Determination of Zearalenone and Trichothecenes, Including Deoxynivalenol and Its Acetylated Derivatives, Nivalenol, T-2 and HT-2 Toxins, in Wheat and Wheat Products by LC-MS/MS: A Collaborative Study.

An analytical method for the simultaneous determination of trichothecenes-namely, nivalenol (NIV), deoxynivalenol (DON) and its acetylated derivatives (3- and 15-acetyl-DON), T-2 and HT-2 toxins-and zearalenone (ZEN) in wheat, wheat flour, and wheat crackers was validated through a collaborative study involving 15 participants from 10 countries. The validation study, performed within the M/520 standardization mandate of the European Commission, was carried out according to the IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) International Harmonized Protocol. The method was based on mycotoxin extraction from the homogenized sample material with a mixture of acetonitrile-water followed by purification and concentration on a solid phase extraction column. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was used for mycotoxin detection, using isotopically labelled mycotoxins as internal standards. The tested contamination ranges were from 27.7 to 378 µg/kg for NIV, from 234 to 2420 µg/kg for DON, from 18.5 to 137 µg/kg for 3-acetyl-DON, from 11.4 to 142 µg/kg for 15-acetyl-DON, from 2.1 to 37.6 µg/kg for T-2 toxin, from 6.6 to 134 µg/kg for HT-2 toxin, and from 31.6 to 230 µg/kg for ZEN. Recoveries were in the range 71-97% with the lowest values for NIV, the most polar mycotoxin. The relative standard deviation for repeatability (RSDr) was in the range of 2.2-34%, while the relative standard deviation for reproducibility (RSDR) was between 6.4% and 45%. The HorRat values ranged from 0.4 to 2.0. The results of the collaborative study showed that the candidate method is fit for the purpose of enforcing the legislative limits of the major Fusarium toxins in wheat and wheat-based products.

Usability of graphene oxide as a mycotoxin binder: In vitro study.

Mycotoxin management in agriculture is an essential challenge for maintaining the health of both animals and humans. Choosing the right adsorbent is still a question for many breeders and an important criterion for feed manufacturers. New adsorbents are still being sought. Graphene oxide is a promising material in the field of nanotechnology, which excels in its adsorption properties. Presented in vitro study investigates graphene oxide for the binding of mycotoxins from crushed wheat. The results show that graphene oxide has an adsorption capacity for aflatoxin 0.045 mg/g, zearalenone 0.53 mg/g and deoxynivalenol 1.69 mg/g at 37° C. In vitro simulation of crushed wheat digestion showed rapid adsorption during the gastric phase. Of the minerals, Mg, Cu and Zn were the most adsorbed. The applied dose of graphene oxide of 10 mg/g caused only a slight inhibition of the digestive enzymes α-amylase and trypsin compared to pepsin and gastric lipase. In vitro results indicated the suitability of graphene oxide in the adsorption of the aflatoxin, zearalenone and deoxynivalenol.

Scouting for Naturally Low-Toxicity Wheat Genotypes by a Multidisciplinary Approach.

Over the last years, great efforts have been devoted to develop effective gluten detoxification strategies with a consequent detrimental alteration of the technological properties as well. Obtaining low-gluten products without affecting the rheological properties of wheat could still be considered a new challenge to face. In this investigation, we presented a comprehensive characterization of durum wheat genotypes aimed at identifying low gluten ones, which combine the potential lower toxicity/immunogenicity with conserved yield and rheological properties to encompass the perspective usability for bread or pasta making. A preliminary profiling of gluten proteins was accomplished by immunoassay-based quantification and liquid chromatography coupled to UV detection, focusing on the gliadin fraction as main responsible for immunoreactivity in celiac disease patients. In addition, data on grain protein content, grain yield per spike, dry gluten and gluten index were collected in order to provide complementary information about productivity-related traits and quali-quantitative characteristics related to wheat nutritional value and its technological properties. The whole pool of data was statistically evaluated driving to the selection of a preferred list of candidate low-toxicity genotypes that were subjected to in-vitro simulated gastroduodenal digestion and untargeted HR-MS/MS peptide identification. Finally, an in-silico risk assessment of potential toxicity for celiac disease patients was performed according to the most recent guidance provided by EFSA.

Comparison of the in vitro toxicity of ancient Triticum monococcum varieties ID331 and Monlis.

Triticum monococcum L. is one of the oldest ancestors of wheat. There is some evidence that einkorn encloses forms of gliadin-deriving peptides which may potentially exert a reduced toxicity to consumers with gluten-related disorders. Accordingly, ID331 and Monlis lines were comparatively investigated in this study. The biological effects of gastro-resistant peptides deriving from an in vitro simulated digestion were evaluated on 21 d differentiated Caco-2 cells. Triticum aestivum digested gliadin was included as the positive control. ID331 neither enhanced cell permeability nor induced zonulin release in Caco-2 monolayers. Monlis exerted a detectable toxicity as confirmed by the reorganisation of enterocyte cytoskeleton, in addition to changes both in monolayers permeability and apical release of zonulin. Differences in patterns of gastro-resistant prolamins may account for the differences. Outcomes support the use of ID331 as a prospective candidate for the development of innovative approaches to reduce wheat flour toxicity.

Effects of Adding Clostridium sp. WJ06 on Intestinal Morphology and Microbial Diversity of Growing Pigs Fed with Natural Deoxynivalenol Contaminated Wheat.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is commonly detected in cereals, and is a threat to human and animal health. The effects of microbiological detoxification are now being widely studied. A total of 24 pigs (over four months) were randomly divided into three treatments. Treatment A was fed with a basal diet as the control group. Treatment B was fed with naturally DON-contaminated wheat as a negative control group. Treatment C was fed with a contaminated diet that also had Clostridium sp. WJ06, which was used as a detoxicant. Growth performance, relative organ weight, intestinal morphology, and the intestinal flora of bacteria and fungi were examined. The results showed that after consuming a DON-contaminated diet, the growth performance of the pigs decreased significantly (p < 0.05), the relative organ weight of the liver and kidney increased significantly (p < 0.05), and the integrity of the intestinal barrier was also impaired, though the toxic effects of the contaminated diets on growing pigs were relieved after adding Clostridium sp. WJ06. The data from MiSeq sequencing of the 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) gene suggested that the abundance of intestinal flora was significantly different across the three treatments. In conclusion, the application of Clostridium sp. WJ06 can reduce the toxic effects of DON and adjust the intestinal microecosystem of growing pigs.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) Contamination of Feed and Grinding Fineness: Are There Interactive Implications on Stomach Integrity and Health of Piglets?

The common feed contaminant deoxynivalenol (DON) was reported to influence the morphology of the pars nonglandularis (PN) of porcine stomach. Moreover, finely ground feed is known to trigger the development of ulcers and other pathologies of PN while coarsely ground feed protects from such lesions. The interactions between grinding fineness and DON contamination of feed were not examined so far. Therefore, both finely and coarsely ground feeds were tested either in the absence or presence of a DON contaminated wheat on growth performance and health of rearing piglets, including stomach integrity. DON contamination significantly reduced feed intake and serum albumin concentration with this effect being more pronounced after feeding the coarsely ground feed. Albeit at a higher level, albumin concentration was also reduced after feeding the finely ground and uncontaminated feed. Finely ground and DON-contaminated feed caused a significantly more pronounced lymphoplasmacytic infiltration both of PN and pars glandularis, partly paralleled by lymph follicle formation and detritus filled foveolae and tubes suggesting a local immune response probably triggered by epithelial lesions. It is concluded that DON contamination of feed exacerbates the adverse effects of finely ground feed on stomach mucosal integrity.

From pure compounds to complex exposure: Effects of dietary cadmium and lignans on estrogen, epidermal growth factor receptor, and mitogen activated protein kinase signaling in vivo.

Exposure to environmental endocrine active compounds correlates with altered susceptibility to disease in human populations. Chemical risk assessment is single compound based, although exposure often takes place as heterogeneous mixtures of man-made and natural substances within complex matrices like diet. Here we studied whether the effects of cadmium and enterolactone on endocrine endpoints in dietary exposure can be predicted based on pure compound effects. Ovariectomized estrogen reporter ERE-luciferase (ERE-luc) mice were maintained on diets that intrinsically contain increasing concentrations of cadmium and enterolactone precursors for three and 21 days. The activation of the ERE-luc, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK)-ERK1/2, and classical estrogen responses were measured. Interactions between the diets and endogenous hormone were evaluated by challenging the animals with 17ß-estradiol. Compared to animals on basal purified diet, mice consuming experimental diets were exposed to significantly higher levels of cadmium and enterolactone, yet the exposure remained comparable to typical human dietary intake. Surprisingly, we could not detect effects on endpoints regulated by pure enterolactone, such as ERE-luc activation. However, cadmium accumulation in the liver was accompanied with activation of EGFR and MAPK-ERK1/2 in line with our earlier CdCl2 studies. Further, attenuation of 17ß-estradiol-induced ERE-luc response in liver by experimental diets was observed. Our findings indicate that the exposure context can have substantial effects on the activity of endocrine active compounds in vivo. Thus, whenever possible, a context that mimics human exposure should be tested along with pure compounds.

Estudio de los parámetros que afectan al contenido de deoxinivalenol en cereales o alimentos a base de cereales obtenidos en comercios de Valencia (España) / Study of several parameters affecting the deoxynivalenol content in cereal and cereal-based products from Valencia (Spain)

Las micotoxinas son metabolitos fúngicos que aparecen comúnmente como contaminantes de muchos cereales y pueden causar una amplia variedad de efectos tóxicos. En el presente estudio, se analizó un total de 182 muestras de diferentes cereales (arroz, trigo, maíz, avena, espelta, soja y tapioca) obtenidos en establecimientos de la Comunidad Valenciana (España). Se examina la presencia de deoxinivalenol (DON) y se realiza un estudio estadístico de las muestras según el tipo de cultivo (orgánico o convencional), su composición, el tipo de producto y la marca (comercial o blanca) para estimar si estos parámetros influyen en la concentración de DON. Del total de muestras, 111 estaban contaminadas con DON, pero en concentraciones inferiores a los límites permitidos por la legislación europea. Se observó mayor incidencia de DON en muestras de trigo (80%) seguidas de maíz (35%) y arroz (13%), pero sin diferencia significativa (p>0,05) entre el tipo de cereal; ni con la práctica agrícola. Sin embargo, los resultados demostraron que el tipo de producto en el cereal procesado (p<0,001; los productos a base de lluvia y sémola presentaran valores mayores de DON que los fideos), los componentes del alimento procesado (p<0,01; los niveles de DON eran superiores en las rosquilletas de pan simples respecto a las rosquilletas con queso y con chocolate ) y la marca (p<0,05; las marcas blancas contienen más DON que las comerciales) si influyen en los niveles de DON hallados en las muestras de trigo (AU)

Mycotoxins are fungal metabolites that commonly appear as contaminants in many cereals and can cause a variety of toxic effects. In this study, a total of 182 samples of different cereals (rice, wheat, corn, oats, spelt, soy and tapioca) obtained in establishments of Valencia (Spain) were analyzed. The presence of deoxynivalenol (DON) was determined and a statistical study of the samples was performed according to the type of crop (organic or conventional), its composition, the type of product and brand (commercial or white) to estimate whether these parameters influence DON concentration. Of the total samples, 111 were contaminated with DON, but their concentration were below the limits allowed by European legislation. Higher DON concentration was observed in wheat samples (80%) followed by corn (35%) and rice (13%), but no significant difference (p> 0.05) between the type of cereal; or harvest conditions. However, the results showed that the type of product in the processing cereal (p <0.001; the rain-based products and grits presented higher values of DON than noodles), processed food components (p <0.01; DON levels were higher in simple snacks than snacks bread with cheese and chocolate) and brand (p <0.05; white brands contain more DON than commercial ones) have related to DON concentration found in wheat samples (AU)

Exposure-response relationships for inhalant wheat allergen exposure and asthma.

BACKGROUND: A few studies have investigated exposure-response relationships for sensitisation to wheat, work-related symptoms and wheat allergen exposure. IgG4 is suggested to protect against the development of allergic sensitisation. The main aim of this current study was to explore the nature of exposure-response relationships for a range of clinically relevant endpoints among bakery workers, and to investigate the role of IgG4 in these relationships. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 517 supermarket bakery workers in 31 bakeries used a questionnaire, serum-specific IgE and IgG4 to wheat, and methacholine challenge testing. Exposure models were developed previously using job, bakery size, tasks and specific ingredients used. These models were used to predict average personal exposure to wheat allergens. RESULTS: The exposure-response relationships for average exposure followed a linear relationship for sensitisation, but a bell-shaped curve for allergic symptoms and probable occupational asthma, increasing up to 10-15 µg/m(3) wheat allergen concentration after which they plateau off and decrease at higher exposure concentrations. This relationship was modified by atopic status. IgG4 levels were strongly exposure related: a clear increase in prevalence of higher IgG4 with increase in wheat allergen exposure was observed among those sensitised and non-sensitised to wheat, with IgG4 even more strongly associated with exposure than IgE to wheat. CONCLUSIONS: The bell-shaped exposure-response relationship in the current study is consistent with the findings of previous studies. IgG4 showed no protective effect for sensitisation, confirming the findings of previous studies, suggesting that the pattern is probably related to a healthy worker effect.

Relationship between lutein and mycotoxin content in durum wheat.

Levels of lutein and a number of mycotoxins were determined in seven varieties of durum wheat (Triticum durum) and two varieties of common wheat (Triticum aestivum) in order to explore possible relationships amongst these components. Durum wheat cultivars always showed both higher lutein and mycotoxin contents than common wheat cultivars. The mycotoxins detected in both common and durum wheat cultivars were produced by the genera Fusarium, Claviceps, Alternaria and Aspergillus. Fusarium was the major producer of mycotoxins (26 mycotoxins) followed by Claviceps (14 mycotoxins), which was present only in some cultivars such as Chevalier (common wheat), Lupidur and Selyemdur (both durum wheat), Alternaria (six mycotoxins) and Aspergillus (three mycotoxins). Positive correlations between the levels of lutein and mycotoxins in durum wheat cultivars were found for the following mycotoxins: deoxynivalenol (DON), its derivative DON-3-glucoside, moniliformin, culmorin and its derivatives (5-hydroxyculmorin and 15-hydroxyculmorin).

Presencia de Fusarium graminearum en muestras de trigo destinado al consumo humano / Fusarium graminearum presence in wheat samples for human consumption

La fusariosis es una de las enfermedades más importantes de los cereales, Fusarium graminearum es su principal agente etiológico. Este hongo posee la capacidad de producir distintos tipos y niveles de toxinas, en especial deoxinivalenol (DON). En la campaña 2012-2013 se dieron condiciones ambientales predisponentes para el desarrollo de esta enfermedad. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la presencia del hongo y el contenido de DON en 50 muestras de trigo. Los resultados demostraron la presencia de Fusarium graminearum en el 80 % de las muestras analizadas. El 24 % de las muestras presentó valores de DON ≥ 1µg/g, el 26 % varió entre 0,5 y 0,99µg/g, mientras que el 50 % restante mostró valores inferiores a 0,5µg/g. Se observó correlación entre la presencia de Fusarium graminearum y de DON. Es necesario establecer valores límites de DON en granos de trigo destinados al consumo humano

One of the most important diseases in cereal crops is Fusarium head blight, being Fusarium graminearum the main etiological agent. This fungus has the ability to produce a wide spectrum and quantity of toxins, especially deoxynivalenol (DON). During the last crop season (2012-2013) the climatic conditions favored Fusarium colonization. The objective of this work was to determine the presence of this fungus as well as the DON content in 50 wheat grain samples. Our results showed that 80% of the samples were contaminated with Fusarium graminearum. Twenty four percent (24%) of the samples contained ≥ 1µg/g DON, 26% ranged from 0,5 and 0,99µg/g, and the remaining 50% had values lower than 0,5µg/g. Correlation was found between the presence of Fusarium graminearum and DON. It is necessary to establish DON limit values in wheat grains for human consumption

Fluridone: a combination germination stimulant and herbicide for problem fields?

BACKGROUND: Problem weeds in agriculture, such as Lolium rigidum Gaud., owe some of their success to their large and dormant seed banks, which permit germination throughout a crop-growing season. Dormant weed seed banks could be greatly depleted by application of a chemical that stimulates early-season germination and then kills the young seedlings. Fluridone, a phytoene desaturase-inhibiting herbicide that can also break seed dormancy, was assessed for its efficacy in this regard. RESULTS: The germination of fluridone-treated Lolium rigidum seeds was stimulated on soils with low organic matter, and almost 100% seedling mortality was observed, while the treatment was only moderately effective on a high-organic-matter potting mix. Seedlings from wheat, canola, common bean and chickpea seeds sown on fluridone-treated sandy loam were bleached and did not survive, but lupins and field peas grew normally. CONCLUSION: This proof-of-concept study with fluridone suggests that it may be possible to design safe and effective molecules that act as germination stimulants plus herbicides in a range of crop and soil types: a potentially novel way of utilising herbicides to stimulate seed bank germination and a valuable addition to an integrated weed management system.

Occurrence of mycotoxins in spelt and common wheat grain and their products.

Organic farming does not allow the use of conventional mineral fertilizers and crop protection products. As a result, in our experiments we chose to grow different species of cereals and to see how cereal species affect mycotoxin accumulation. This study describes the occurrence of deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA) and T-2/HT-2 toxin in a survey of spelt and common wheat and their bran as well as flour. The analysis was conducted using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The concentrations of DON, ZEA and T-2/HT-2 in Triticum spelta and T. aestivum were influenced by species, cereal type and year interaction. The highest concentrations of these mycotoxins were found in spelt grain with glumes, in spelt glumes and in spring wheat. These results show significantly higher concentrations of Fusarium toxins in glumes than in dehulled grain, which indicates the possible protective effect of spelt wheat glumes. The lowest DON, ZEA and T-2/HT-2 concentrations were determined in spelt grain without glumes. The research shows that it is potentially risky to produce bran from grain in which mycotoxin concentrations are below limits by European Union Regulation No. 1881/2006, since the concentration of mycotoxins in bran can be several times higher than that in grain. As a result, although bran is a dietary product characterised by good digestive properties, it can become a harmful product that can cause unpredictable health damage.

Short communication: Toxicokinetics of ochratoxin A in dairy ewes and carryover to milk following a single or long-term ingestion of contaminated feed.

Ruminal microbes have the capacity to inactivate ochratoxins, rendering ruminants less sensitive to this fungal contaminant found in cereal feeds. However, ochratoxin A has been reported in milk surveys. The objective of this study was to assess the toxicokinetics, excretion, and transmission into milk of ochratoxin A using doses similar to those of naturally occurring field contaminations. Six Lacaune dairy ewes in late lactation were separated into 2 groups that received a single dose of contaminated wheat containing 5 or 30 µg of ochratoxin A/kg of body weight. After administration, toxicokinetics and excretion were monitored for 48 h. Subsequently, ewes were administered the corresponding toxin dose daily for 24 d followed by a second toxicokinetics and excretion monitoring period for this long-term exposure. The doses used did not affect production or health of ewes. After a single dose, ochratoxin A and its main metabolite, ochratoxin α, were found in blood 1h postexposure. The maximum blood concentrations of ochratoxin A and α, respectively, were dose dependent and were observed, on average, 6 and 8h after exposure. Long-term exposure increased the maximum concentration of ochratoxin A detected in blood, whereas ochratoxin α was not affected. In contrast, the time to reach the maximum concentration was reduced to 3h for both molecules. Ochratoxins, essentially ochratoxin α, were mainly excreted in feces. Ochratoxin A and α were detected in milk at concentrations that were dose dependent but with a low carryover rate (<0.02%). Chronic administration did not increase the concentration of toxin in milk. Even though ochratoxin A can escape ruminal degradation and traces were found in milk of experimentally exposed ewes, the low carryover of ochratoxin A in milk minimizes the risk to consumers.

Metals in wheat flour; comparative study and safety control / Metales en harina de trigo; estudio comparativo y control de su seguridad

Cereal industry and its derived products have a big economic and social importance worldwide. Therefore, as wheat flour is a commodity for all bread and bakery industry, it is safety is of high nutrition and toxicological interest. In this investigation we intend to study and determine the content of twelve metals in 50 samples of wheat flour coming from a wheat flour industry. Macro elements sodium, potassium magnesium and calcium, micro elements manganese, iron, copper, zinc, chrome and nickel as well as toxic trace elements cadmium and lead have been analysed. The estimated diary intake of each metal and their contribution in percentage terms to the RDI (macro and micro elements) and to the PTWI (toxic elements) has been determined. Contribution of Cd and Pb to the PTWI was very low, a fact that shows safety in this wheat flour concerning toxic metals (AU)

La industria de los cereales y sus derivados tiene una gran importancia económica y social en todo el mundo. Por ello, la seguridad de las harinas como materias primas de todas las industrias de panadería, bollería y repostería es de sumo interés nutricional y toxicológico. En este trabajo nos hemos propuesto estudiar y determinar el contenido de doce metales en 50 muestras de harina de trigo procedentes de una industria harinera. Se analizaron los macroelementos sodio, potasio, magnesio y calcio, los microelementos manganeso, hierro, cobre, zinc, cromo y níquel y los elementos traza tóxicos cadmio y plomo. Se determinó la ingesta diaria estimada de cada metal y su contribución porcentual a las IDRs (macro y microelementos) y a las PTWIs (elementos tóxicos). La contribución de las PTWIs para el Cd y Pb fue muy baja, lo que demuestra la seguridad de estas harinas en relación con estos metales tóxicos (AU)

[Immunotoxicologic assessment of genetically modified drought-resistant wheat T349 with GmDREB1].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the immunotoxicologic effects of genetically modified drought resistant wheat T349 with GmDREB1 gene. METHODS: A total of 250 female BALB/c mice (6-8 week-old, weight 18-22 g) were divided into five large groups (50 mice for each large group) by body weight randomly. In each large group, the mice were divided into five groups (10 mice for each group) by body weight randomly, which were set as negative control group, common wheat group, parental wheat group, genetically modified wheat group and cyclophosphamide positive control group, respectively. Mice in negative control and positive control group were fed with feedstuff AIN-93G, mice in common wheat group, non-genetically modified parental wheat group and genetically modified wheat group were fed with feedstuffs added corresponding wheat (proportion up to 76%) for 30 days, then body weight, organ coefficient of spleen and thymus, peripheral blood lymphocytes phenotyping, serum cytokine, serum immunoglobulin, antibody plaque-forming cell (PFC), serum 50% hemolytic value (HC50), mitogen-induced splenocyte proliferation, delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction and phagocytic activities of phagocytes were detected respectively. RESULTS: After 30 days raise, among negative control group, common wheat group, non-genetically modified parental wheat group, genetically modified wheat group and cyclophosphamide positive control group, mice body weight were (21.0±0.3), (20.4±0.7), (21.1±1.0), (21.1±1.0), (19.4±1.0) g, respectively (F=7.47, P<0.01); organ coefficient of spleen were (0.407±0.047)%, (0.390±0.028)%, (0.402±0.042)%, (0.421±0.041)%, (0.304±0.048)%, respectively (F=12.41, P<0.01); organ coefficient of thymus were (0.234±0.032)%, (0.246±0.028)%, (0.249±0.040)%, (0.234±0.034)%, (0.185±0.039)%, respectively (F=5.58, P<0.01); the percentage of T cell in peripheral blood were (70.43±4.44)%, (68.33±5.37)%, (73.04±2.68)%, (74.42±2.86)%, (90.42±1.66)%, respectively (F=57.51, P<0.01); the percentage of B cell were (13.89±3.19)%, (15.34±4.84)%, (13.06±4.22)%, (12.93±2.36)%, (3.01±0.96)%, respectively (F=12.79, P<0.01); the percentage of Th cell were (55.87±3.80)%, (55.24±4.60)%, (57.92±3.70)%, (59.57±2.54)%, (77.37±2.31)%, respectively (F=68.58, P<0.01);the Th/Ts ratio were 4.16±0.29, 4.73±0.96, 4.19±0.78, 4.52±0.40, 6.34±0.73, respectively (F=17.57, P<0.01);the serum IgG were (1046.38±210.67), (1065.49±297.22), (1517.73±299.52), (1576.67±241.92), (1155.88±167.05) µg/ml, respectively (F=10.53, P<0.01); the serum IgM were (333.83±18.97), (327.73±27.72), (367.47±27.18), (363.42±46.14), (278.71±24.42) µg/ml, respectively (F=12.11, P<0.01); the serum IgA were (51.69±10.10), (42.40 ± 8.35), (32.11±4.22), (37.12±4.90), (41.45±8.89) µg/ml, respectively (F=8.25, P<0.01); the PFC were (29.2±14.6), (28.0±20.0), (34.8±30.9), (33.2±25.1), (4.8±5.3) per 10(6) splenocyte, respectively (F=3.33, P<0.05); the HC50 were 82.3±6.5, 79.7±4.6, 75.8±4.1, 74.9±3.6, 70.8±2.1, respectively (F=9.99, P<0.01);the LPS-induced splenocyte proliferation were 0.21±0.10, 0.21±0.14, 0.26±0.12, 0.25±0.14, 0.07±0.06, respectively (F=4.18, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The genetically modified drought-resistant wheat T349 was substantially equivalent to parental wheat in the effects on immune organs and immunologic functions of mice, and it didn't show immunotoxicity.

Occupational rhinitis caused by concurrent sensitization to two different allergens.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to wheat flour and guar gum is a well-known cause of occupational respiratory allergies among workers in the food processing industry. To date, there have been no reports of occupational rhinitis (OR) caused concurrently by two different allergens present in the workplace. AIMS: To report a case of OR likely to be induced concurrently by exposure to wheat flour and guar gum in a mid-40s male employed in the food processing industry. METHODS: Allergy tests and nasal challenge tests were performed to investigate and confirm the diagnosis of OR. We discuss potential mechanisms involved in the observed dual sensitization. RESULTS: The patient showed positive responses to wheat and guar gum extracts on skin prick testing. The total IgE was 1680 kU/l (0-100 kU/l). The diagnosis of OR was confirmed by nasal challenge tests with wheat flour and guar gum on different days. In contrast to the control day, the challenge with flour and guar gum induced an immediate clinical reaction associated with a decrease in nasal volume measured by acoustic rhinometry. The patient was advised to avoid exposure to wheat and guar gum, which resulted in a gradual resolution of nasal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Co-sensitization and cross-reactivity are possible mechanisms involved in cases of concurrent sensitization to related and unrelated allergens in patients complaining of work-related rhinitis symptoms.

Searching for wheat plants with low toxicity in celiac disease: Between direct toxicity and immunologic activation.

BACKGROUND: Natural or induced variations in the noxiousness of gluten proteins for celiac disease (CD) patients are currently being investigated for their potential in breeding wheat crops with reduced toxicity. AIMS: We evaluated the bread wheat line C173 for its effects on the in vitro-grown duodenal mucosa of CD patients. METHODS: In vitro-grown duodenal mucosa biopsies of 19 CD patients on a gluten-free diet were exposed to peptic/tryptic-digested prolamins from bread wheat line C173 lacking gliadin-glutenin subunits, analyzed for morphology, cytokine and anti-tTG antibody production, and compared with mucosa biopsies exposed to prolamins from wild-type cv. San Pastore. RESULTS: Duodenal mucosa biopsies exposed to prolamins from C173 and San Pastore released higher amounts of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-10 and anti-tTG antibodies in the culture medium than untreated controls. The line C173 differed from cv. San Pastore as it did not produce negative effects on enterocyte height, suggesting that manipulating prolamin composition can affect innate immune responses of CD mucosa to wheat gluten. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrated that this gliadin-deficient wheat has a lower direct toxicity but activates an immunologic reaction of the duodenal mucosa like that of the common wheat species.

Screening the bio-safety of wheat produced from pretreated grains to enhance tolerance against drought using physiological and spectroscopic methods.

Drought is a serious abiotic stress, causes worldwide intensive reduction in crop growth and productivity. Plants in contrast to other organisms, do not enjoy the luxury of being able to change their environment or seeking shelters. In this investigation, wheat grains were pre-soaked for 12h in salicylic acid (SA) and/or thiourea (ThU) prior they were left to grow in dry land (40% field water capacity) until harvest. The bio-safety of the harvested wheat was deduced using technical physiological and spectral methods. The pretreatment using SA up to ( approximately 1.5mmol) viewed homologous protein profile and less flag leaf proline in comparison to the non-stressed wheat. In addition, SA-pretreatment has maintained 70% of the emission intensity of yielded grain. The spectra of FTIR were more or less similar in yielded grain and flag leaf in SA-pretreatment. On the other hand, ThU pretreatment induced varied protein profile, higher proline than normal, reduced the fluorescence emission intensity by 52%, and induced varied FTIR spectra. Pretreatment of SA not only has enhanced wheat productivity but also increased yield and straw productions even above the non-treated-non-stressed wheat plant. In contrast to ThU SA was considered safe for drought-stress alleviation in crop plant agriculture.