exported world-wide and 21 species that have never been investigated before. The Indian mackerel PV represents a novel fish allergen, now officially registered as Ras k 1. Improved diagnostics for fish allergy against Asia-Pacific species should be developed with focus on PV.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2016
DOI: 10.1111/IMJ.38_13197
Publisher: Dustri-Verlgag Dr. Karl Feistle
Date: 11-2018
DOI: 10.5414/ALX02063
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 11-06-2023
DOI: 10.3390/NU15122714
Abstract: Shellfish, including various species of mollusks (e.g., mussels, clams, and oysters) and crustaceans (e.g., shrimp, prawn, lobster, and crab), have been a keystone of healthy dietary recommendations due to their valuable protein content. In parallel with their consumption, allergic reactions related to shellfish may be increasing. Adverse reactions to shellfish are classified into different groups: (1) Immunological reactions, including IgE and non-IgE allergic reactions (2) non-immunological reactions, including toxic reactions and food intolerance. The IgE-mediated reactions occur within about two hours after ingestion of the shellfish and range from urticaria, angioedema, nausea, and vomiting to respiratory signs and symptoms such as bronchospasm, laryngeal oedema, and anaphylaxis. The most common allergenic proteins involved in IgE-mediated allergic reactions to shellfish include tropomyosin, arginine kinase, myosin light chain, sarcoplasmic calcium-binding protein, troponin c, and triosephosphate isomerase. Over the past decades, the knowledge gained on the identification of the molecular features of different shellfish allergens improved the diagnosis and the potential design of allergen immunotherapy for shellfish allergy. Unfortunately, immunotherapeutic studies and some diagnostic tools are still restricted in a research context and need to be validated before being implemented into clinical practice. However, they seem promising for improving management strategies for shellfish allergy. In this review, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of shellfish allergies in children are presented. The cross-reactivity among different forms of shellfish and immunotherapeutic approaches, including unmodified allergens, hypoallergens, peptide-based, and DNA-based vaccines, are also addressed.
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 02-2017
Publisher: Springer US
Date: 23-09-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.MOLIMM.2010.11.001
Abstract: Aerosolized fish proteins are an important cause of allergic airway reactions in both the domestic and the occupational environment. The aim of this study was to investigate inhalant fish-induced allergy in a mouse model and compare immune responses generated by raw and heat-treated fish extracts as well as natural and recombinant forms of the major fish allergen parvalbumin. Mice were sensitized with raw or cooked pilchard extract and challenged intranasally with cooked pilchard extract, purified natural pilchard parvalbumin or recombinant carp parvalbumin (rCyp c1.01). Cooked pilchard extract predominantly sensitized mice to parvalbumin and induced specific IgG1 and IgE antibodies against both pilchard parvalbumin and rCyp c1.01, whereas additional allergens were recognized by mice sensitized with raw extract, including a 36 kDa allergen that was also recognized by fish processing workers and was identified as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Mice challenged with cooked extract and purified pilchard parvalbumin had increased Th2 cytokine production in mediastinal lymph node cells and splenocytes, whereas mice challenged with rCyp c1.01 did not. This study identifies a new IgE-binding protein that may be important in occupational allergy to fish and demonstrates the feasibility of testing recombinant allergens for immunotherapeutic potential in vivo.
Publisher: The Company of Biologists
Date: 15-12-2008
DOI: 10.1242/JEB.024232
Abstract: Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba, is very susceptible to harmful solar radiation because of its unique genetic setup. Exposure occurs in spring to autumn during vertical diel migration and during occasional daytime surface-swarming. We have investigated colour change in Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba, during summer and winter in the Lazarev Sea in response to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Short-term physiological colour change and long-term(seasonal) morphological colour change are present. Both are facilitated by a single type of monochromatic red chromatophore, i.e. erythrophores, of 20–450 μm diameter. Superficial erythrophores cover large dorsal areas, especially above vital organs (brain, sinus glands), additional`profound' erythrophores cover internal organs (heart, gut, nerve cords). Short-term change in light regime causes rapid physiological colour change along dense bundles of microtubules: pigment disperses into chromorhizae upon exposure to PAR and UVA and to a lesser extent to UVB. Darkness leads to aggregation of pigment in the centre and hence blanching. There is no circadian rhythm in the dispersal state of erythrophores present in winter. Physiological colour change in adult krill is two to three times more rapid in summer than in winter. Furthermore, seasonal changes in light regime also result in a profound morphological colour change: in summer animals, abdominal astaxanthin concentration is 450% and erythrophore count is 250–480%higher than in winter krill. We conclude from our results, that pigmentation of E. superba serves in the protection from harmful solar radiation and is adapted to the varying diel and seasonal light conditions.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 1994
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-11-2011
DOI: 10.1007/S00436-010-2134-1
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to conduct, in southern Australian waters, a preliminary epidemiological survey of five commercially significant species of fish (yellow-eye mullet, tiger flathead, sand flathead, pilchard and king fish) for infections with anisakid nematodes larvae using a combined morphological-molecular approach. With the exception of king fish, which was farmed and fed commercial pellets, all other species were infected with at least one species of anisakid nematode, with each in idual tiger flathead examined being infected. Five morphotypes, including Anisakis, Contracaecum type I and II and Hysterothylacium type IV and VIII, were defined genetically using mutation scanning and targeted sequencing of the second internal transcribed spacer of nuclear ribosomal DNA. The findings of the present study provide a basis for future investigations of the genetic composition of anisakid populations in a wide range of fish hosts in Australia and for assessing their public health significance.
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2012
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-08-2023
DOI: 10.1111/ALL.15853
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.MOLIMM.2014.05.010
Abstract: Fish allergy is a common food allergy, with prevalence rates in the general population ranging between 0.2% and 2.3%. In both adults and children fish ranks in the top eight foods known to cause IgE mediated food allergy. Fish allergy is rarely outgrown and in iduals with fish allergy may be allergic to some but not all species of fish. Whilst fish allergy occurs around the world, the characterization of allergenic components of in idual species of fish has been largely confined to Northern hemisphere and European fish species. To date allergy to commonly consumed fish in the Asian-Pacific region including barramundi (Asian seabass Lates calcarifer) have been less well investigated. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize allergenic proteins from barramundi in both fish allergic adult and pediatric patients. Serum from 17 fish allergic adults and children from Australia were characterized by immunoblotting and enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) against raw and heated barramundi. Molecular analysis of identified allergens included genetic sequencing and generation of recombinant isoallergens. Two novel parvalbumin isoforms of the β-type were identified as the only allergens in barramundi and subsequently designated as Lat c 1.0101 and Lat c 1.0201 by the International Union of Immunological Societies. These two isoallergens do not differ in their ability to bind IgE antibodies, but are differentially expressed in barramundi tissue. This study characterized two novel heat stable parvalbumin allergens from barramundi, with differential IgE binding capacity between adults and pediatric patients.
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 12-2017
Publisher: ACM
Date: 21-08-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.MOLIMM.2015.11.003
Abstract: The main insects causing allergy reactions to stinging insect in humans are Apidae (bees), Vespidae (wasps, yellow jackets and hornets) and Formicidae (ants). Their venom stings are composed of various biologically active peptides and protein components, some of which can cause toxicity or anaphylaxis in humans. The protein venom demonstrate some common allergenic activity such as for fire ants and vespids, which have two common allergens that are phospholipase A1 (enzymatic activity) and antigen 5 with unknown biological activity. The common allergens seem to share some degree of immunological cross-reactivity, particularly when the sequence homology is above 70%. Therefore immunotherapeutic approaches targeting more than one specific species are of interest. Recent widespread increases of various ant species in many countries have resulted in higher number of reported about serious allergic reactions to stings. Most insect-allergy related cases have been reported for species from Solenopsis, Myrmecia and Pachycondyla genera, and their stings can often result in human fatalities. In addition, stinging ants can have serious health effects on livestock, agricultural damage adversely affecting the bio ersity of the region. This review discusses the impact of important ant species on human health in the Asia-Pacific region along with the molecular immunological aspects of the identified venoms and current status of diagnostics and therapeutics.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-1983
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-05-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2222.2010.03513.X
Abstract: Seafood plays an important role in human nutrition and health. The growing international trade in seafood species and products has added to the popularity and frequency of consumption of a variety of seafood products across many countries. This increased production and consumption of seafood has been accompanied by more frequent reports of adverse health problems among consumers as well as processors of seafood. Adverse reactions to seafood are often generated by contaminants but can also be mediated by the immune system and cause allergies. These reactions can result from exposure to the seafood itself or various non-seafood components in the product. Non-immunological reactions to seafood can be triggered by contaminants such as parasites, bacteria, viruses, marine toxins and biogenic amines. Ingredients added during processing and canning of seafood can also cause adverse reactions. Importantly all these substances are able to trigger symptoms which are similar to true allergic reactions, which are mediated by antibodies produced by the immune system against specific allergens. Allergic reactions to 'shellfish', which comprises the groups of crustaceans and molluscs, can generate clinical symptoms ranging from mild urticaria and oral allergy syndrome to life-threatening anaphylactic reactions. The prevalence of crustacean allergy seems to vary largely between geographical locations, most probably as a result of the availability of seafood. The major shellfish allergen is tropomyosin, although other allergens may play an important part in allergenicity such as arginine kinase and myosin light chain. Current observations regard tropomyosin to be the major allergen responsible for molecular and clinical cross-reactivity between crustaceans and molluscs, but also to other inhaled invertebrates such as house dust mites and insects. Future research on the molecular structure of tropomyosins with a focus on the immunological and particularly clinical cross-reactivity will improve diagnosis and management of this potentially life-threatening allergy and is essential for future immunotherapy.
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJPARA.2013.08.001
Abstract: Anisakis is a parasitic nematode which infects fish and marine invertebrates, including crustaceans and molluscs. Ingestion of contaminated seafood can cause acute gastrointestinal diseases. Infection can be accompanied by severe allergic reactions such as urticaria, angioedema and anaphylaxis. Diagnosis of allergy due to Anisakis currently relies on the detection of serum IgE antibodies to allergenic proteins and a history of reactions upon exposure to fish. Anisakis proteins demonstrate considerable immunological cross-reactivity to proteins of related nematodes and other invertebrates such as crustaceans and house dust-mites. In contrast, very limited molecular associations with other parasite groups are observed, including trematodes and cestodes. This review outlines current knowledge on Anisakis as a food-borne parasite, with special focus on the underlying immunological mechanisms resulting in allergic host defence responses.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2016
DOI: 10.1111/IMJ.14_13197
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-11-2010
DOI: 10.1002/RCM.4822
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPROT.2010.10.010
Abstract: Snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) proteins have been recognized as an important source of both food and occupational allergens. While snow crab causes a significant occupational allergy, only one novel allergen has recently been fully characterized. The muscle proteins from snow crab legs were profiled by SDS-PAGE. Several of these proteins were characterized using tandem mass spectrometry. Five proteins were identified sarcoplasmic Ca-binding (20kDa), arginine kinase (40), troponin (23kDa) and α-actine (42kDa) and smooth endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)ATPase (113kDa). Immunoblotting using serum of sixteen allergic patients resulted in strong reactivity with the 40-kDa protein in seven patients (43%). This protein was purified by chromatography and subsequently de novo sequenced using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization and electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. We identified a second important allergen, arginine kinase, in snow crab, designated Chi o 3. Based on identity and homology analysis, using bioinformatics tools, a signature peptide was identified as a chemical surrogate for arginine kinase. The suitability of this signature peptide was tested for analytically representing the arginine kinase, by performing a multi-reaction monitoring tandem mass spectrometry approach on actual air filter s les collected from a simulated crab processing plant.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-01-2012
Abstract: Anisakidosis is an important fish-borne disease caused by the larvae of anisakid nematodes, which affects humans and a range of other animals. The accurate identification of members of this nematode group is central to investigating the epidemiology of the parasites and in the surveillance and control of anisakidosis. It is now well known that morphological identification alone does not allow specific identification, particularly of larval stages. To better understand the epidemiology of anisakid nematodes in southern Australian fishes and the potential risks posed to human health, a survey of 50 specimens of the commercially important fish, Sillago flindersi, from Bass Strait, Australia was conducted. We characterised anisakid larvae by PCR-coupled mutation scanning, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of the first and second internal transcribed spacers (ITS-1 and ITS-2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA. This study revealed that 92% of the S. flindersi examined were infected with anisakids (n=194), which were represented by seven genotypes. Phylogenetic analyses of the genotypes defined herein, together with reference sequence for Anisakis pegreffii and Hysterothylacium sp. from public databases (i.e. GenBank), revealed the presence of A. pegreffii (n=24), Hysterothylacium larval type IV (n=90) and Hysterothylacium larval type VIII (n=80) in S. flindersi. Thus, the PCR-coupled mutation scanning approach employed herein is an effective tool for the genetic characterisation of anisakid nematodes for diagnostic and analytical purposes (nucleotide sequences reported in this paper are available in the GenBank database under accession nos. JN631796-809).
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 19-06-1999
DOI: 10.1021/JP990926X
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-03-2013
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 1990
DOI: 10.1039/P29900000057
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1398-9995.2009.02002.X
Abstract: Exposure to antigens of the fish parasite Anisakis is associated with the development of protein contact dermatitis in seafood-processing workers. Understanding the basic mechanisms controlling allergic sensitization through the skin is critical for designing therapies that will prevent the progression of allergic disease. To investigate the roles of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13 and the IL-4Ralpha in both local skin pathology and systemic sensitization following epicutaneous exposure to Anisakis proteins. BALB/c wild-type (WT) mice and mice deficient in IL-4, IL-13 or IL-4 and IL-13, as well as mice with cell-specific impairment of IL-4Ralpha expression, were sensitized to Anisakis antigen by repeated epicutaneous application of Anisakis extract. Following this sensitization, skin pathology was recorded and systemic responses were investigated. Intravenous challenge with Anisakis extract was performed to test for the development of biologically relevant systemic sensitization. In WT mice, epicutaneous sensitization with Anisakis larval antigens induced localized inflammation, epidermal hyperplasia, production of T(H)2 cytokines, antigen-specific IgE and IgG1. Intravenous challenge of sensitized mice resulted in anaphylactic shock. Interestingly, IL-13 deficient mice failed to develop epidermal hyperplasia and inflammation, whilst anaphylaxis was reduced only in strains deficient either in IL-4 only, or deficient in IL-4 and IL-13 concurrently, as well as in mice deficient in IL-4Ralpha or with impaired IL-4Ralpha expression on CD4(+) T cells. Interleukin-13 plays a central role in protein contact dermatitis associated with repeated epicutaneous exposure to Anisakis extract, whereas IL-4 drives systemic sensitization and resultant anaphylactic shock.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 1993
Abstract: Losartan, an antihypertensive agent in clinical development, was found to exist in two enantiotropic polymorphic forms, a low-temperature stable form (Form I) and a high-temperature stable form (Form II), the temperatures at which they are stable being related to the transition temperature. X-ray powder diffraction patterns indicated differences in the crystal packing of the two forms. The vibrational data from infrared and Raman spectroscopy suggested a subtle change in molecular conformation and crystal packing in the two forms. Solid-state 13C NMR data of the polymorphs concurred with the vibrational data and indicated that, while the observed line widths reflect no major changes in crystallinity, signal multiplicities and chemical shifts do reflect differences in molecular packing in the respective unit cells. Thus, in the absence of crystallographic data, useful structural information could be derived from spectroscopic results to identify each of the crystalline forms.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-07-2010
DOI: 10.1002/RCM.4664
Abstract: Crustaceans are the third most prevalent cause of food-induced anaphylaxis after peanuts and tree nuts. The severity of the allergenic proteins depends mainly on the amino acid sequence that induces production of IgE antibodies. In black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon), the crude protein extract was profiled and its allergenic potency was examined against patient's sera. Proteins having strong immunoreactivity with patient's IgE were characterized using peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF). Tropomyosin (TM) (33 kDa), myosin light chain (20 kDa), and arginine kinase (40 kDa) were identified as allergenic proteins. Tropomyosin, the most abundant and potent allergen, was purified using ion-exchange chromatography for de novo sequencing experiments. Using bottom up tandem mass spectrometry, the full amino acid sequence was achieved by a combination of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry (QqToF). Myosin light chain and arginine kinase were also characterized, and their related peptides were de novo sequenced using the same approach. The immunological reactivity of the crude prawn extracts and purified TM s les were analyzed using a large number of patients' sera. A signature peptide was assigned for the TM protein for future quantification work of black tiger prawn TM levels in different matrices (i.e. water, air, food) in the seafood industry.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2003
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Date: 1992
DOI: 10.1515/BCHM3.1992.373.1.133
Abstract: A peptide with the same retention time on gradient reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography was present in the corpora cardiaca of 5 scarabaeid beetles, subfamily Cetoniinae: the three fruit beetle species Pachnoda marginata, P. sinuata and P. aemulae and the two protea beetle species Trichostetha fascularis and T. albopicta. Crude corpora cardiaca material from P. sinuata had a small hypertrehalosaemic effect in American cockroaches and a very weak hyperlipaemic activity in migratory locusts. Injections into P. sinuata caused hypertrehalosaemia when a dose of 1.0 corpora cardiaca equivalents was injected. An identical neuropeptide was isolated, by RP-HPLC, and sequenced by pulsed-liquid phase sequencing employing Edman chemistry after enzymically deblocking the N-terminal 5-oxopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid residue, as well as by collision-induced decomposition tandem fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry. The peptide is a blocked octapeptide: Glu-Leu-Asn-Tyr-Ser-Pro-Asp-TrpNH2, previously designated Mem-CC. The synthetic peptide is able to elicit haemolymph carbohydrates in P. sinuata upon injection of low doses. Activity studies using synthetic analogues of this peptide revealed that Tyr4 may be important for receptor recognition/binding. The peptide is synthesized in intrinsic cells of the corpus cardiacum as shown by in vitro incorporation of [3H]Trp and [14C]Tyr in Mem-CC.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-09-2013
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-012-1188-2
Abstract: Sexually mature male mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) were collected from various sites around Melbourne in 2009 to evaluate the performance of gonopodial indices as a biomarker for endocrine disruption in Melbourne's waterways. The mosquitofish indices assessed were body length (BL), gonopodial length (GL)/BL ratio, ray 4:6 ratio and the absence or presence of hooks and serrae, and these varied between sites. The study was complemented by measurements of estrogenic, retinoid, thyroid and aryl hydrocarbon (AhR) receptor activities of the water. Male mosquitofish were 16.3-21.5 mm in length, and although there was a statistically significant positive relationship showing that bigger fish had longer gonopodia than small fish (r2 = 0.52, p < 0.001), there were few significant differences in GL/BL ratio of fish between sites. Measured estrogenic activity was mostly in the range 0.1-1.7 ng/L EEQ, with one site having much higher levels (~12 ng/L EEQ). Aryl hydrocarbon (AhR) receptor activity was observed in all water s les (7-180 ng/L βNF EQ), although there was no consistent pattern in the level of AhR activity observed, i.e., 'clean' sites were as likely to return a high AhR activity response as urban or wastewater treatment plant (WWTP)-impacted sites. There was no correlation between measurements of receptor actvity and gonopodial length (GL):BL ratio and BL. We conclude that the mosquitofish gonopodia only fulfills part of the criteria for biomarker selection for screening. The mosquitofish indices assessed were cheap and easy-to-perform procedures however, there is no baseline data from the selected sites to evaluate whether differences in the morpholical indices observed at a site were a result of natural selection in the population or due to estrogenic exposure.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJFOODMICRO.2012.12.012
Abstract: This study characterized anisakid nematodes in estuarine and near-shore species of fish in southern Western Australia. A total of 108 fish representing 13 species were examined for anisakid larvae. For the molecular characterization of anisakid larvae (n=218), we used PCR-coupled mutation scanning-sequencing-phylogenetic analyses of sequence variation in the internal transcribed spacers of nuclear ribosomal DNA. With the exception of Sillaginoides punctatus and Sillago schomburgkii, all the fish species examined (Aldrichetta forsteri, Arripis georgianus, Hyporh hus regularis, Mugil cephalus, Platycephalus speculator, Pomatomus saltatrix, Pseudocaranx dentex, Pseudocaranx wrighti, Thysanophrys cirronatus, Trachurus novaezeelandiae and Upeneichthys lineatus) harboured at least one species of anisakid. Mutation scanning analysis identified 11 different genotypes of anisakid larvae. Phylogenetic analyses of the sequence data, employing reference sequence data for a wide range of anisakids (31 species) from public databases, revealed the presence of Anisakis pegreffii (n=3), Contracaecum multipapillatum (49), Contracaecum ogmorhini (1), Hysterothylacium larval type IV (82), Hysterothylacium larval type Vb (14), Hysterothylacium larval type VIII (3), Hysterothylacium larval type X (65), and Terranova type I (1) in the fish examined. The present study provides valuable information on the ersity of anisakids in southern Western Australia and also a basis for future investigations to assess the public health significance of these parasites.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 27-08-2019
Publisher: Future Medicine Ltd
Date: 07-2015
DOI: 10.2217/NNM.15.44
Abstract: Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have useful physicochemical advantages, and are used extensively. This has raised concerns regarding their potential toxicity. ZnO NP attributes that contribute to cytotoxicity and immune reactivity, however, seem to vary across literature considerably. Largely, dissolution and generation of reactive oxygen species appear to be the most commonly reported paradigms. Moreover, ZnO NP size and shape may also contribute toward their overall nano–bio interactions. Analysis is further complicated by factors such as adsorption of proteins on the NP surface, which may influence their bioreactivity. The main aim of this review is to give a systematic overview of the postulates explaining cytotoxic, inflammatory and genotoxic effects of ZnO NPs when exposed to different types of cells in vitro and in vivo.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2010
Start Date: 2006
End Date: 2021
Funder: National Research Foundation
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2018
End Date: 2021
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2007
End Date: 2021
Funder: National Research Foundation
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 1998
End Date: 2021
Funder: National Research Foundation
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2016
End Date: 2016
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2000
End Date: 2021
Funder: National Research Foundation
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2001
End Date: 2021
Funder: National Research Foundation
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2020
End Date: 2025
Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2021
End Date: 2025
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 04-2012
End Date: 03-2016
Amount: $667,878.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 11-2013
End Date: 12-2017
Amount: $523,093.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 09-2021
End Date: 08-2026
Amount: $4,996,503.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2016
End Date: 12-2016
Amount: $840,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity