Multi-omics analysis points to altered platelet functions in severe food-associated respiratory allergy.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence and severity of allergic diseases have increased worldwide. To date, respiratory allergy phenotypes are not fully characterized and, along with inflammation progression, treatment is increasingly complex and expensive. Profilin sensitization constitutes a good model to study the progression of allergic inflammation. Our aim was to identify the underlying mechanisms and the associated biomarkers of this progression, focusing on severe phenotypes, using transcriptomics and metabolomics. METHODS: Twenty-five subjects were included in the study. Plasma samples were analyzed using gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS and LC-MS, respectively). Individuals were classified in four groups-"nonallergic," "mild," "moderate," and "severe"-based on their clinical history, their response to an oral challenge test with profilin, and after a refinement using a mathematical metabolomic model. PBMCs were used for microarray analysis. RESULTS: We found a set of transcripts and metabolites that were specific for the "severe" phenotype. By metabolomics, a decrease in carbohydrates and pyruvate and an increase in lactate were detected, suggesting aerobic glycolysis. Other metabolites were incremented in "severe" group: lysophospholipids, sphingosine-1-phosphate, sphinganine-1-phosphate, and lauric, myristic, palmitic, and oleic fatty acids. On the other hand, carnitines were decreased along severity. Significant transcripts in the "severe" group were found to be downregulated and were associated with platelet functions, protein synthesis, histone modification, and fatty acid metabolism. CONCLUSION: We have found evidence that points to the association of severe allergic inflammation with platelet functions alteration, together with reduced protein synthesis, and switch of immune cells to aerobic glycolysis.

Effect of the perforation level of recycled-LDPE bags on the modification of the atmosphere development, bioactive compounds content, and other qualities of Jalapeño peppers during storage.

The impact of modified atmosphere packaging on the content of selected bioactive compounds and other quality attributes of Jalapeño peppers has not been well studied. In this study, Jalapeño peppers were packed in low-cost bags (composed of recycled-LDPE) that had been perforated at several levels (0-4 holes). Packages were stored at 7 °C for 6 weeks. Samples of unpacked peppers were stored at 23 and 7 °C and were used as control groups. The quality of the peppers and the gas composition inside of the packages were evaluated during storage. The best modified atmosphere was obtained with unperforated bags. Significant loss of weight and firmness were prevented by packaging. The loss of weight and firmness were 20.2-82.6 and 32-100 % in unpacked peppers. Low levels of fermentative metabolites accumulated in packed peppers in unperforated bags and in bags with 1 perforation. The tristimulus color and the bioactive compounds content (phenols, ascorbic acid, ß-carotene, and capsaicinoids) remained unchanged in packed peppers. These quality attributes changed gradually in peppers that were stored at 23 °C. The tested bags represent a cost-effective alternative to preserve the quality of intact Jalapeño peppers.