Biochemical and molecular evaluation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage in fruit fly exposed to carmoisine.

BACKGROUND: In today's world, appearance is an important factor in almost all areas of our lives. Therefore, it has become common to use dyes to color foods to make them look appetizing and visually appealing. However, food additives have negative effects on biochemical processes in cells at both high and low doses. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study investigated the effect of carmoisine, a commonly used food coloring, on oxidative stress and damage parameters in Drosophila melanogaster in terms of both enzymatic and gene expression. The change in mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN), a marker of oxidative stress, was also examined. When the data obtained were analyzed, it was observed that carmoisine caused a significant decrease in GSH levels depending on the increase in dose. SOD, CAT, GPx, and AChE enzyme activities and gene expression levels were also found to be significantly decreased. All groups also showed a significant decrease in mtDNA-CN. The effect of carmoisine on Drosophila melanogaster morphology was also investigated in our study. However, no significant change was observed in terms of morphological development in any group. CONCLUSIONS: When all the findings were evaluated together, it was observed that carmoisin triggered oxidative stress and these effects became more risky at high doses. Therefore, we believe that the consumer should be made more aware of the side effects of azo dyes in food and that the type and concentration of each substance added to food should be specified.

Carmines (E120) in coloured yoghurts: a case-study contribution for human risk assessment.

Carmines (E120) are used worldwide as natural food colouring agents of animal origin, with a widespread application, including yoghurts. Despite being considered safe for human health, carmines are known to cause allergic reactions. Our goal was to evaluate the presence of carmines in different yoghurts with a label declaration of E120, purchased in Portugal, and, for the first time, to assess the human risk. The analytical methodology, recommended by JECFA, was based on acid hydrolysis of the samples followed by spectrophotometric UV-Vis analysis at 494 nm. This methodology allowed for a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 39.0 mg/kg and recovery rates higher than 97.7%. All the samples had carmines at levels above the LOQ, ranging between 43.8 and 193.8 mg/kg, with an average of 125.2 ± 34.5 mg/kg. In total, 8 (26.7%) samples exceeded the European Union (EU) maximum permitted level (MPL) established for carmines in this foodstuff, 150 mg/kg. Solid yoghurts presented higher average levels, 137.2 mg/kg, when compared to liquid samples, 107.2 mg/kg, with a significant statistical difference (p= 0.0236) being observed. No significant statistical difference was observed between white and private labels, whose average levels were very similar, 125.4 vs 125 mg/kg, respectively. Although some samples were above the allowable values, the estimated daily intake (EDI), designed for the different scenarios of different yoghurt types, did not exceed the established ADI, 5 mg/kg bw/day. According to the obtained results, carmine ingestion through the consumption of yoghurt poses low risk to the Portuguese consumers. However, children were the most vulnerable population group with a calculated risk value of up to 10% considering the mean content scenario. These first findings point out the need to reinforce surveillance programmes and monitoring studies, contributing to an increased awareness regarding carmine exposure, however it must be emphasised that yoghurt has evident nutritional benefits depending on a healthful consumer choice.

Patch Testing With Carmine 2.5% in Petrolatum by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group, 2011-2012.

BACKGROUND: Carmine is a natural red dye that may cause allergic contact dermatitis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze patch test reactions to carmine (2.5% in petrolatum) and characterize carmine-positive patients. METHODS: This study conducted a retrospective analysis of North American Contact Dermatitis Group data compiled between 2011 and 2012. RESULTS: Of 4240 patients patch tested to carmine, 132 (3.1%) had reactions with a final interpretation of "allergic" (positive). Carmine-positive patients were significantly more likely to be female (77.7% vs 68.3%; P = 0.0237) and have a final primary diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis (74.8% vs 47.2%; P < 0.0001). As compared with carmine-negative patients, carmine-positive patients were significantly more likely to have involvement of all facial sites combined (48.1% vs 29.9%; P < 0.0001) and the lips (7.6% vs 3.6%; P = 0.0166). At final reading, most carmine reactions were weak (+; 64.9%). Approximately half (53.4%) were currently clinically relevant; identified sources were primarily personal care products (77.1%), especially makeup (31.4%) and lip products (8.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Weak patch test reactions to carmine should be interpreted with caution. Allergic contact dermatitis to carmine should be suspected in women with facial and/or lip dermatitis, especially those using carmine-containing cosmetics.

Expanding Patch Testing Beyond the Baseline Series: Usefulness of Customized Antimicrobials, Vehicles, and Cosmetics Series.

BACKGROUND: Testing cosmetics and their ingredients is essential to avoid missing relevant allergens and to monitor fluctuating incidence of hypersensitivity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to review the usefulness of patch testing with a customized antimicrobials, vehicles, and cosmetics (AVC) series over 15 years at a single Canadian site. METHODS: Between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2019, patients suspected of having cosmetics allergy were patch tested with a 40-allergen AVC series in addition to the North American Contact Dermatitis Group standard screening series. We reviewed the patch test results of 2868 patients. RESULTS: We consecutively patch tested with the baseline series 6103 patients, of which 2868 (47%) were also tested with the AVC series. Of 53 different allergens that were tested at some point, 26 remained in the series throughout the 15-year span. The most common positive allergens were thimerosal (4.52%), polyvidone-iodine (2.25%), propolis (2.06%), sodium metabisulfite (1.94%), dodecyl gallate (1.53%), carmine (1.10%), lauryl glucoside (1.01%), sandalwood oil (0.7%), and tert-butylhydroquinone (0.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Although the expansion of the North American Contact Dermatitis Group standard screening series has decreased the yield from the AVC series from 21.1% to 13.9%, it still remains a useful adjunct for patients suspected of having cosmetics or disinfectants allergy.

[THE CASE REPORT OF A 8 YEARS OLD BOY WITH COCHINEAL ALLERGY].

BACKGROUND: Cochineal dyes are used as additives in various foods for the purpose of red coloration. On the other hand, although it has been reported as a causative agent of immediate allergy, most of them are adult women. We report a case of an 8-year-old boy who developed a cochineal allergy.Current disease history: He has been suffering from atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma, and food allergies since childhood. At the age of seven, he experienced an unknown anaphylaxis reaction twice. When he was 8 years old, he ate a frankfurter containing hypoallergenic cochineal for the first time; cold sweat, intraoral discomfort, respiratory distress, and urticaria appeared throughout the body. His skin prick tests were positive, with a result of 2+to frankfurter and cochineal dyes (color value 0.1 and 0.01). In the immunoblot assay, binding of IgE antibody was observed with CC38K (the main component of cochineal) and a protein of approximately 80-200 kDa in the high molecular weight region. DISCUSSION: We report a case of anaphylaxis with hypoallergenic cochineal onset in a school-age boy.

Assessment of the skin sensitizing potential of chemicals, contained in foods and/or cosmetic ingredients, using a modified local lymph node assay with an elicitation phase (LLNA:DAE) method.

We evaluated the skin sensitizing potential of 10 natural organic chemicals, or their derivatives, which are included in foods and/or skin products, using a modified local lymph node assay (LLNA), with an elicitation phase (LLNA:DAE). The following compounds were tested: carminic acid, esculetin, 4-methyl esculetin, coumarin, quercetin, curcumin, naringenin, chlorogenic acid, isoscopoletin, and shikonin. Esculetin, 4-methyl esculetin, isoscopoletin, and shikonin yielded positive results. In particular, shikonin at a very low concentration (0.05%) induced an elicitation response. In conclusion, four of the 10 natural organic chemicals tested had a skin sensitization potential, with shikonin producing serious reaction even at a very low concentration.

Contact Dermatitis to Carmine.

: Carmine is a widely used "natural" food additive that has been reported to provoke both an immediate hypersensitivity and a delayed systemic response with cutaneous expression. Systemic contact dermatitis describes the hypersensitivity reaction following systemic re-exposure of the inciting allergen in previously sensitized individuals. In individuals with recalcitrant dermatitis and a positive carmine intolerance history and/or patch test, it is important to consider a trial topical and dietary elimination of carmine-associated products and foods.

Cochineal dye-induced immediate allergy: Review of Japanese cases and proposed new diagnostic chart.

BACKGROUND: Cochineal dye is used worldwide as a red coloring in foods, drinks, cosmetics, quasi-drugs, and drugs. The main component of the red color is carminic acid (CA). Carmine is an aluminum- or calcium-chelated product of CA. CA and carmine usually contain contaminating proteins, including a 38-kDa protein thought to be the primary allergen. Severe allergic reactions manifest as anaphylaxis. The aim of this study was to review all Japanese reported cases and propose useful diagnostic chart. METHODS: All reported Japanese cases of cochineal dye-induced immediate allergy were reviewed, and newly registered cases were examined by skin prick test (SPT) with cochineal extract (CE) and measurement of CE and carmine-specific serum IgE test. Two-dimensional (2D) western blotting using patient serum was conducted to identify the antigen. RESULTS: Twenty-two Japanese cases have been reported. SPT and the level of specific IgE test indicated that six cases should be newly registered as cochineal dye allergy. All cases were adult females, and all cases except three involved anaphylaxis; 13 cases involved past history of local symptoms associated with cosmetics use. Japanese strawberry juice and fish-meat sausage, and European processed foods (especially macarons made in France) and drinks were recent major sources of allergen. 2D western blotting showed that patient IgE reacted to the 38-kDa protein and other proteins. Serum from healthy controls also weakly reacted with these proteins. CONCLUSIONS: SPT with CE and determination of the level of CE and carmine-specific IgE test are useful methods for the diagnosis of cochineal dye allergy.

An oral challenge test with carmine red (E120) in skin prick test positive patients.

BACKGROUND: Positive skin prick test reactions to carmine red (E120) occur in approximately 3% of the patients studied for food allergy. Carmine ingestion associated systemic symptoms are occasionally suspected, but sufficient information of proven carmine allergy is not available. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To analyse carmine related symptoms in skin prick test positive patients a cohort of 23 patients with suspected allergy to carmine red was subjected to a single-blind placebo-controlled oral challenge test with carmine red. RESULTS: Five patients developed clinical symptoms during the placebo-controlled oral challenge. As a result, the overall frequency of clinical carmine allergy is estimated to be 0.7% in general dermatology patients studied for food-associated symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Oral challenge test provides a valuable in vivo tool to better inform patients with positive skin prick tests to additives to avoid false allergy diets.

New risks from ancient food dyes: cochineal red allergy.

This study reports an unusual case of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to Cochineal red or Carmine red, a coloring agent of natural origin. Although the risk of anaphylactic reactions is well known, since the nineties the use of this additive seems to be nowadays on the rise. The problem of labeling of additives used in handmade food products is highlighted.

Allergic reactions to insect secretions.

Some products derived from insects can induce allergic reactions. The main characteristics of some products from honeybees, cochineal and silkworms are summarised here. We review allergic reactions from honey-derived products (propolis, wax, royal jelly), from cochineal products (shellac and carmine) and from silk : clinical features, allergological investigations and allergens if they are known.

Carmine red (E-120)-induced occupational respiratory allergy in a screen-printing worker: a case report.

Here we present a case report of a patient suffering from occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma due to IgE-mediated carmine red allergy. This is the first description of carmine red allergy in a screen-printing worker in which the diagnosis was documented by quantification of specific IgE antibodies, by skin tests, by a flow-assisted basophil activation test, and by a carmine red challenge test.

Allergic contact dermatitis from carmine in cosmetic blush.

Although there are many reported cases of immediate allergy after ingestion of foods containing cochineal, there are few reports of allergic contact dermatitis from carmine. We present a rare case of allergic contact dermatitis due to carmine. A 52-year-old female presented with an itchy erythema on her cheeks at the site where blush had been applied. Patch-tested with her cosmetics, she showed a positive reaction to the blush (30% in petrolatum) and to 0.2% (but not 0.1%) carmine in petrolatum. In this case, the optimum patch-test concentration of carmine was 0.2% in petrolatum.

Allergic contact dermatitis from carmine.

A 28-year-old woman developed allergic contact dermatitis within 6 to 24 hours exclusively after using carmine-containing eyeshadows and lipsticks. She had both a positive patch test result and a positive antecubital repeated open application test result with carmine 2.5% in petrolatum. Thirty other patients had negative patch test results. Carmine is a widely used pigment derived from gravid cochineal insects. Carminic acid is the source of its color. Only two previous publications describing allergic contact dermatitis from carmine could be found. The ingredient in carmine causing these delayed hypersensitivity reactions has not been studied. In contrast, there are numerous reports of immediate hypersensitivity reactions from carmine, mostly from its use in foods and beverages but also from cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. These are immunoglobulin E-mediated reactions directed against cochineal proteins.