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Fulltext Conformational IgE Epitope Mapping of Der p 2 and the Evaluations of Two Candidate Hypoallergens for Immunotherapy

Reginald K, Chew FT

Sci Rep, 2018 02 21;8(1):3391.
PMID: 29467434 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21792-1

Epitope mapping of Der p 2, a clinically important dust-mite allergen is the first step in designing immunotherapy hypoallergen vaccine candidates. Twenty-one single alanine mutants of Der p 2 were generated and their secondary structure was analysed using circular dichroism spectra. Only one mutant, K96A resulted in a misfolded protein. All mutants were tested for serum IgE reactivity using serum from dust mite allergic individuals by immuno dot-blots. Mutations to five residues, N10, E25, K77, K96 and E102 consistently showed reduced IgE reactions compared to wild-type Der p 2, and therefore these residues constitute the major IgE epitopes of Der p 2. Two mutants with consistent low IgE binding, K96A and E102A, were subsequently evaluated as hypoallergen candidates. IgG antibodies raised in mice against both mutants could inhibit human IgE-binding to WT Der p 2. Both mutants had intact T-cell epitopes as they were able to stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation similar to WT Der p 2. However, a switch in Th1:Th2 cytokine profile was not observed. In summary, we have identified the major conformational epitopes of Der p 2, and evaluated two Der p 2 hypoallergen vaccine candidates for immunotherapy.

Matched MeSH terms: Allergens/immunology*
Fulltext Current practices and future trends in cockroach allergen immunotherapy

Reginald K, Chew FT

Mol Immunol, 2023 Sep;161:11-24.
PMID: 37480600 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.07.004

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review evaluates the current modes of allergen-specific immunotherapy for cockroach allergens, in terms of clinical outcomes and explores future trends in the research and development needed for a more targeted cockroach immunotherapy approach with the best efficacy and minimum adverse effects.
SUMMARY: Cockroach allergy is an important risk factor for allergic rhinitis in the tropics, that disproportionately affects children and young adults and those living in poor socio-economic environments. Immunotherapy would provide long-lasting improvement in quality of life, with reduced medication intake. However, the present treatment regime is long and has a risk of adverse effects. In addition, cockroach does not seem to have an immuno-dominant allergen, that has been traditionally used to treat allergies from other sources. Future trends of cockroach immunotherapy involve precision diagnosis, to correctly identify the offending allergen. Next, precision immunotherapy with standardized allergens, which have been processed in a way that maintains an immunological response without allergic reactions. This approach can be coupled with modern adjuvants and delivery systems that promote a Th1/Treg environment, thereby modulating the immune response away from the allergenic response.

Matched MeSH terms: Allergens
Diving deep into fish allergen immunotherapy: Current knowledge and future directions

Reginald K, Nadeem K, Yap EZY, Latiff AHA

Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol, 2024 Mar;42(1):1-13.
PMID: 38165149 DOI: 10.12932/AP-030923-1687

Fish allergy is one of the "big nine" categories of food allergens worldwide, and its prevalence is increasing with the higher demand for this nutritious food source. Fish allergies are a significant health concern as it is a leading cause of food anaphylaxis, accounting for 9% of all deaths from anaphylaxis. The gaps in treating fish allergies at present are the incomplete identification of fish allergens, lack of component-resolved diagnosis of fish allergens in the clinical setting, and the variability in sensitization profiles based on different fish consumption practices. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) improves tolerance towards accidental consumption of fish and is longer lasting than pharmacotherapy. Current practice or research of fish AIT ranges from the use of whole fish via oral desensitization, to the use of purified recombinant parvalbumin and its hypoallergenic variant, passive IgG immunization, and modifying the allergenicity of parvalbumin by changing the diet of farmed fish. However, the focus of fish allergen-based studies in the context of AIT has been restricted to parvalbumins. More research is required to understand the involvement of other fish allergens, and several other strategies of AIT including peptide vaccines, DNA vaccines, hybrid allergens, and the use of nanobodies that have the capacity to treat multiple allergens have been proposed. For AIT, other important aspects to consider are the route of desensitization, and the biomarkers to assess the success of immunotherapy. Finally, we also address several clinical considerations for fish AIT.

Matched MeSH terms: Allergens
Fulltext Identification of parvalbumin and two new thermolabile major allergens of Thunnus tonggol using a proteomics approach

Rosmilah M, Shahnaz M, Meinir J, Masita A, Noormalin A, Jamaluddin M

Int Arch Allergy Immunol, 2013;162(4):299-309.
PMID: 24193115 DOI: 10.1159/000354544

The longtail tuna (Thunnus tonggol) is widely consumed in Asia. Parvalbumin, the main major allergen of fish, has been well identified in multiple fish species, yet little is known about the allergenic proteins in T. tonggol. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize the major allergens of T. tonggol using a proteomics approach.

Matched MeSH terms: Allergens/analysis*; Allergens/immunology
Fulltext Identification of tropomyosin and arginine kinase as major allergens of Portunus pelagicus (blue swimming crab)

Rosmilah M, Shahnaz M, Zailatul HM, Noormalin A, Normilah I

Trop Biomed, 2012 Sep;29(3):467-78.
PMID: 23018510

Crab is an important source of food allergen. Tropomyosin represents the main crab allergen and is responsible for IgE cross-reactivity between various species of crustaceans. Recently, other new crab allergens including arginine kinase have been identified. However, information on allergens of the local Portunidcrab is not available. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the major allergens of Portunus pelagicus (blue swimming crab) using the allergenomics approach. Raw and cooked extracts of the crab were prepared from the crab meat. Protein profile and IgE binding pattern were demonstrated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting using sera from 30 patients with crab allergy. The major allergens of the crab were then identified by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), followed by mass spectrometry analysis of the peptide digests. The SDS-PAGE of raw extract revealed approximately 20 protein fractions over a wide molecular weight range, while cooked extract demonstrated fewer protein bands. The raw extract also demonstrated a higher number of IgE reactive bands than the cooked extract. A heat-resistant protein of 36 kDa has been identified as the major allergen in both raw and cooked extracts. In addition, a heat-sensitive protein of 41 kDa was also recognized as a major allergen in raw crab. The 2-DE gel profile of the raw extract demonstrated about >100 distinct proteins spots and immunoblotting of the 2-DE profile demonstrated at least 12 different major IgE reactive spots with molecular masses between 13 to 250 kDa and isoelectric point (pI) values ranging from 4.0 to 7.0. The 36 and 41 kDa proteins were identified as the crab tropomyosin and arginine kinase, respectively by mass spectrometry. Therefore, this study confirmed that tropomyosin and arginine kinase are the major allergens of the local Portunid crab, P. pelagicus.

Matched MeSH terms: Allergens/analysis; Allergens/immunology*
Fulltext Characterization of major allergens of royal jelly Apis mellifera

Rosmilah M, Shahnaz M, Patel G, Lock J, Rahman D, Masita A, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2008 Dec;25(3):243-51.
PMID: 19287364 MyJurnal

Royal jelly is widely consumed in the community and has perceived benefits ranging from promoting growth in children and improvement of general health status to enhancement of longevity for the elderly. However, royal jelly consumption has been linked to contact dermatitis, acute asthma, anaphylaxis and death. High prevalence of positive skin tests to royal jelly have been reported among atopic populations in countries with a high rate of royal jelly consumption. The present study is aimed to identify the major allergens of royal jelly. Royal jelly extract was separated by sodium dodecyl polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and 2-dimensional electrophoresis (2-D). Immunoblotting of the SDS-PAGE and 2-D profiles were performed to identify the allergenic spots. Spots were then excised from the 2-D gel, digested with trypsin and analyzed by mass spectrometry. The SDS-PAGE of royal jelly extract revealed 18 bands between 10 to 167 kD. Western blot of the fractionated proteins detected 15 IgE-binding bands between 14 to 127 kD with seven major allergens of 32, 40, 42, 49, 55, 60 and 67 kD using serum from 53 subjects with royal jelly allergy. The 2-D gel fractionated the royal jelly proteins to more than 50 different protein spots. Out of these, 30 spots demonstrated specific IgE affinity to the sera tested. Eight spots of the major royal jelly allergens were selected for mass-spectrometry analysis. Digested tryptic peptides of the spots were compared to the amino acid sequence search in protein databases which identified the fragments of royal jelly homologus to major royal jelly protein 1 (MRJ1) and major royal jelly protein 2 (MRJ2). In conclusion, the major allergens of royal jelly are MRJ1 and MRJ2 in our patients' population.

Matched MeSH terms: Allergens/analysis*
Fulltext Identification of major allergens of two species of local snappers: Lutjanus argentimaculatus (merah/ red snapper) and Lutjanus johnii (jenahak/ golden snapper)

Rosmilah M, Shahnaz M, Masita A, Noormalin A, Jamaludin M

Trop Biomed, 2005 Dec;22(2):171-7.
PMID: 16883284 MyJurnal

Fish has been recognized as a source of potent allergens both in food and occupational allergy. Lutjanus argentimaculatus (red snapper) and Lutjanus johnii (golden snapper) locally known as merah and jenahak, respectively, are among the most commonly consumed fish in Malaysia. The objective of this study is to identify the IgE-binding proteins and major allergens of these species of fishes. Extracts of both fish species were prepared and fractionated by sodium dodecyl polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). IgE binding patterns were then demonstrated by immunoblotting using sera from patients allergic to the fishes. The raw extracts of both fish produced 26 protein bands. Both species of fishes had similar protein profiles. In cooked extracts, several protein bands in the range of about 40 to 90 kD which were present in the uncooked extracts appeared to be denatured and formed high molecular weight complexes. The immunoblotting of golden snapper and red snapper revealed 16 and 15 various IgE-binding bands, in the range of 151 to 12-11 kD, respectively. A 51 kD protein was identified as a major allergen for both fishes. A 46 kD protein was also demonstrated as a major allergen in golden snapper and a 42 kD protein was also seen as a major allergen in red snapper. A heat-resistant protein of ~12 kD which is equivalent in size with fish parvalbumin was demonstrated only as minor allergen for both fishes.

Matched MeSH terms: Allergens/adverse effects; Allergens/immunology; Allergens/chemistry*
Fulltext Characterization of Immunoglobulin E-Binding Proteins (IgE) of Scomberomorus commerson Lacepede

Rosmilah Misnan, Shahnaz Murad, Masita Arip, Noormalin Abdullah, Jamaludin Mohamed

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2005;3(2):79-87.
MyJurnal

The objective of this study was to determine the Immunoglobulin E-binding proteins (IgE) and major allergens of Scomberomorus commerson Lacepede (Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel). Allergen extracts were obtained from uncooked and cooked fish by homogenization in phosphate-buffered saline followed by continuous extraction at 4oC or on ice. Protein profiles and IgEbinding patterns were then detected by means of sodium dodecyl polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE) and immunoblotting using sera from patients sensitized to the fish. SDS-PAGE of the uncooked fish extracts revealed 26 protein bands in the range of about 11 to >175 kD, while the cooked extracts produced fewer protein bands. Immunoblotting demonstrated 17 IgE-binding bands, ranging in molecular weight from 11 to 151 kD. Two components with molecular weight of about ~50 and 42 kD showed the highest frequency of IgE-binding (62.2 and 51.4% respectively) and were identified as the major allergens of this fish allergy. Other IgE-binding proteins including a protein at ~12 kD which was equivalent in size to parvalbumin were identified as the minor allergens.

Matched MeSH terms: Allergens
Fulltext Characterization of major allergens of local mud crab (Scylla serrata)

Rosmilah Misnan, Nurul Izzah Abdul Rahman, Zailatul Hani Mohd Yadzir, Noormalin Abdullah, Mohd Faizal Bakhtiar, Shahnaz Murad

Scientific Research Journal, 2015;12(1):1-7.
MyJurnal

Crab meat is widely consumed in several countries around the world. However, when consumed, crab meat are frequent cause of allergic reactions throughout the world. Scylla serrata is among the most common mud crab in Malaysia. In a previous study two major allergens of mud crab at 36 and 41 kDa was identified. Thus, the aim of this study is to further identify these major allergens by a proteomic approach. Protein extract was prepared and resolved by 2-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). Immunoblotting was then performed using reactive sera from patients with crab allergy. Major allergenic spots were then excised from the 2-DE gel and analysed by mass spectrometry. The 2-DE profile of the extract revealed approximately >100 protein spots between pH of 4.00 to 8.00. Mass spectrometry analysis has identified the 36 and 41 kDa proteins as tropomyosin and arginine kinase, respectively. Our findings indicated that tropomyosin and arginine kinase play a major role in allergic reaction to mud crab meat among local patients with crab meat allergy, and should be included in diagnostics and therapeutic strategies of this allergy.

Matched MeSH terms: Allergens
Fulltext Identification of major and minor allergens of black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) and king prawn (Penaeus latisulcatus)

Sahabudin S, Misnan R, Yadzir ZH, Mohamad J, Abdullah N, Bakhtiar F, et al.

Malays J Med Sci, 2011 Jul;18(3):27-32.
PMID: 22135598 MyJurnal

BACKGROUND: Prawns and shrimp are a frequent cause of seafood allergy mediated by IgE antibodies. Penaeus monodon and Penaeus latisulcatus, commonly known as black tiger prawn and king prawn, respectively, are among the most frequently consumed prawns in Malaysia. The aim of this study was to identify the IgE-binding proteins of these 2 prawn species.
METHODS: Raw and boiled prawn extracts were prepared and then resolved by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). IgE-immunoblotting was then performed using sera from patients with positive skin prick tests to the raw prawn extracts.
RESULTS: SDS-PAGE analysis of the raw extracts of both prawn species revealed 23 protein bands; the boiled extracts yielded fewer protein bands. The bands in the range of 40 to 100 kDa were sensitive to heat and therefore were not found in the boiled extracts. Immunoblot of raw extracts of black tiger prawns and king prawns yielded 14 and 11 IgE-binding proteins, respectively, with molecular weights of between 15 and 200 kDa. Proteins at 36, 42, and 49 kDa were detected as the major allergens in both species of prawns. A protein of 75 kDa was also identified as a major allergen in black tiger prawns. Other potential allergens were also observed at various molecular masses.
CONCLUSION: Proteins of 36, 42, and 49 kDa were identified as the major allergens of both species of prawns. The 36 and 42 kDa proteins are hypothesised to be tropomyosin and arginine kinase, respectively. A high molecular weight protein of 75 kDa was found to be an additional major allergen in black tiger prawns.
KEYWORDS: Penaeus; allergens; allergy and clinical immunology; hypersensitivity; immunoblotting; tropomyosin

Matched MeSH terms: Allergens
An investigation of aeroallergens affecting urban Malaysian asthmatics

Sam CK, Soon SC, Liam CK, Padmaja K, Cheng HM

Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol, 1998 Mar;16(1):17-20.
PMID: 9681124

We investigated the aeroallergens affecting 200 asthmatics from the University Hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and found 164 (82%) patients with skin prick test (SPT) reactivity to one or more of a panel of 14 allergens, which included indoor and outdoor animal and plant aeroallergens. Reactivity was most frequent to the indoor airborne allergens, with 159 (79.5%) reacting to either or both house dust mite (Dermatophagoides) species and 87 (43.5%) to cockroach. The SPT reactivity to house dust mites corresponded with the finding that patients found house dust to be the main precipitant of asthmatic attacks.

Matched MeSH terms: Allergens/immunology*
A study of pollen prevalence in relation to pollen allergy in Malaysian asthmatics

Sam CK, Kesavan-Padmaja, Liam CK, Soon SC, Lim AL, Ong EK

Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol, 1998 Mar;16(1):1-4.
PMID: 9681122

In this paper we report results of skin prick tests (SPT) using pollen extracts on 200 patients with clinical symptoms of asthma, and results of a parallel study in which pollen was collected and classified over a period of 18 months. The patients were outpatients from the University Hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, while the pollen grains were collected with a spore trap placed in the campus of the University of Malaya, approximately one kilometer from the University Hospital. Pollen extracts of 3 grasses (Bahia, Bermuda, rough pigweed) and 2 flowering trees, Acacia and Melaleuca, were used in the SPT. Of the 29.5% asthmatics with positive SPT reactions, 21.5% were to one or more of the grass pollens, 21.5% to Acacia and 7.5% to Melaleuca pollen. Acacia and Bermuda grass extracts were the most allergenic, which agreed with results of the pollen collection which showed grass and Acacia pollen grains to be the two most commonly found pollens.

Study site: University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC)

Matched MeSH terms: Allergens/immunology*
Combating chlorhexidine allergy in perioperative setting

Shamsher S, Suhaimi NHI, Noor Ali R, Zulkifli K

Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jan;78(1):126-127.
PMID: 36715203

Chlorhexidine is labelled as hidden allergen as the health care professionals (HCPs) are unaware of the wide range of products containing chlorhexidine. Adverse events from chlorhexidine allergy can be reduced by appropriate perioperative management especially heeding on positive history during preoperative assessment, awareness regarding this hidden allergen, and educating HCPs on possible chlorhexidine-containing products. The regulatory agencies all over the world have issued recommendations regarding safety and risk of hypersensitivity reactions with chlorhexidine-containing products. The onus lies on HCPs to disseminate this knowledge to the stakeholders. We present a brief update to combat chlorhexidine allergy in perioperative setting.

Matched MeSH terms: Allergens
Emerging concepts and directed therapeutics for the management of asthma: regulating the regulators

Shastri MD, Chong WC, Dua K, Peterson GM, Patel RP, Mahmood MQ, et al.

Inflammopharmacology, 2021 Feb;29(1):15-33.
PMID: 33152094 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-020-00770-y

Asthma is a common, heterogeneous and serious disease, its prevalence has steadily risen in most parts of the world, and the condition is often inadequately controlled in many patients. Hence, there is a major need for new therapeutic approaches. Mild-to-moderate asthma is considered a T-helper cell type-2-mediated inflammatory disorder that develops due to abnormal immune responses to otherwise innocuous allergens. Prolonged exposure to allergens and persistent inflammation results in myofibroblast infiltration and airway remodelling with mucus hypersecretion, airway smooth muscle hypertrophy, and excess collagen deposition. The airways become hyper-responsive to provocation resulting in the characteristic wheezing and obstructed airflow experienced by patients. Extensive research has progressed the understanding of the underlying mechanisms and the development of new treatments for the management of asthma. Here, we review the basis of the disease, covering new areas such as the role of vascularisation and microRNAs, as well as associated potential therapeutic interventions utilising reports from animal and human studies. We also cover novel drug delivery strategies that are being developed to enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. Potential avenues to explore to improve the future of asthma management are highlighted.

Matched MeSH terms: Allergens
Legal situation and consumer acceptance of insects being eaten as human food in different nations across the world-A comprehensive review

Siddiqui SA, Tettey E, Yunusa BM, Ngah N, Debrah SK, Yang X, et al.

Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf, 2023 Nov;22(6):4786-4830.
PMID: 37823805 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13243

Insect consumption is a traditional practice in many countries. Currently, the urgent need for ensuring food sustainability and the high pressure from degrading environment are urging food scientists to rethink the possibility of introducing edible insects as a promising food type. However, due to the lack of the standardized legislative rules and the adequate scientific data that demonstrate the safety of edible insects, many countries still consider it a grey area to introduce edible insects into food supply chains. In this review, we comprehensively reviewed the legal situation, consumer willingness, acceptance, and the knowledge on edible insect harvesting, processing as well as their safety concerns. We found that, despite the great advantage of introducing edible insects in food supply chains, the legal situation and consumer acceptance for edible insects are still unsatisfactory and vary considerably in different countries, which mostly depend on geographical locations and cultural backgrounds involving psychological, social, religious, and anthropological factors. Besides, the safety concern of edible insect consumption is still a major issue hurdling the promotion of edible insects, which is particularly concerning for countries with no practice in consuming insects. Fortunately, the situation is improving. So far, some commercial insect products like energy bars, burgers, and snack foods have emerged in the market. Furthermore, the European Union has also recently issued a specific item for regulating new foods, which is believed to establish an authorized procedure to promote insect-based foods and should be an important step for marketizing edible insects in the near future.

Matched MeSH terms: Allergens
Fulltext Sensitization to Airborne Fungal Allergens Associates with Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis Presentation and Severity in the Singaporean/Malaysian Population

Sio YY, Pang SL, Say YH, Teh KF, Wong YR, Shah SMR, et al.

Mycopathologia, 2021 Oct;186(5):583-588.
PMID: 34258653 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-021-00532-6

Fungal spores and conidia are the major components of total airspora in the tropical Asia environment, and their sensitization patterns are often associated with allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), and atopic dermatitis. Hence, we recruited a cross-sectional cohort of 9223 Singapore/Malaysia Chinese adults and assessed their sensitization against Curvularia lunata allergen using the skin prick test approach. A subset of this cohort (n = 254) was also screened for specific Immunoglobulin E (sIgE) titers against a panel of 11 fungal allergens. We found significant association of Curvularia lunata sensitization with the risk of asthma (OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.17-2.33; p = 0.00391) and AR (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.18-2.41; p = 0.00396). Among asthmatic patients (n = 1680), Curvularia lunata sensitization also increased frequencies of wheezing symptoms (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.05-2.96; p = 0.0239), general practitioner/specialist visits (OR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.13-4.61; p = 0.0157), and other asthma-related exacerbation events (OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.04-4.10; p = 0.0289). In our serum cohort, sensitization to Aspergillus spp. was the most common fungal sensitization, with 23.6% (n = 60) had a class 3 and above sensitization (positive sensitization; sIgE titers of > 3.5 kU/L) against this allergen. Increasing sIgE titer against Aspergillus spp. was also correlated with increased AR risk and AR-related symptoms. In conclusion, our findings emphasize an important role of fungal sensitization in the manifestations of asthma and AR in the Southeast Asian Chinese population.

Matched MeSH terms: Allergens
Fulltext Zonula occludens and nasal epithelial barrier integrity in allergic rhinitis

Siti Sarah CO, Md Shukri N, Mohd Ashari NS, Wong KK

PeerJ, 2020;8:e9834.
PMID: 32953271 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9834

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disease affecting 400 million of the population worldwide. Nasal epithelial cells form a barrier against the invasion of environmental pathogens. These nasal epithelial cells are connected together by tight junction (TJ) proteins including zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), ZO-2 and ZO-3. Impairment of ZO proteins are observed in AR patients whereby dysfunction of ZOs allows allergens to pass the nasal passage into the subepithelium causing AR development. In this review, we discuss ZO proteins and their impairment leading to AR, regulation of their expression by Th1 cytokines (i.e., IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ), Th2 cytokines (i.e., IL-4 and IL-13) and histone deacetylases (i.e., HDAC1 and HDAC2). These findings are pivotal for future development of targeted therapies by restoring ZO protein expression and improving nasal epithelial barrier integrity in AR patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Allergens
Fulltext The prevalence of allergic diseases in school children of metropolitan city in Indonesia shows a similar pattern to that of developed countries

Soegiarto G, Abdullah MS, Damayanti LA, Suseno A, Effendi C

Asia Pac Allergy, 2019 Apr;9(2):e17.
PMID: 31089459 DOI: 10.5415/apallergy.2019.9.e17

Background: The prevalence of allergy among Surabaya school children is currently unknown.
Objective: To identify the prevalence of the common allergic sensitization and allergic diseases among school children and undergraduate students in suburban of Surabaya by epidemiologic data collection.
Methods: A multistage simple random sampling was done to select 5 primary schools, 8 secondary schools (4 of junior high schools and senior high schools, respectively), and 1 university from 5 districts in Surabaya city. Out of 550 invited respondents, 499 (128 primary school, 221 secondary school, and 150 undergraduate) respondents gave their consent. A complete personal history, allergic symptoms, environmental exposure of common allergens was obtained from interview and the physical examinations were performed. Skin prick test (SPT) was done using 45 different allergen extracts. Total serum IgE and specific IgE radioallergosorbent test levels were measured for respondents with allergic manifestations.
Results: There was an increasing SPT positivity among study respondents, from primary school, secondary school, to undergraduate students (21.90%, 28.95%, to 45.30% respectively). Cockroach (42.85%) and fungi/mold spore (42.85%) were the most common allergens in primary school children. House dust mites was the most common allergen in secondary school (63.16%) and undergraduate students (58.82%). Urticaria and rhinitis were the commonest allergic diseases manifestation. History of atopy was positive in 60.79% of the allergic respondents.
Conclusion: The prevalence of allergic sensitization among school children and undergraduate students in Surabaya suburb areas were increased compared to previous estimates in 1998. While house dust mites are known as important allergens, surprisingly cockroach was the common allergen among the younger school children.

Matched MeSH terms: Allergens
Food allergen labelling: "May contain" evidence from Malaysia

Soon JM

Food Res Int, 2018 06;108:455-464.
PMID: 29735079 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2018.03.068

Food allergen labelling is mandatory and regulated whilst precautionary allergen labelling (PAL) remains voluntary in most countries. It is the aim of this study to identify the food allergens declared in food products sold in a developing country and to what extent food allergens and PAL are emphasised in the products. A total of 505 food and beverages (snacks, baked goods, confectionary, baby food, condiments & jams, beverages, powder & paste, instant food, chilled & frozen food and canned food) were evaluated in Malaysia. Soybean represents the largest group of food allergen declared in labels, followed by wheat and milk products. Thirteen variations of contains statement were found with "Contains [allergen(s)]" being the most common (55.02%). There were 22 different types of "may contain" statements with 'May contain traces of [allergen(s)]' being the most common advice labelling used (55.41%). Different font type or emphasis such as brackets (51.57%) and bold font (33.86%) were used to inform consumers about presence of allergens. The national regulations on food allergen labelling are then critically contrasted with other Asian countries and the EU Regulation No. 1169/2011, which represents one of the most stringent food regulations in the world. Improving current allergen labelling limitations and practices would be of great benefit to consumers to prevent risk of food hypersensitivity.

Matched MeSH terms: Allergens/adverse effects*
Fulltext 1,1'-Carbonyldiimidazole-copper nanoflower enhanced collapsible laser scribed graphene engraved microgap capacitive aptasensor for the detection of milk allergen

Subramani IG, Perumal V, Gopinath SCB, Mohamed NM, Ovinis M, Sze LL

Sci Rep, 2021 10 21;11(1):20825.
PMID: 34675227 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00057-4

The bovine milk allergenic protein, 'β-lactoglobulin' is one of the leading causes of milk allergic reaction. In this research, a novel label-free non-faradaic capacitive aptasensor was designed to detect β-lactoglobulin using a Laser Scribed Graphene (LSG) electrode. The graphene was directly engraved into a microgapped (~ 95 µm) capacitor-electrode pattern on a flexible polyimide (PI) film via a simple one-step CO2 laser irradiation. The novel hybrid nanoflower (NF) was synthesized using 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) as the organic molecule and copper (Cu) as the inorganic molecule via one-pot biomineralization by tuning the reaction time and concentration. NF was fixed on the pre-modified PI film at the triangular junction of the LSG microgap specifically for bio-capturing β-lactoglobulin. The fine-tuned CDI-Cu NF revealed the flower-like structures was viewed through field emission scanning electron microscopy. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed the interactions with PI film, CDI-Cu NF, oligoaptamer and β-lactoglobulin. The non-faradaic sensing of milk allergen β-lactoglobulin corresponds to a higher loading of oligoaptamer on 3D-structured CDI-Cu NF, with a linear range detection from 1 ag/ml to 100 fg/ml and attomolar (1 ag/ml) detection limit (S/N = 3:1). This novel CDI-Cu NF/LSG microgap aptasensor has a great potential for the detection of milk allergen with high-specificity and sensitivity.

Matched MeSH terms: Allergens/analysis*

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