Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 2 de 2
Filter
Add more filters










Database
Language
Publication year range
1.
Int Arch Allergy Immunol ; 149(4): 291-8, 2009.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19295232

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Watermelon is a worldwide consumed Cucurbitaceae fruit that can elicit allergic reactions. However, the major allergens of watermelon are not known. The aim of this study is to identify and characterize major allergens in watermelon. METHODS: Twenty-three patients allergic to watermelon took part in the study. The diagnosis was based on a history of symptoms and positive skin prick-prick tests to watermelon, confirmed by positive open oral challenge testing to watermelon pulp. Allergenic components were detected by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. Molecular characterization of IgE-binding bands was performed by N-terminal amino acid sequencing and mass spectrometry. Allergens were purified combining several chromatographic steps. RESULTS: Several IgE binding bands (8-120 kDa) were detected in watermelon extract. Three major allergens were identified as malate dehydrogenase (36 kDa), triose phosphate isomerase (28 kDa) and profilin (13 kDa). Purified allergens individually inhibited IgE binding to the whole watermelon extract. CONCLUSIONS: All in all these results indicate that malate dehydrogenase, triose phosphate isomerase and profilin are major allergens involved in watermelon allergy.


Subject(s)
Allergens/immunology , Citrullus/immunology , Food Hypersensitivity/immunology , Malate Dehydrogenase/immunology , Profilins/immunology , Triose-Phosphate Isomerase/immunology , Adolescent , Adult , Allergens/isolation & purification , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Immunoglobulin E/blood , Malate Dehydrogenase/isolation & purification , Male , Middle Aged , Profilins/isolation & purification , Skin Tests , Triose-Phosphate Isomerase/isolation & purification , Young Adult
2.
Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol ; 91(3): 303-8, 2003 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-14533664

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although melon is a frequent allergy-eliciting fruit, allergic reactions to melon have rarely been reported. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and describe the clinical characteristics of melon allergy in melon-allergic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated patients allergic to melon and a control group of patients allergic to pollen. The diagnosis of melon allergy was based on a convincing clinical history, positive skin test results (prick-by-prick test), and positive results on oral challenge tests to melon. RESULTS: A total of 161 patients were included in the study: 66 in the melon allergy group and 95 in the pollen control group. The melon allergy group included 35 female and 31 male patients with a mean age of 26.6 +/- 2.7 years (range, 5-61 years). Although all patients had oral symptoms, 13 (19.7%) of the patients had extraoral symptoms and none experienced generalized urticaria or anaphylaxis. Excluding other Cucurbitaceae fruits, peach, fig, and kiwi most frequently elicited positive skin test results and symptoms. Up to 23% of melon-allergic patients had a concomitant latex sensitization. Melon allergy was especially linked to pollen allergy, since all the melon-allergic patients were also allergic to pollen. Some differential features with respect to the pollen allergy control group were a higher prevalence of asthma (odds ratio [OR], 2.13; P < 0.05) and a statistical increase in the frequency of sensitization to several tree and weed pollens, including Ulmus (OR, 42.8) and Ambrosia (OR, 22.4). CONCLUSION: The most important conditions linked to melon allergy are pollen allergy (100%), allergy to other nonrelated fruits, mainly peach (up to 62%), and latex sensitivity (up to 23%). Some differential features of the pollinosis in melon allergy were a higher prevalence of asthma and a higher frequency of sensitization to several weed and tree pollens.


Subject(s)
Cucumis melo/adverse effects , Food Hypersensitivity/pathology , Fruit/adverse effects , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Conjunctivitis/pathology , Female , Food Hypersensitivity/etiology , Gastroenteritis/pathology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Odds Ratio , Rhinitis/pathology , Skin Tests , Urticaria/pathology
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...