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G Mistrello

Publications and source records attributed to G Mistrello.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Occupational respiratory allergy to cyclamen pollen: a case report.

A case of cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) pollen allergy is described on a flower cultivator. The diagnosis was assessed by skin test, methacoline test, nasal provocation test and RAST. SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting have shown an intense response against a 18 kDa component and a weaker one at 100 Kda. A RAST inhibition against Cupressus sempervirens and Acacia floribundia showed no identity with cyclamen. This case confirm the cyclamen allergenity, in professional exposure. The nasal challenge prove to be very useful to confirm allergic sensitizations an we emphasize the necessity of preventive measures of protection for those florists who cultivate cyclamen plants.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗
PubMed2006

In vitro and in vivo biological activities of old and fresh Cupressus arizonica pollen.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory allergy to the pollen of Cupressaceae is becoming more and more common every year in the Mediterranean area. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to see whether the allergenic potency of Cupressus arizonica pollen diminished after a 6-year period (1994-2000). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among the Cupressaceae, we selected the pollen of C arizonica. The mode of sampling in 1994 and in 2000 was the same and the pollen was collected on the same tree and stored at room temperature. To compare its biological and allergenic activities data was collected with the following methods: cytohistology of Alexander, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride enzyme staining, skin testing, nasal provocation test, radioallergosorbent test (RAST), RAST inhibition, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and immunoblotting to detect protein content. Thirty-eight patients with respiratory allergy to Cupressaceae were selected. RESULTS: We found no decrease in the allergenic potency of the pollen, but did find that viability and germinating power had disappeared completely after 30 to 40 days. Moreover, the amount of protein in the old pollen was half the amount found in the fresh one. Skin prick testing showed identical results with the old and the fresh pollens. CONCLUSIONS: The allergenic in vivo and in vitro activity of cypress pollen is retained for years after its collection. This activity seems to be independent of the viability of pollen grains and of the total protein content. This may explain the presence of clinical symptoms in patients out of the pollen season.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Peach fuzz contains large amounts of lipid transfer protein: is this the cause of the high prevalence of sensitization to LTP in Mediterranean countries?

BACKGROUND: Allergy to lipid transfer protein (LTP) is quite common in the Mediterranean countries but virtually absent in Northern Europe. The reasons for this latitude-dependent distribution are unclear. One hypothesis is that peach, the primary sensitizer to LTP, may lose in part its allergenicity as a consequence of treatments (handling, brushing, washing, and packaging) preceding marketing in Northern European. Peach surface fuzz might represent a potential vehicle of LTP. OBJECTIVE: To detect LTP in peach fuzz, and compare IgE reactivity to peach fuzz and peel of sera from LTP-allergic patients. METHODS: IgE reactivity to peach peel and peach fuzz extract was measured by ELISA using sera from 2 LTP-allergic PATIENTS. Purified peach LTP was used in inhibition studies. RESULTS: Both sera strongly reacted both to peach peel and fuzz but reactivity to fuzz was stronger than to peel. Pre-absorption of one serum with peach LTP caused an 87% reduction of IgE reactivity to peach fuzz extract. CONCLUSION: Peach fuzz contains large amounts of LTP and might be a potential vehicle of this allergen causing sensitization in genetically predisposed subjects. Fuzz loss during pre-marketing handling of peaches might be at the basis of the geographic differences that characterize allergy to LTP.

Antigens, Plant↗
PubMed2005

Why do lipid transfer protein-hypersensitive patients tolerate bean (and other legumes)?

BACKGROUND: Patients allergic to nonspecific lipid transfer protein (LTP) frequently score positive on SPT with legumes but virtually never report adverse reactions eating these foods. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the IgE reactivity to legumes of LTP-allergic patients and aimed to establish whether legumes can be considered safe in LTP-allergic patients. METHODS: Skin reactivity as well as clinical allergy to bean and pea were evaluated in a large cohort of LTP-hypersensitive patients. Sera from 12 patients showing clinical allergy to a number of botanically unrelated plant-derived foods and high levels of IgE to peach LTP were employed in in vitro studies (ELISA, ELISA inhibition, SDS-PAGE/immunoblot) aiming to investigate IgE reactivity to bean. RESULTS: Preabsorption of patients' sera with boiled bean extract did not cause any loss of IgE reactivity to peach LTP (whereas boiled apple totally abolished it). Immunoblot analysis did not show any IgE reactivity to bean proteins at about 10 kDa, and the SDS profile of bean showed little or no staining at 10 kDa. CONCLUSION: Sera from LTP-allergic patients do not seem to show any IgE reactivity to 10-kDa proteins in bean. Whether this is caused by epitopic differences between Rosaceae and bean LTPs or by the fact that LTP is not expressed in bean remains to be established. This study explains why virtually all LTP-allergic patients tolerate legumes and suggests that these foods should be considered safe for patients sensitized to this protein.

Antigens, Plant↗
PubMed2005

Pharmacokinetics of radiolabelled Par j 1 administered intranasally to allergic and healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: Local nasal immunotherapy is accepted as an alternative to the injection route for allergic rhinitis. Despite this, little is known about the kinetics of the allergen after nasal delivery in allergic subjects. OBJECTIVE: We aimed at assessing the biodistribution of 123I-radiolabelled Par j 1 in Parietaria-allergic subjects, in comparison with healthy volunteers. METHODS: Purified Par j 1 was radiolabelled with 123I and sprayed into the nostrils of three control subjects and three Parietaria-allergic volunteers. Dynamic and static scintigraphic images of the head were recorded at serial times and blood samples were obtained to measure the plasma radioactivity, and to assess the presence of circulating radiolabelled species by gel chromatography. RESULTS: In Parietaria-sensitized subjects, the radiolabelled allergen was rapidly cleared from the nasal cavity and transported to pharynx, and little local persistence was seen. This differed from healthy subjects where nasal clearance of the tracer was slower and nasal radioactivity persisted up to 24 h. The increase in plasma radioactivity paralleled swallowing of the allergen in both groups, and plasma chromatographic profile did not differ between allergic and healthy volunteers. CONCLUSIONS: Sensitization to the allergen affects its local biodistribution. Gastrointestinal absorption is relevant also for the intranasal route.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed2005

The effect of thermal processing on the IgE reactivity of the non-specific lipid transfer protein from apple, Mal d 3.

BACKGROUND: Non-specific lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) are involved in allergy to fresh and processed fruits. We have investigated the effect of thermal treatment and glycation on the physico-chemical and IgE-binding properties of the LTP from apple (Mal d 3). METHODS: Mal d 3 was purified from apple peel and the effect of heating in the absence and presence of glucose investigated by CD spectroscopy, electrospray and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. IgE reactivity was determined by RAST and immunoblot inhibition, SPT and basophil histamine release test. RESULTS: The identity and IgE reactivity of purified Mal d 3 was confirmed. Mild heat treatment (90 degrees C, 20 min) in the absence or presence of glucose did not alter its IgE reactivity. More severe heat treatment (100 degrees C, 2 h) induced minor changes in protein structure, but a significant decrease in IgE-binding (30-fold) and biological activity (100- to 1000-fold). Addition of glucose resulted in up to four glucose residues attached to Mal d 3 and only a 2- and 10-fold decrease of IgE-binding and biological activity, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Only severe heat treatment caused a significant decrease in the allergenicity of Mal d 3 but glycation had a protective effect. The presence of sugars in fruits may contribute to the thermostability of the allergenic activity of LTP in heat-processed foods.

Allergens↗
PubMed2005

Efficacy of sublingual coseasonal immunotherapy with a monomeric allergoid in Cupressaceae pollen allergy--preliminary data.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory allergy to conifers pollens is a growing phenomenon all over the world (Mediterranean area, USA, Japan). In France and Italy Cupressus sempervirens is the commonest offender. OBJECTIVE: To check the efficacy of specific immunotherapy by the sublingual route using a monomeric allergoid of Cupressus Arizonica pollen. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 20 patients and 10 controls were randomly selected. The diagnosis was assessed on a clinical hivernal symptomatology of allergic rhinitis, and/or asthma, positive skin test and RAST, and nasal provocation test to Cupressus arizonica. The extract was a monomeric allergoid titrated in allergenic units (AU). The treatment was coseasonal from the beginning of december to the end of march. It was not conducted double blind. RESULTS: The evaluation of the allergenic potency of native and modified Cupressus arizonica extracts have shown that the modified extract has a decreased skin test IgE binding capacity. According to symptom, drug consumption scores and nasal provocation test, there was a statistical improvement in the active group (compared to the control group) without any side effect. DISCUSSION: The use of a modified Cupressus arizonica extract, which is easier to prepare than Cupressus sempervirens and which is a monomeric allergoid, has shown that by the sublingual route, this therapeutic approach is safe and that the first results were satisfactory without any side effect. This good tolerance was anticipated by the fact that, checked on 16 volunteers by skin test, the allergoid gave a less important local reaction on skin testing than the native extract. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that: The KCNO modified Cupressus arizonica extract has a reduced IgE binding capacity; This monomeric allergoid is safe and effective administrated by the oromucosal route in clinical respiratory allergy to Cupressaceae and devoid of any side effect.

Administration, Sublingual↗
PubMed2004

Bee moth (Galleria mellonella) allergic reactions are caused by several thermolabile antigens.

BACKGROUND: Exposure and contact with bee moth (Galleria mellonella) larvae (Gm) can cause an allergic reaction both in anglers and breeders. We described the case of an amateur fisherman who experienced an allergic reaction using Gm but not using heat-treated Gm (h-Gm) (mummies). The aim of this study was to demonstrate by immunoblotting and radioallergosorbent test (RAST)-inhibition experiments the loss of allergenic epitopes in h-Gm extracts. METHODS: Galleria mellonella larvae and h-Gm were homogenized and extracted at 10% (w/v) in 0.5 M phosphate-buffered saline, pH 7.4 containing 0.5% NaN(3) for 16 h at 4 degrees C. Gm and h-Gm extracts were electrophoresed in a 10% polyacrylamide precast Nupage Bis-Tris gel at 180 mA for 1 h and the resolved proteins stained with 0.1% Coomassie brilliant blue and the molecular weight calculated. For the immunoblotting detection of allergenic components the resolved extracts were transferred onto a nitrocellulose membrane and incubated with the patient's serum. Bound specific-IgE was detected by peroxidase-conjugated anti-human IgE. RAST inhibition experiments were performed according to the Ceska method. RESULTS: The protein profile of Gm and h-Gm extracts resulted markedly different in number, intensity and the position of bands, indicating that heat-treatment modifies the chemical-physical characteristics of the protein contents. The Gm extract showed a strong-coloured band at 73 kDa and more than 20 components ranging from 12 to 133 kDa; h-Gm showed two main band at 77 and 38 kDa and about 15 faint bands between 20 and 133 kDa apparently without any correspondence to the bands present in the Gm extract. Immunoblotting with the patient's serum demonstrated several bands of reactivity with the Gm extract ranging from 20 to 100 kDa and no recognizable bands, but only a diffuse smear with h-Gm. When used in a RAST inhibition experiment the h-Gm extract demonstrated an inability to compete with the Gm one for the binding to patient's IgE serum. CONCLUSIONS: The h-Gm seems to lose the allergenic epitopes and has two advantages for anglers: to avoid new possible sensitizations as well as allergic symptoms in sensitized people, without interfering with their skills and satisfaction in their fishing performance.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Airborne allergy to sunflower seed.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence that bird fanciers may develop airborne allergies to unusual allergens. OBJECTIVE: To detect the allergen source in a bird fancier with a history of asthma associated with bird cage cleaning activities and with contact with a Brazil parrot. METHODS: SPT with a large series of both airborne and food allergens were carried out. IgE reactivity to allergens causing wheal and flare reactions was confirmed by in-vitro investigations including ELISA/ELISA inhibition and immunoblot analysis. RESULTS: Strong skin reactivity to sunflower seed was observed. Immunoblot analysis showed IgE reactivity to low m.w. proteins, most probably 2S albumin, and ELISA inhibition studies showed the absence of cross-reactivity to mustard. CONCLUSION: Sunflower seed dust may sensitize patients via the respiratory tract. Differently from previously reported cases of sunflower seed allergy, no cross-reactivity to 2S albumin from botanically unrelated seeds was found.

Allergens↗
PubMed2003

Comparison of ammoniated and nonammoniated extracts in children with latex allergy.

BACKGROUND: The use of ammoniated or nonammoniated latex extracts for the diagnosis of latex allergy is still a matter of debate. The aim of our study was to compare the characteristics of the two types of extracts by immunoblotting and RAST techniques in children with ascertained latex allergy. METHODS: Ammoniated (AL) and nonammoniated latex (NAL) extracts were prepared and blotted on SDS-PAGE to resolve their components. Also a solid phase for RAST assays was prepared with the two extracts. The sera from 18 children (mean age 11.4 years, range 6-15 years), with ascertained latex allergy (clinical history, skin test, CAP-RAST and provocation) were used for the experiments. RESULTS: The NAL extract is resolved in many bands (5-100 kDa), whereas AL showed only few components, likely Hev b 4, 6 and 7. IgE reactivity against AL was observed only in 5/18 patients, whereas 12/18 were positive with NAL. The blotting profile against NAL was complex and the IgE recognition pattern involved different bands. CONCLUSION: The extract obtained from NAL is able to detect specific IgE against a greater number of allergenic determinants, and therefore a greater diagnostic accuracy can be expected.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Immunological cross-reactivity between lipid transfer proteins from botanically unrelated plant-derived foods: a clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Lipid transfer proteins (LTP) are highly conserved and widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom. Recent studies demonstrated immunological cross-reactivity between LTP from many botanically unrelated fruits and vegetables and concluded that LTP are pan-allergens. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical relevance of such cross-reactivity in a group of subjects monosensitized to LTP. METHODS: Twenty LTP-hypersensitive patients were selected from a population of about 600 subjects with history of Rosaceae allergy by means of: 1) negative skin prick test (SPT) with a commercial birch pollen extract; 2) positive SPT with a commercial plum extract, rich in LTP but virtually lacking both Bet v 1-like proteins and profilin; 3) in-vitro IgE reactivity to the 9-10 kDa fraction of peach peel or immunoblot with peach peel showing a single band at 10 kDa; and 4) total inhibition of reactivity to whole peach extract (containing Bet v 1-related allergen, profilin, and LTP) by purified peach LTP on enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Allergy to foods other than Rosaceae was ascertained by careful interview and analysis of medical recordings. SPT with a large series of plant-derived foods were carried out as well. The cross reactivity between LTPs from botanically unrelated plant-derived foods was assessed by ELISA inhibition tests using walnut and peanut extracts as substrate, and peach LTP as inhibitor. RESULTS: All patients reported allergic reactions after the ingestion of at least one from a large number of vegetable foods other than Rosaceae, and in several cases clinical reactions were very severe (anaphylaxis, asthma, urticaria/angioedema). Nuts and peanuts were the most frequently reported causes of allergic reactions (80% and 40% of patients, respectively). All patients showed positive SPT to several non-Rosaceae food extracts. SPT with nuts, peanut, legumes, celery, rice, and corn were positive in the majority of patients. In ELISA inhibition studies, absorption of sera with peach LTP caused complete inhibition of IgE reactivity to walnut and peanut in all cases. CONCLUSION: LTP is a clinically relevant pan-allergen. Most Rosaceae-allergic, LTP-hypersensitive patients experience adverse reactions after ingestion of botanically unrelated plant-derived foods as well. In view of the high prevalence and severity of the allergic reactions induced, hazelnut, walnut, and peanut should be regarded as potentially hazardous for these patients.

Allergens↗
PubMed2002

Allergenic relevance of Cupressus arizonica pollen extract and biological characterization of the allergoid.

BACKGROUND: Cupressaceae (cypress) pollens can cause pollinosis in winter. However, the lack of specific commercial extracts combined with the early pollination period of cypress trees make a precise diagnosis difficult. The need for a reliable and effective cypress extract for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes is increasingly felt. METHODS: Mixed or single Cupressus arizonica, lusitanica and sempervirens pollen extracts precipitated with ammonium sulfate (PPT) were compared by direct RAST, RAST inhibition and SDS-PAGE techniques. The major allergen of C. arizonica (Cup a 1), purified by anion exchange chromatography, was checked by immunoblotting experiments before chemical modification, in parallel with a C. arizonica extract, with potassium cyanate (KCNO) to obtain a monomeric allergoid. The allergoid extract was characterized for its biological, chemico-physical and immunological features by RAST inhibition, SDS-PAGE and ELISA assays. RESULTS: Direct RAST, RAST inhibition, and SDS-PAGE data indicated that the PPT C. arizonica pollen extract showed the most allergenic potential, and it can be considered representative of the Cupressus spp. Immunoblotting data confirmed Cup a 1 as a major allergen. RAST inhibition and ELISA showed that modified PPT C. arizonica extract had less IgE reactivity than the native, non-modified extract, while preserving the immunogenic capacity typical for an allergoid. Finally, the SDS-PAGE profile of Cup a 1 allergoid was similar to native Cup a 1 allergen, suggesting the modified C. arizonica extract shows the characteristics of a monomeric allergoid. CONCLUSIONS: The PPT C. arizonica pollen extract shows good in vitro diagnostic potential and its chemically modified form offers the features of a monomeric allergoid. It might therefore lend itself to the development of a product to be administered by the sublingual or oromucosal route for immunotherapy of individuals with cypress pollinosis.

Allergens↗
PubMed2001

A case of allergy to beer showing cross-reactivity between lipid transfer proteins.

BACKGROUND: Lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) are highly conserved proteins present in a broad spectrum of fruits and vegetables that might represent a novel plant panallergen. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that LTP is an important allergen in beer and that beer LTP cross-reacts with LTP from botanically unrelated plant-derived foods. METHODS: Serum from a patient with clinical allergy to both beer and Rosaceae was studied for IgE reactivity to LTP to several vegetable foods by RAST, ELISA, immunoblot, and inhibition studies. RESULTS: Patient's serum showed a strong IgE reactivity to LTP purified from peach peel, carrot, and broccoli, and to a 10 kD protein in both apple and peach immunoblots, whereas no reactivity to birch cross-reactive allergens such as Bet v 1, profilin, or carbohydrates was found. In inhibition studies, preabsorption of serum with apple, walnut, hazelnut, peanut, corn, and rice caused a fall of 97%, 20%, 66%, 91%, 94%, and 93%, respectively, of its reactivity to peach LTP. Beer RAST fell from 1.8 IU/mL to <0.1 IU/mL when a patient's serum was preabsorbed with recombinant carrot LTP. CONCLUSIONS: LTP is a relevant allergen in beer. Beer LTP may cross-react with LTP from several other plant-derived foods.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Allergy to nonspecific lipid transfer proteins in Rosaceae: a comparative study of different in vivo diagnostic methods.

BACKGROUND: Lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) are the major allergens in patients sensitive to Rosaceae (apple, peach, apricot, cherry, plum, and pear) who are not allergic to birch pollen. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to find a sensitive, specific, and relatively easy method for detection of LTP-sensitive patients. METHODS: We studied 36 persons who experienced oral allergy syndrome after the ingestion of fruits in the family Rosaceae. This study cohort was divided into two groups: 18 without allergy to birch pollen (patients) and 18 with birch pollen allergy (control subjects). All were tested by skin prick tests (SPTs) with fresh Golden Delicious apple, fresh peach, and extracts of peel and pulp from both fruits. Their specific IgE reactivities against peach peel extract were further investigated by immunoblot analysis. RESULTS: All 18 subjects in the control group showed strongly positive skin reactions with both fresh apple and fresh peach, whereas no skin reactivity was found with extracts from peach peel, peach pulp, or apple pulp. Extract of apple peel produced positive skin reactions in 17 of 18 control subjects; however, the wheals were generally smaller than those induced by fresh fruits. Immunoblot analysis showed no reactivity for peach peel extract. In contrast, the SPTs with fresh fruits showed that some of the 18 patients had strongly positive reactions, but others had weak reactions or negative responses. Further, in a high proportion of the patients, consecutive SPT with fresh apple yielded inconsistent results. In all patients, SPTs with extracts from apple pulp and peach pulp were negative, whereas SPTs with peel extracts were strongly positive in all patients. In most patients, the wheal area induced by SPT with peel extracts was larger than that induced by SPTs with fresh fruits. Immunoblot analysis showed that serum specimens from all 18 patients reacted with a 10-kD protein in peach peel. This is the molecular mass of LTPs. CONCLUSIONS: In birch pollen-allergic patients, the SPTs with fresh foods still remains the most reliable method of diagnosing vegetable food hypersensitivity. In contrast, in patients not allergic to birch pollen, the most reliable strategy for detection of patients sensitive to LTPs is skin prick testing with properly prepared fruit peel extracts. The loss of Bet v 1- and Bet v 2-like structures, which probably occurs during extraction, may facilitate immediate identification of the relevant allergen.

Antigens, Plant↗