ESTUDIO COMPARATIVO DE LA DECLARACIÓN DE ALÉRGENOS Y FRASES DE ADVERTENCIA EN RÓTULOS DE ALIMENTOS ENTRE LOS AÑOS 2019 Y 2022 / DECLARATIOM OF ALLERGENS AND WARNING PHRASES ON FOOD LABELS. COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN 2019 AND 2022 YEARS

El etiquetado de alérgenos alimentarios en los productos es hoy uno de los temas que genera grandes preocupaciones en la población. Objetivo: evaluar cómo las distintas empresas se adecuaron a la legislación vigente sobre alérgenos en Argentina. Materiales y Métodos: en 2019 se relevaron 16 productos alimenticios dulces y salados que se codificaron como: ME, MN, TO, PA, GD, F, MLV, QM, BB, BT, TR, TM, PFK, BQK, CHB y CM. Para realizar la comparación de las declaraciones de alérgenos, a mediados de 2022 se volvieron a relevar los 16 productos, encontrándose tres de ellos discontinuados. El análisis del rótulo comprendió la verificación del cumplimiento de la declaración de alérgenos, uso de frases de advertencia (FA) y presentación de la información. Resultados y Discusión: en el 2019 en la declaración de alérgenos se incluyen expresiones como: "contiene gluten", en un 50% de los productos analizados. Por otro lado, en 5 de los 15 productos con FA, hay expresiones del tipo "puede contener trazas…". Asimismo, se incluye en 5 productos, al sésamo, alérgeno contemplado por legislaciones diferentes a la Argentina. Con respecto a la presencia de dióxido de azufre y sulfitos, hay dos productos que los declaran a continuación de la lista de ingredientes y otros dos productos que declaran a los sulfitos en sus frases de advertencia. Al analizar los rótulos en el 2022, el 80% de los productos analizados no presentan inconsistencias en lo que respecta a la presentación de la información. Conclusiones: en el estudio comparativo se observa una mejora en la correcta declaración de alérgenos y frases de advertencia. Sin embargo, después de más de cinco años de haber finalizado el plazo otorgado a las industrias para la adecuación de los rótulos, para una adecuada declaración de alérgenos, persisten algunos productos no conformes

The labeling of food allergens in products is today one of the issues that generates great concern in the population. Objective: was to evaluate how different companies adapted to current legislation on allergens in Argentina. Materials and methods: in 2019, sixteen sweet and salty food products were surveyed, coded as: ME, MN, TO, PA, GD, F, MLV, QM, BB, BT, TR, TM, PFK, BQK, CHB and CM. To compare the allergen declarations, in mid-2022 the sixteen products were surveyed again, finding three discontinued products. The analysis of the label included verification of compliance with the allergen declaration, use of warning phrases (FA), and presentation of information. Results and Discution: in 2019, the declaration of allergens includes expressions such as: "contains gluten", in 50% of the products analyzed. On the other hand, in five of the fifteen products with FA, there are expressions such as "may contain traces...". Likewise, it is included in five products, sesame, an allergen contemplated by legislations other than Argentina. Regarding the presence of sulfur dioxide and sulphites, there are two products that declare them below the list of ingredients and two other products that declare sulphites in their warning phrases. When analyzing the labels in 2022, 80% of the analyzed products do not present inconsistencies with regard to the presentation of the information.Conclusions: in the comparative study, an improvement is observed in the correct declaration of allergens and warning phrases.However, more than five years after the end of the period granted to the industries for the adaptation of the labels for an adequate declaration of allergens, some errors persist in them

Migração de partícula alergênica através de embalagem pet / Migration of allergen particles through pet

Para garantia da segurança dos consumidores muitas decisões na indústria alimentícia são tomadas com "margem de segurança", uma delas é a dispersão de partículas alergênicas em contaminações cruzadas. Em estoques de bebidas embaladas, diversas unidades que não possuem ingredientes alergênicos ou traços são descartadas quando um produto alergênico entra em contato, mesmo que pela parte externa. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar se a partícula alergênica externa migra pela embalagem de PET e contamina a bebida não alergênico. Para isso, um produto em embalagem PET sem ingredientes ou partículas alergênicas (água) teve sua parte externa exposta a um ingrediente alergênico (soja) em meio aquoso e oleoso por 1, 24, 48 e 72 horas, demonstrando que não há migração para a parte interna.

To ensure the safety of consumers, many decisions in the food industry are made with "margin of safety", one is the dispersion of allergenic particles in cross-contamination. In stocks of packaged beverages, several units that do not contain allergenic ingredients or traces are discarded when an allergenic product comes into contact, even out of pack. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether the external allergenic particle migrates through the PET packaging and contaminates the non-allergenic food. A product in PET packaging without allergenic ingredients or particles (water) has your external part exposed to an allergenic ingredient (soy) in an aqueous and oily medium for 1, 24, 48 and 72 hours, and tested if are migration.

Novas perspectivas em imunoterapia: a importância das células dendríticas na imunoterapia alérgeno-específica / New perspectives in immunotherapy: the importance of dendritic cells in allergen-specific immunotherapy

A imunoterapia alérgeno-específica é o único tratamento capaz de alterar o curso natural da doença alérgica. Ensaios clínicos mostram que a imunoterapia é segura e eficaz para muitos pacientes. No entanto, ainda enfrenta problemas relacionados à eficácia, segurança, longa duração do tratamento e baixa adesão dos pacientes. Neste contexto, tem havido intensa pesquisa no desenvolvimento de adjuvantes com objetivo de aumentar a segurança, otimizar os esquemas de tratamento e melhorar a adesão dos pacientes. Alérgenos foram modificados (glicoconjugados) com carboidratos derivados de Saccharomyces cerevisae para aumentar sua captação e apresentação através dos receptores de carboidratos presentes nas células dendríticas, beneficiando-se da capacidade de atuarem na indução de tolerância para iniciar respostas imunes. À luz de novas evidências, essas células constituem alvo terapêutico chave para se obter uma resposta adequada à imunoterapia alérgeno-específica, com potencial de contribuição na inovação do campo da Imunoterapia.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only treatment capable of altering the natural course of allergic disease. Clinical trials have shown that immunotherapy is safe and effective for many patients. However, it still faces problems related to efficacy, safety, long treatment duration and poor patient compliance. In this context, there has been intense research into the development of adjuvant treatments that increase safety, optimize treatment regimens, and improve patient compliance. Allergens were modified (glycoconjugated) with carbohydrates derived from Saccharomyces cerevisae to increase their uptake and presentation through carbohydrate receptors in dendritic cells, benefiting from their ability to induce tolerance and initiate immune response. In light of the new evidence, these cells are a key therapeutic target for adequate response to allergenspecific immunotherapy and can drive innovation in the field of immunotherapy.

Sensibilización cutánea en pacientes alérgicos, utilizando extractos de ácaros Valergen / Skin sensitization in allergic patients, using Valergen mite extracts

RESUMEN Fundamento: Las enfermedades alérgicas constituyen un problema de salud mundial y los ácaros se encuentran entre sus principales agentes etiológicos. Objetivo: Describir el comportamiento de la sensibilización cutánea en pacientes alérgicos, utilizando extractos de ácaros Valergen. Metodología: Se realizó una investigación observacional transversal con 488 pacientes alérgicos de edades entre 5 y 55 años, de ambos sexos; a los cuales se les realizaron pruebas cutáneas con extractos alergénicos de ácaros en el período 2010-2017. Resultados: El 90.8 % de los pacientes mostró sensibilización cutánea positiva a los extractos utilizados, el 58.4 % fue del grupo de edades entre 5 y 14 años, el 51.2 % pertenecía al sexo femenino, predominaron los pacientes con rinitis y asma; la sensibilización cutánea en los pacientes con estas patologías alcanzó una positividad del 90.1 % y 90.6 % respectivamente; un 38.5 % de los pacientes tuvo como ácaro con mayor positividad al VALERGEN-DP (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus). Conclusiones: Los extractos de ácaros VALERGEN-DP (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) de producción nacional, mostraron alta sensibilización cutánea en los pacientes alérgicos objeto de estudio; el ácaro de mayor positividad fue el VALERGEN-DP (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), seguido del VALERGEN-BT (Blomia tropicalis).

ABSTRACT Background: Allergic diseases are a global health problem and mites are among its main etiological agents. Objective: To describe the behavior of skin sensitization in allergic patients, using Valergen mite extracts. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational investigation was carried out with 488 allergic patients being 5 and 55 years old, from both sexes; which were made skin tests with allergenic extracts of mites in the period 2010-2017. Results: 90.8 % of the patients showed positive skin sensitization to the extracts used, 58.4 % were from between the 5 and 14 age group, 51.2 % were female, patients with rhinitis and asthma predominated; skin sensitization in patients with these pathologies reached a positivity of 90.1 % and 90.6 % respectively; 38.5 % of patients had a mite with greater positivity to VALERGEN-DP (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus). Conclusions: Nationally produced extracts of VALERGEN-DP mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) showed high skin sensitization in the allergic patients under study; the most positive mite was VALERGEN-DP (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), followed by VALERGEN-BT (Blomia tropicalis).

Anafilaxia: estado del arte / Anaphylaxis: state of the art

RESUMEN La anafilaxia se define como una reacción de hipersensibilidad, sistémica, de instauración rápida y potencialmente fatal, con manifestaciones clínicas y severidad variable, que resulta de la liberación súbita de mediadores de mastocitos y basófilos. El diagnóstico de esta entidad es fundamentalmente clínico, basándose en los patrones de manifestación y la exposición a un posible detonante. Actualmente varios estudios indican deficiencias en la identificación y manejo de esta enfermedad, lo que genera un riesgo elevado de mortalidad. En esta revisión presentamos puntos prácticos del manejo e identificamos las principales consideraciones a tener en cuenta en el primer nivel de atención.

SUMMARY Anaphylaxis is defined as a systemic, rapid onset, and potentially fatal hypersensitivity reaction, with variable clinical manifestations and severity resulting from the sudden reléase of mast cell and basophil mediators. The diagnosis of this entity is fundamentally clinical, based on the patterns of manifestation and the exposure to a possible trigger. Currently several studies indicate deficiencies in the identification and management of this disease, which generates an increase in mortality. In this review we present practical points of management and identify the main considerations to be taken into account in the first level care.

Avaliação de conformidade da rotulagem de queijos comercializados na região metropolitana de Salvador-BA / Conformity evaluation of the labeling of cheeses marketed in the metropolitan region of Salvador-BA

A rotulagem de alimentos é uma ferramenta importantíssima para a informação e segurança dos consumidores. Há no Brasil diversas disposições normativas acerca do tema, mas o descumprimento por parte de fabricantes e lacunas existentes na legislação tornam o cenário longe do ideal. O presente trabalho buscou avaliar a conformidade com a legislação vigente de rótulos de queijo comercializadas na região metropolitana de Salvador, BA. Foram analisadas 87 amostras, divididas em dois grupos: Embalagem original ou fracionado/ fatiado no local de venda. As normas utilizadas foram a RDC 359/2003, RDC 360/2003, Lei 10.674/2003 e RDC 26/2015. Das amostras avaliadas 55,17% apresentaram alguma não conformidade, como declarações equivocadas de informação nutricional, ausência de advertências legais obrigatórias, e dupla rotulagem. Mostrou-se evidente a necessidade de aumento da fiscalização por parte dos órgãos fiscalizadores para maior clareza de informações e segurança aos consumidores.

Propiedades biológicas de los alérgenos inhalatorios y su relación con la respuesta inmunitaria / Biological properties of inhalant aeroallergens and their relation to immune responses

IgE-binding studies show that many of the common causes of inhalant allergy such as grass, olive, ragweed and birch pollen, house dust mites and some fungi have one or a few principal allergens that can account for most of the allergic response. The IgE binding to allergens from other sources can be more evenly spread amongst different proteins or, as indicated in cat allergy, varies with clinical presentation. The biological properties of nearly all of the principal allergens can now be predicted from the knowledge of their structures and they point to likely interactions with the innate immune system, as well as possible interactions with hormonal regulators of immunity. As found for pectate lyases and the Ole e1-like proteins, biologically similar proteins can be principal allergens for many species while the Dermatophagoides spp. and Blomia tropicalis allergens show that allergens with the same biological properties reveal interspecies variation in allergen hierarchy. These properties show that the interactions of allergens with innate immunity and immuno-regulators will be different for different allergens, and this concurs with the evidence that immune responses to allergens from the same source are regulated independently, as are responses to co-presented allergenic and non-allergenic proteins

Los estudios de unión con la IgE demostraron que muchas de las causas comunes de alergia inhalatoria, como a las gramíneas, el olivo, la ambrosía, el polen de abedul, los ácaros del polvo doméstico y algunos hongos, tienen uno o unos pocos de los alérgenos principales que pueden representar la mayoría de las respuestas alérgicas. La IgE que se une a los alérgenos de otras fuentes puede diseminarse entre diferentes proteínas o, como indica la alergia al gato, varía con la presentación clínica. Las propiedades biológicas de casi todos los alérgenos principales pueden actualmente predecirse a partir del conocimiento de sus estructuras e indican las interacciones probables con el sistema inmunitario innato, así como las interacciones posibles con los reguladores hormonales de la inmunidad. Como se encontró para las pectato liasas y las proteínas similares a Ole e1, las proteínas biológicamente similares pueden ser los alérgenos principales para muchas especies, mientras que los alérgenos Dermatophagoides spp. y Blomia tropicalis muestran que los alérgenos con las mismas propiedades biológicas tienen variación entre las especies en la jerarquía alergénica. Estas propiedades demuestran que las interacciones de los alérgenos con la inmunidad innata y los inmunorreguladores serían diferentes para los distintos alérgenos, y esto coincide con las pruebas que indican que las respuestas inmunes a los alérgenos de la misma fuente sufren una regulación por aumento (upregulation), independientemente de si son respuestas a las proteínas co-presentadas alergénicas y no alergénicas

Revisão sistemática sobre modelos experimentais de asma aguda e crônica induzidos com extrato de ácaro da poeira doméstica / Systematic review on experimental models of acute and chronic asthma induced with house dust mite extract

Introdução: Asma é uma doença crônica das vias aéreas inferiores com elevada prevalência. Pesquisadores no mundo todo têm desenvolvido vários estudos experimentais em camundongos com o objetivo de entender melhor os mecanismos da doença e testar novas terapias. Ácaros estão presentes de forma abundante na poeira doméstica, sendo considerados os alérgenos mais comuns desencadeantes de asma alérgica. Este estudo objetiva apresentar e discutir desfechos inflamatórios no tecido pulmonar dos camundongos, verificar a diferença entre os modelos agudo e crônico de asma alérgica, tempo de exposição ao alérgeno, dose administrada e seu impacto nas pesquisas em modelos experimentais com asma. Métodos: A revisão da literatura foi realizada em quatro bancos de dados (PubMed, Scielo, Scopus e ScienceDirect). Os artigos selecionados foram avaliados primeiramente por dois pesquisadores de forma independente, de acordo com os critérios de inclusão. Resultados: Foram separados 126 artigos. Aplicados os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, somente 15 foram selecionados. São artigos que apresentaram diferentes protocolos de exposição ao HDM. A dose de HDM mais encontrada foi 100µg seguida por 25µg, e o tipo de modelo foi agudo. Conclusão: No modelo agudo, observa-se um elevado nível de inflamação das vias aéreas. Já o modelo crônico reproduz melhor as características da asma em humanos, hiper-responsividade brônquica e remodelamento das vias aéreas (AU)

Introduction: Asthma is a chronic disease of the lower airways with a high prevalence. Researchers worldwide have developed several experimental studies in mice with the goal of better understanding the mechanisms of the disease and testing new therapies. Mites are abundantly present in household dust, being considered the most common allergens triggering allergic asthma. This study aims to present and discuss inflammatory outcomes in the lung tissue of the mice, verify the difference between acute and chronic models of allergic asthma, time of exposure to the allergen, dose administered and its impact on research in experimental models with asthma. Methods: Literature review was performed in four databases (PubMed, Scielo, Scopus and ScienceDirect). The selected articles were first evaluated by two researchers independently, according to the inclusion criteria. Results: A total of 126 articles were separated. When the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, only 15 were selected. They are articles that presented different protocols of exposure to HDM. The most commonly found HDM dose was 100µg followed by 25µg, and the model type was acute. Conclusion: In the acute model, a high level of airway inflammation is observed. However, the chronic model better reproduces the characteristics of asthma in humans, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and airway remodeling (AU)

Desensibilización al ácido acetil-salicílico como tratamiento para la enfermedad respiratoria exacerbada por antiinflamatorios no esteroides / Desensitization to acetyl-salicylic acid as a treatment for non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)-exacerbated respiratory disease

La coexistencia de hipersensibilidad al ácido acetil salicílico (ASA) y a otros antiinflamatorios no esteroides (AINE) con enfermedad de la vía aérea superior (rinosinusitis/poliposis nasosinusal) o inferior (asma) se denomina enfermedad respiratoria exacerbada por ASA (EREA). Las opciones de tratamiento incluyen la evitación de todos los analgésicos inhibidores de la ciclooxigenasa 1 (COX-1) o la desensibilización a ASA, continuando su consumo diario. Esta última opción terapéutica ha demostrado mejorar la calidad de vida, reducir la formación de pólipos nasosinusales, los episodios de sinusitis infecciosa, la frecuencia de las hospitalizaciones y de las cirugías para resección de pólipos; también mejora la hiposmia y reduce la necesidad de tratamiento con esteroides sistémicos. Se han usado múltiples esquemas de desensibilización, tratando de reducir el riesgo asociado con el procedimiento y los efectos adversos derivados del consumo crónico de ASA. En este artículo se presentan una revisión de los diferentes esquemas de desensibilización y dos casos clínicos ilustrativos que sirven de ejemplo para comprender mejor los factores que influyen en la elección del tratamiento para los pacientes con esta enfermedad.

The coexistence of hypersensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and other NSAIDs with disease of the upper or the lower airways (rhinosinusitis/sinonasal polyposis, or asthma) is defined as NSAIDs-exacerbated respiratory disease. Treatment options include the avoidance of all analgesics that inhibit COX-1 or ASA desensitization, continuing its daily consumption. The latter treatment has shown to improve quality of life, reduce the formation of sinonasal polyps, the episodes of sinus infection, the frequency of hospitalizations and surgeries for resection of polyps and the need for systemic steroid treatment. Multiple desensitization schedules have been used, trying to reduce the risk associated with the procedure and the adverse effects of chronic use of ASA. In this paper we present a review of the different methods of desensitization and two illustrative clinical cases to help understand the factors that influence the choice of treatment for these patients.

Alérgenos recombinantes: papel no diagnóstico e na imunoterapia alérgeno-específica / Recombinant allergens: role in diagnosis and in allergen-specific immunotherapy

Nos últimos 30 anos tem havido um avanço notável na identificação, purificação e expressão recombinante de alérgenos relevantes das mais variadas fontes, incluindo ácaros, insetos, mamíferos, polens, alimentos, fungos, látex e outras fontes. Estes avanços resultaram na utilização crescente de alérgenos purificados, naturais ou recombinantes, para melhorar o diagnóstico de alergia pelos métodos que dispomos, incluindo os testes cutâneos de hipersensibilidade imediata, e os métodos in vitro para medida de anticorpos IgE específicos, como ImmunoCAP, ImmunoCAP-ISAC, ELISA e MARIA. Mais recentemente, o uso de alérgenos recombinantes de pólen de bétula (rBet v 1) e de gramas (coquetel de 5 alérgenos) em imunoterapia foi relatado como seguro e eficaz, com resultados comparáveis aos obtidos usando extratos naturais, em pacientes com rinoconjuntivite alérgicos a polens. No presente artigo, apresentamos revisão atualizada do uso de alérgenos recombinantes em diagnóstico de alergia e em imunoterapia alérgeno-específica, incluindo novas estratégias de imunoterapia. Focalizamos na avaliação crítica de estudos que investigaram sensibilidade, especificidade, reatividade cruzada e valor prognóstico de métodos diagnósticos com uso de alérgenos recombinantes versus extratos naturais; nas recomendações atuais para o uso destes novos métodos na prática clínica; e na revisão de estudos clínicos com imunoterapia usando alérgenos recombinantes realizados até o momento.

Over the past 30 years, a great deal of progress has been made in the identification, purification,and recombinant expression of relevant allergens from various sources, including mites, insects,mammals, pollens, foods, fungi, latex, and other sources. These new developments have resultedin an increasing use of purified allergens, either natural or recombinant, to improve the diagnosisof allergy via the methods currently available, including skin tests and in vitro tests for measuringspecific IgE antibodies, e.g., ImmunoCAP, ImmunoCAP-ISAC, ELISA, and MARIA. More recently,the use of recombinant allergens from birch pollen (rBet v 1) and from grass pollen (a cocktailof five allergens) in immunotherapy has been reported to be safe and effective, with resultscomparable to those obtained with natural extracts in patients with rhino-conjunctivitis due topollen allergy. In the present article, we present an up-to-date review on the use of recombinantallergens in the diagnosis of allergy and in allergen-specific immunotherapy, including newstrategies for immunotherapy. We focus on the critical analysis of studies that have investigatedsensitivity, specificity, cross-reactivity, and the prognostic value of diagnostic methods that includerecombinant allergens versus natural extracts; on current recommendations for the use of thesenew methods in clinical practice; and on the review of clinical studies using immunotherapy withrecombinant allergens performed to date.

Características fisicoquímicas de los gases y partículas contaminantes del aire. Su impacto en el asma / Physicochemical characteristics of gaseous and particulate air pollutants. Their impact on asthma

El asma es una enfermedad multifactorial caracterizada por un proceso inflamatorio que afecta las vías respiratorias. El incremento epidemiológico que ha tenido en los últimos años parece deberse principalmente a factores ambientales. El aumento en las concentraciones de los contaminantes atmosféricos, secundario a la liberación de gases y pequeñas partículas producidos a partir de la combustión de derivados del petróleo, el humo del cigarrillo y otras fuentes antropogénicas, parece tener una fuerte asociación con el aumento de las enfermedades alérgicas, bien sea como disparadores de las exacerbaciones asmáticas o como posibles mediadores importantes en el inicio del asma y la rinitis y en la sensibilización con aeroalergenos. En este artículo se presenta una revisión de las principales características de los gases y partículas que han sido considerados factores de riesgo para el desarrollo del asma.

Asthma is a multifactorial disease characterized by an inflammatory process that affects the airways. Its epidemiological increase in recent years seems to be mainly due to environmental factors. Increase in the concentration of air pollutants, secondary to the release of gases and small particles produced by the combustion of petroleum products, cigarette smoke and other anthropogenic sources, seems to have a strong association with the increase of allergic diseases both as triggers of asthma exacerbations, and as possible mediators in the onset of asthma and rhinitis, and in the sensitization to aeroallergens. In this article a review is presented on the main characteristics of gases and particles that have been considered risk factors for the development of asthma.

Cloning, expression, and analysis of the group 2 allergen from Dermatophagoides farinae from China

To obtain the recombinant group 2 allergen product of Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f 2), the Der f 2 gene was synthesized by RT-PCR. The full-length cDNA comprised 441 nucleotides and was 99.3 percent identical to the reference sequence (GenBank AB195580). The cDNA was bound to vector pET28a to construct plasmid pET28a(+)-Der f 2, which was transformed into E. coli BL21 and induced by IPTG. SDS-PAGE showed a specific band of about 14kDa in the hole cell lysate. s estiated by chroatography, about 3.86 g of the recobinant product as obtained, which conjugated with serum IgE from asthmatic children. The protein had a signal peptide of 17 amino acids. Its secondary structure comprised an alpha helix (19.86 percent), an extended strand (30.82 percent), and a random coil (49.32 percent). The subcellular localization of this allergen was predicted to be at mitochondria. Furthermore, its function was shown to be associated with an MD-2-related lipid-recognition (ML) domain. The results of this study provide a solid foundation for large-scale production of the allergen for clinical diagnosis and treatent of allergic disorders.

Com a finalidade de obter o produto recombinante do alergeno grupo 2 do Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f2), o gene Der f2 foi sintetizado por RT-PCR. O cDNA continha 441 nucleotídeos e era idêntico em 99,3 por cento à sequência de referência (GenBank AB195580). O cDNA foi ligado ao vetor pET28a para construir o plasmídeo pET28a(+)-Der f2, o qual foi introduzido por transformação em E. coli BL21 e induzido por IPTG. Em SDS-PAGE foi vista mia banda específica de 14 kDa no lisado celular. Conforme estimado por cromatografia, cerca de 3,86 mg do produto recombinante foi obtido, que reagia com IgE sérica de crianças asmáticas. A proteína continha um peptídeo sinal de 17 amino ácidos. Sua estrutura secundária consistia de uma alfa hélice (19,86 por cento), uma fita estendida (30,82 por cento), e uma sequência randômica (49,32 por cento). A localização subcelular desse alergeno foi predita ocorrer nas mitocôndrias. Sua função foi associada com o domínio de reconhecimento lipídico (ML) relacionado a MD-2. Os resultados desse estudo permitem a produção em larga escala do alergeno para o diagnóstico clínico e tratamento das doenças alérgicas.

Ambiente y estilo de vida en la prevención del asma en el niño: [revisión] / Environment and lifestyle in the prevention of asthma in children: [review]

Se ha planteado que el manejo del niño con antecedentes familiares de atopia que no ha presentado asma, debe incluir medidas de Prevención Primaria que lo puedan proteger de desarrollar esta condición. En los estudios realizados a este respecto, se ha evaluado la influencia de factores dietéticos, ambientales e infecciosos que pudieran tener impacto en la historia natural de la enfermedad. En este artículo se evalúa la evidencia disponible acerca de cada intervención, a fin de dar al médico Pediatra y de Atención Primaria herramientas para hacer recomendaciones apropiadas para los padres.

It has been suggested that the management of children at risk for developing asthma should include Primary Prevention measures in order to protect them against the development of this condition. In the published studies to date, the influence of dietary, environmental, and infectious factors involved has been assessed. In this article, we review the available evidence on each intervention, and give some tools to the Pediatrician and Primary Care Physician to make appropriate recommendations for parents.

Modificaciones de parámetros clínicos, celulares y moleculares al cabo de un año de inmunoterapia alérgeno específica / Parameters modified of allergy after immunotherapy

Antecedentes. En general, los pacientes alérgicos, después de un año de inmunoterapia (IT), muestran mejoría en la frecuencia e intensidad de los síntomas. Objetivo. Demostrar que la IT tiene efectos moduladores sobre parámetros clínicos, celulares y moleculares de alergia de acuerdo con las edades. Metodología. Se incluyeron 81 pacientes alérgicos asmáticos: 28 infantes, 36 niños, 17 adultos y 27 controles. En los niños y jóvenes se evaluó el pico flujo espiratorio (PEF), reactividad cutánea, se registró eosinofilia sanguínea y de exudado de mucosa nasal, liberación de enzima ß-hexosaminidase (ß-H) de basófilos, proliferación de PBMC estimuladas con alérgeno específico o PHA; se cuantificaron las concentraciones de IgE, IL-13 y sCD23 en sueros y de IFN-γ en sobrenadantes de cultivos de PBMC. Resultados. Niños y adultos sin IT empeoraron sus reducidos valores de PEF. Niños y adultos después de IT mostraron incremento en los volúmenes de PEF (p<0,0001). Todos los grupos con IT redujeron la reactividad cutánea (p<0,0001, p<0,0001 y p<0,02) y la liberación de B-H de basófilos desafiados con el alérgeno específico (p<0,0001, p<0,0001 y p<0,003). Niños y adultos con IT observaron disminución en los niveles de IgE, ambos p<0,05, y redujeron los niveles de células eosinófilos nasales (p<0,0001 y p<0,01). Solamente los niños tratados con IT redujeron los niveles de células eosinófilas sanguíneas (p<0,0001). Las PBMC de infantes y niños con IT disminuyeron los índices de proliferación desafiadas con el alérgeno específico, ambos p<0,05. Los pacientes alérgicos observaron menores niveles de IFN-γ (p<0,02) y más altos niveles de IL-13 (p<0,05) y sCD23 (p<0,001) que los hallados en controles. Conclusiones. La IT demostró efectividad terapéutica en pacientes asmáticos y cambios en parámetros clínicos celulares y moleculares. Algunos de esos parámetros fueron indicadores de la evolución de la enfermedad y ellos fueron diferentes de acuerdo con las edades(AU)

Background: Most allergic patients, after a year of specific immunotherapy (SIT), show improvement in the frequency and intensity of the symptoms. Objective. The objective was to demonstrate that specific immunotherapy has modulating effects on clinical, cellular and molecular parameters, of allergy. Methods. The study included 81 asthmatic allergic patients and 27 healthy controls from 2 to 50 years of age. Peak expiratory flow, skin reactivity, blood and nasal smear eosinophilia was conducted. ß- hexosaminidase enzyme (B-H) release assays and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells cultures stimulated with specific allergens, were realized. Total IgE, sCD23 and IL-13 were measured in serum and IFN- γ, in culture supernatants. Results. In all the cases a reduction in the frequency and intensity of the asthma attacks and a decrease in medical consultations and antiallergic drugs consumption were observed. The patients without SIT diminished low PEF values. Children and adult people with SIT increased the volumes of peak expiratory flow, (p<0.0001). Skin reactivity was reduced in all the SIT groups'. Skin reactivity were p < 0.0001, p<0.0001 y p<0.02) respectively, and B-H released were p<0.0001, p<0.0001 y p<0.003) to each group. The infants without SIT increased IgE levels. Nasal smear eosinophilia fell from children and adults, p < 0.0001. In Infants and children with SIT, the cellular expansion by the allergen was reduced (p<0.05). In allergic patients IFN-γ values were lower than controls, (p < 0.02). IFN -γ synthesis did not vary after a year of allergen -specific immunotherapy. Allergic patients observed higher serum levels of IL-13 (p<0.05) and sCD23 (p<0.001) than controls. Conclusions. SIT after a year demonstrated therapeutic effectiveness in asthmatic patients with changes in multiple parameters: clinical, cellular and molecular. (AU)

Alergia, pólenes y medio ambiente / Allergy, pollen and the environment

Las enfermedades respiratorias como el asma y la rinitis, de origen predominantemente alérgico, constituyen un problema de salud pública para México, ya que son causas importantes de morbilidad hospitalaria y de ingresos a urgencias pediátricas. Los pólenes son transportados por el viento y se impactan en las vías aéreas causando enfermedad respiratoria alérgica en personas susceptibles. Estudios aerobiológicos en México muestran que en la temporada de secas se encuentra una mayor abundancia y diversidad de pólenes, siendo los árboles la fuente principal. Los tipos polínicos de árboles que sobresalen por su abundancia son Pinus, Fraxinus, Cupressaseae, Alnus, Liquidambar, Callistemon y Casuarina. Interesantemente, el polen de malezas y pastos alcanza su pico máximo de producción durante la temporada de lluvias. Los taxa de malezas y pastos que han sido encontrados de manera más numerosa son Compositae, Cheno-Am, Ambrosia y Gramineae, correspondiendo los primeros tres a malezas y el último a pastos. En la ciudad de México, la contaminación es un factor que exacerba la alergenicidad de los pólenes, ya que los contaminantes causan un efecto directo sobre el propio grano al liberar sus antígenos. En el mundo, el calentamiento global ha favorecido el desarrollo de alergias respiratorias debido a que las etapas de floración son más prolongadas. Todo esto en conjunto representa una amenaza para la salud de los pacientes alérgicos.

Allergic respiratory diseases such asthma and allergic rhinitis are a health problem throughout the world. In Mexico City, pollens are an important cause of allergic respiratory disease. Both, the geographic location- and the vegetation surrounding this City favor the distribution of pollens leading to respiratory disease in susceptible patients. Aerobiological studies have shown that during the mild dry winter there is a large amount of pollens in the environment with tree pollens being the most abundant of all. The most frequent tree pollens found in Mexico City include Fraxinus, Cupressaseae, Alnus, Liquidambar, Callistemon, Pinus, and Casuarina. In contrast, grass- and weed pollens predominate during the summer (rainy season) including Compositae, Cheno-Am, Ambrosia and Gramineae. An additional health problem in Mexico City is the air pollution that exerts a direct effect on individuals. This in turn increases pollen allergenicity by disrupting them leading to the release of their particles which then penetrate the human airways causing disease. Thus, the polluted environment along with global warming which is also known to increase pollen quantities by inducing longer pollen seasons may represent a health risk to Mexico City inhabitants.