Asia Pac Allergy.  2014 Oct;4(4):197-205. 10.5415/apallergy.2014.4.4.197.

Hypersensitivity to pollen of four different species of Brassica: a clinico-immunologic evaluation in patients of respiratory allergy in India

• Singh A
• Shahi S
• Katiyar RK
• Gaur S
• Jain V

• KMID: 2397100
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5415/apallergy.2014.4.4.197

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Rapeseed-mustard is the second most important source of edible oil in India. Several species of Brassica are grown in different parts of country for its oilseeds.
OBJECTIVE
The objective was to investigate allergenicity to antigenic extracts of pollen of 4 species of Brassica.
METHODS
Brassica campestris, Brassica juncea, Brassica nigra, and Brassica napus were selected for the detailed investigation. Pollen samples from each of the four species were collected from the polliniferous materials. The antigenic and allergenic profiles of these extracts were evaluated by means of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Skin prick test, enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay and Western blot on atopic individuals.
RESULTS
Out of the 159 atopic subjects tested, 21.38% were positive to at least one or other species of Brassica pollen, with highest skin positivity (13.20%) to B. campestris extract. Raised IgE with significant linear correlation with intensity of skin reactions was obtained. Protein fractions of 20, 25, 32, 37, 56, and 90 kDa were recognized by B. campestris and B. juncea whereas 56, 76, 87, and 90 kDa were recognized by B. nigra and B. napus as major IgE binding protein fractions. The patients also showed positivity to other inhalant pollen allergens tested.
CONCLUSION
IgE mediated hypersensitivity varied from 4.40% to 13.20% in Indian atopic subjects to pollen of one or the other species of Brassica. Protein fractions of 47, 56, 76, 87, and 90 kDa were identified as IgE binding by all the four species, however individual heterogeneity exists. Thus a local species may be more pertinent for immunotherapy. The major allergen needs to be further characterized.

Keyword

Brassica; Pollen; Allergenicity; Immunoglobulin E; India

MeSH Terms

Allergens
Blotting, Western
Brassica napus
Brassica*
Electrophoresis
Galectin 3
Humans
Hypersensitivity*
Hypersensitivity, Immediate
Immunoglobulin E
Immunotherapy
India*
Mustard Plant
Pollen*
Population Characteristics
Skin
Sodium
Allergens
Galectin 3
Immunoglobulin E
Sodium

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Comparative protein profile of water soluble extracts of four different species of Brassica pollen. M, Marker; Lane 1, Brassica campestris var. Rajendra sarson; 2, Brassica juncea var. Kranti; 3, Brassica nigra var. Tall; 4, Brassica napus var. Early napus.

• 

  Fig. 2 (A) Comparison of total IgE with intensity of skin test reactions against pollen of Brassica in atopic cases. 1, healthy volunteer; 2, negative skin test; 3, 1+ skin test response; 4, 2+ skin test response; 5, 3+ and above skin test response. (B) Comparison of specific IgE with intensity of skin test reactions against pollen of Brassica in atopic cases. 1, negative skin test; 2, 1+ skin test response; 3, 2+ skin test response; 4, 3+ and above skin test response.

• 

  Fig. 3 Immunoblot of pollen of Brassica campestris carried out with individual sera positive to it. M, molecular weight standards; P, pooled sera of positive sera; Lane 1-17, individual sera positive to pollen of B. campestris; HV, pooled sera of healthy volunteers.

• 

  Fig. 4 Immunoblot of pollen of Brassica juncea carried out with individual sera positive to it. M, molecular weight standards; P, pooled sera of positive sera; Lane 1-14, individual sera positive to pollen of B. juncea; HV, pooled sera of healthy volunteers.

• 

  Fig. 5 Immunoblot of pollen of Brassica nigra carried out with individual sera positive to it. M, molecular weight standards; P, pooled sera of positive sera; Lane 1-11, individual sera positive to pollen of B. nigra; HV, pooled sera of healthy volunteers.

• 

  Fig. 6 Immunoblot of pollen of Brassica napus carried out with individual sera positive to it. M, molecular weight standards, P, pooled sera of positive sera; Lane 1-10, individual sera positive to pollen of B. napus; HV, pooled sera of healthy volunteers.

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