Detection of airborne Par j 1 and Par j 2 allergens in relation to Urticaceae pollen counts in different bioclimatic areas.

BACKGROUND: In aerobiological studies, the Parietaria pollen type usually includes all Parietaria and Urtica species found in the area. Given that Urtica is a nonallergenic plant, the pollen counts report incomplete information on the presence of allergens in the atmosphere. Discordance between the pollen concentrations of Urticaceae and allergic symptoms has been observed in patients with pollinosis. OBJECTIVE: To compare the Urticaceae pollen counts with the Par j 1 and Par j 2 aeroallergen concentrations from 2 different Spanish geographic areas to determine the allergenic load in the atmosphere. METHODS: Hirst-type volumetric traps and Burkard Cyclone samplers were used for pollen counts and aeroallergen capture, respectively. The quantification of Par j 1 and Par j 2 allergens was performed using specific 2-site antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Transmission electron microscopy and immunocytochemical techniques were applied to localize these allergens in the orbicules. RESULTS: Differences between areas and years were obtained in both pollen and aeroallergen concentrations. Despite the lower pollen counts recorded in Cartagena, higher aeroallergen concentrations were registered compared with Ourense. A lower correlation was achieved between Urticaceae pollen concentrations and aeroallergen levels, with a maximum positive significant correlation (adjusted R2 = 0.466, P < .001). Intense labeling of Par j 1 and Par j 2 proteins was observed in the orbicules, the tapetal membrane, and the tapetal tissue remnants. CONCLUSION: This method may be valuable for epidemiologic research to establish correlations between concentrations of Parietaria aeroallergens and clinical symptoms. Therefore, the measurement of aeroallergens should be incorporated into the aerobiological studies with clinical applications.

Alternative therapy for autosensitization dermatitis.

During outdoor activities, Dendrocnide meyeniana can induce severe acute dermatitis, which usually needs topical or systemic corticosteroids, and oral antihistamine to alleviate associated symptoms such as exudation, pruritus or burning sensation. In this paper we report a 14-year-old male, with autosensitization dermatitis caused by Dendrocnide meyeniana, who had erythematous papules accompanied by itching and stinging sensations over left inner elbow first and then extended to the trunk and limbs. Based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and pharmacological studies, the combined formula of Xiao-feng-san (XFS) and Huang-lian-jie-du-tang (HLJDT) was prescribed in the form of concentrated herbal extracts per oral. Remission of skin lesions and the accompanied symptoms was observed after treatment using the TCM formula for 7 days. Follow-up of the patient showed no relapse. We therefore conclude that TCM herbs may provide an alternative treatment for autosensitization dermatitis caused by Dendrocnide meyeniana.

Evaluation of cross-reactivity between Holoptelea integrifolia and Parietaria judaica.

BACKGROUND: Holoptelea integrifolia and Parietaria judaica belong to the family Urticaceae, but are geographically distantly located. H. integrifolia is an important pollen allergen of India and sensitizes almost 10% of the atopic population in Delhi. P. judaica, on the other hand, is a very dominant pollen allergen of the Mediterranean region, sensitizing almost 80% of the allergic population. Since both these important pollen allergens belong to the family Urticaceae, the objective of the present study was to assess cross-reactivity between these two pollen allergens from different geographical regions. METHODS: Cross-reactivity between these two pollen allergens was assessed on the basis of skin prick tests and ELISA, ELISA inhibition and immunoblot inhibition studies. RESULTS: Out of 44 atopic Indian patients skin prick tested with H. integrifolia extract, 34% were found to be sensitized. All the patients sensitized to H. integrifolia also showed varying degrees of skin positivity to P. judaica pollen extract. ELISA and ELISA inhibition studies suggested strong cross-reactivity between H. integrifolia and P. judaica pollen. Immunoblot inhibition studies revealed that 14-, 16-, 28-, 38-, 42- and 46-kDa proteins are the cross-reactive proteins in H. integrifolia and P. judaica. However, Par j 1, the major allergen of P. judaica, is absent in H. integrifolia pollen. CONCLUSION: H. integrifolia and P. judaica pollens share cross-reactive as well as unique epitopes. The major allergen of P. judaica, Par j 1, seems to be absent in H. integrifolia pollen allergen.