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Biagioni B, Scala E, Cecchi L. What molecular allergy teaches us about genetics and epidemiology of allergies. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2024:00130832-990000000-00119. [PMID: 38640142 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To delineate pertinent information regarding the application of molecular allergology within the realm of both genetic and epidemiological facets of allergic diseases. RECENT FINDINGS The emergence of molecular allergy has facilitated the comprehension of the biochemical characteristics of allergens originating from diverse sources. It has allowed for the exploration of sensitization trajectories and provided novel insights into the influence of genetics and environmental exposure on the initiation and development of allergic diseases. This review delves into the primary discoveries related to the genetics and epidemiology of allergies, facilitated by the application of molecular allergy. It also scrutinizes the impact of environmental exposure across varied geoclimatic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle contexts. Additionally, the review introduces specific models of molecular allergy within the realms of plants and animals. SUMMARY The utilization of molecular allergy in clinical practice holds crucially acknowledged diagnostic and therapeutic implications. From a research standpoint, there is a growing need for the widespread adoption of molecular diagnostic tools to achieve a more profound understanding of the epidemiology and natural progression of allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Biagioni
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Florence
| | - Enrico Scala
- Clinical and Laboratory Molecular Allergy Unit, IDI-IRCCS, Rome
| | - Lorenzo Cecchi
- SOSD Allergology and Clinical Immunology, USL Toscana Centro, Prato, Italy
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Chen YC, Lin YH, Lu CT, Yii CY, Chen PC, Yong SB. Correspondence to "Oral immunotherapy in alpha-gal red meat allergy: Could specific IgE be a potential biomarker in monitoring management?". Allergy 2024; 79:1073-1074. [PMID: 38340015 DOI: 10.1111/all.16048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chen Chen
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsi Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Tung Lu
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Yuan Yii
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Landseed International Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chi Chen
- Center for Allergy, Immunology, and Microbiome (A.I.M.), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Su-Boon Yong
- Center for Allergy, Immunology, and Microbiome (A.I.M.), China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology (AIR), China Medical University Children's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Leder J, Diederich A, Patel B, Bowie M, Renwick CM, Mangunta V. Perioperative Considerations in Alpha-Gal Syndrome: A Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e53208. [PMID: 38425598 PMCID: PMC10902671 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Galactose-⍺-1, 3-galactose (alpha-gal) is an oligosaccharide found in mammalian tissues that causes allergic reactions in patients with alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). AGS is a hypersensitivity reaction notable for both immediate and delayed allergic and anaphylactic symptoms. As a tick-based disease, AGS has gained increasing prevalence across the United States and can have a significant influence on which medications are safe for patients. Many medications used within the operating room and intensive care units have inactive ingredients that can be mammalian-derived and therefore should be vetted before administering to patients with AGS. Management of patients with AGS involves diligent action in the preoperative and perioperative settings to reduce patient exposure to potentially harmful medications. In conducting a comprehensive risk stratification assessment, the anesthesia team should identify any at-risk patients and determine which medications they have safely tolerated in the past. Despite obtaining a complete history, not all patients with AGS will be identified preoperatively. The perioperative team should understand which common medications pose a risk of containing alpha-gal moieties (e.g., heparins, gelatin capsules, vaccines, lidocaine patches, surgifoam, etc.). For this reason, this paper includes a compendium of common anesthetic medications that have been cross-referenced for ingredients that have the potential to cause an AGS reaction. Any potentially unsafe medications have been identified such that medical providers can cross-reference with the ingredients listed at their respective institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Leder
- Department of Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
| | - Anna Diederich
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, USA
| | - Bhavik Patel
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, USA
| | - Mark Bowie
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, USA
| | - Christian M Renwick
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, USA
| | - Venkat Mangunta
- Division of Cardiothoracic Anesthesia, Department of Anesthesiology, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, USA
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Nourian MM, Stone CA, Siegrist KK, Riess ML. Perioperative implications of patients with alpha gal allergies. J Clin Anesth 2023; 86:111056. [PMID: 36682226 PMCID: PMC11087933 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2023.111056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Alpha Gal Syndrome (AGS) is an emerging immune response to mammalian products (MP) containing the oligosaccharide galactose-α-1,3 galactose (α-Gal) which includes meats and inactive ingredients in certain medications. This becomes clinically important in the perioperative realm as MPs are commonly found in the operating room, and pre- and post-operative settings, and can trigger responses as severe as anaphylaxis. In this review, authors discuss the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of AGS reactions. Additionally, strategies are explored in order to screen and prevent exposure to MP with a multidisciplinary approach. While this emerging allergy is still not fully understood, it is of paramount importance that all anesthesia providers recognize the implications of MP exposure in AGS patients and ultimately prevent harm in this highly vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maziar M Nourian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21(st) Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Cosby A Stone
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Dr, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Kara K Siegrist
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21(st) Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Matthias L Riess
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21(st) Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Anesthesiology, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1310 24(th) Ave South, Nashville, TN 37212, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, 465 21(st) Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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Podder I, Jaiswal S, Das A. Dietary strategies for chronic spontaneous urticaria: an evidence-based review. Int J Dermatol 2023; 62:143-153. [PMID: 34826140 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.15988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Although the relationship between diet and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) remains elusive, several patients seek dietary modifications as they are easy and cost-effective. Adequate patient education and counseling are crucial as modified diets may be beneficial for a subset of antihistamine refractory CSU patients, and no modality currently exists to identify these patients. Elimination of food items based exclusively on patient history may lead to unnecessary restrictions in most cases resulting in nutritional deficiencies and impaired quality of life. Several dietary strategies have been tried till date with varying rates of success and evidence. This review highlights the various dietary strategies along with their levels of evidence, which may help the treating dermatologists and physicians to counsel CSU patients and make evidence-based treatment decisions. There is grade A recommendation for the elimination of food additives (artificial pseudoallergens), personalized diets, vitamin D supplementation, Diamine oxidase supplementation and probiotics (in children), grade B recommendation for dietary elimination of red meat, fish and their products, natural pseudoallergens (fruits, vegetables, and spices), and low-histamine diet, while dietary elimination of gluten (with concomitant celiac disease) has grade C recommendation. Notably, elimination diets should be continued for at least 3 consecutive weeks to assess their effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrashis Podder
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Saurabh Jaiswal
- Department of Dermatology, Indira Gandhi Government Medical College, Nagpur, Maharastra, India
| | - Anupam Das
- Department of Dermatology, KPC Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Rossi CM, Lenti MV, Di Sabatino A. Adult anaphylaxis: A state-of-the-art review. Eur J Intern Med 2022; 100:5-12. [PMID: 35264295 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Anaphylaxis is the most severe among acute allergic diseases and potentially life threatening. Despite its increasing frequency and related burden, it remains often underdiagnosed and improperly managed. Its multisystemic involvement, protean clinical manifestations and its rapid onset are contributory factors. In recent years new acquisitions have shed light into its pathogenesis pathways (and related biomarkers), triggers, factors increasing its severity, along with peculiar clinical manifestations. These breakthrough discoveries have contributed to phenotyping and endotyping this disease, possibly paving the way to a personalized approach which is not available at present. Moreover, to disseminate awareness and standardize diagnostic criteria and management practices, several guidelines and consensus reports, albeit mainly intended for specialist care, have been issued. We here discuss the latest issues in the field of anaphylaxis from the perspective of the emergency and/or internal medicine physician, so to improve its early recognition and treatment in the acute setting and favor allergology referral to implement therapeutical and preventive strategies, such as allergen identification in unclear cases and desensitizing therapies when available (e.g., for Hymenoptera venom allergy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Maria Rossi
- Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS San Matteo Hospital Foundation, University of Pavia, Viale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Vincenzo Lenti
- Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS San Matteo Hospital Foundation, University of Pavia, Viale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Sabatino
- Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS San Matteo Hospital Foundation, University of Pavia, Viale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
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Abstract
Food allergies are relatively prevalent, but mammalian meat allergy remains uncommon and represents an important, potentially acute healthcare risk. This risk is partly because both clinicians and the public lack awareness of this serious allergy, which is unique in three important ways: it incurs a delayed reaction, it is induced by a carbohydrate rather than a protein, and it is linked to tick bites. Although various symptoms are possible, its unique presentation means that mammalian meat allergy is often presented to the dermatologist. We review this challenging subject, which is particularly salient considering the unique connection between ticks and mammalian meat allergy, the expanding tick territory, and the dependency by so many on meat products, not only in the diet but also in medications and medical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Shah
- Department of Dermatology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.
| | - Robert A Schwartz
- Department of Dermatology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
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Carson AS, Gardner A, Iweala OI. Where's the Beef? Understanding Allergic Responses to Red Meat in Alpha-Gal Syndrome. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:267-277. [PMID: 35017216 PMCID: PMC8928418 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) describes a collection of symptoms associated with IgE-mediated hypersensitivity responses to the glycan galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal). Individuals with AGS develop delayed hypersensitivity reactions, with symptoms occurring >2 h after consuming mammalian ("red") meat and other mammal-derived food products. The mechanisms of pathogenesis driving this paradigm-breaking food allergy are not fully understood. We review the role of tick bites in the development of alpha-gal-specific IgE and highlight innate and adaptive immune cells possibly involved in alpha-gal sensitization. We discuss the impact of alpha-gal glycosylation on digestion and metabolism of alpha-gal glycolipids and glycoproteins, and the implications for basophil and mast cell activation and mediator release that generate allergic symptoms in AGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey S. Carson
- Department of Medicine, Thurston Arthritis Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology,Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina Food Allergy Initiative, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Aliyah Gardner
- Department of Medicine, Thurston Arthritis Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology,Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina Food Allergy Initiative, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Onyinye I. Iweala
- Department of Medicine, Thurston Arthritis Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology,Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina Food Allergy Initiative, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Khuda SE, Nguyen AV, Sharma GM, Alam MS, Balan KV, Williams KM. Effects of emulsifiers on an in vitro model of intestinal epithelial tight junctions and the transport of food allergens. Mol Nutr Food Res 2021; 66:e2100576. [PMID: 34779572 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202100576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Certain food emulsifiers may interfere with gut barrier function in ways correlating to increased exposure to allergens. Understanding the consequences of interactions between these food ingredients and the intestinal epithelium is important for evaluating allergen dose exposure characteristics. METHODS AND RESULTS Wechallenged Caco-2 cell monolayers, an in vitromodel of human intestinal epithelial tight junctions with synthetic polysorbate-80 or natural lecithin alone, or in combination with known allergens (egg proteins: ovalbumin, ovomucoid, and ovotransferrin; and a synthetic form of galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), an allergen of increasing concern). For most doses of individual emulsifiers and allergens, >90% cell viability and <15% cytotoxicity wasobserved; however, toxicity increased at a 0.5% concentration of emulsifiers. At low cytotoxic concentration (0.2%), only polysorbate-80 treatment reduced monolayer integrity (∼20%) with increased lucifer yellow passage. Dose-related differences in expression of tight junction genes and occludin proteins wereobserved with emulsifier treatments. The transport of all tested allergens across the cell monolayers, excluding ovotransferrin, nearly doubled in the presence of 0.2% polysorbate-80 compared to lecithin and untreated control. CONCLUSION By modulating paracellular permeability, polysorbate-80 may enhance absorption of allergens in a size-dependent manner. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sefat E Khuda
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, United States Food and Drug Administration, 8301 Muirkirk Rd., Laurel, MD, 20708, United States
| | - Ann V Nguyen
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, United States Food and Drug Administration, 8301 Muirkirk Rd., Laurel, MD, 20708, United States
| | - Girdhari M Sharma
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, United States Food and Drug Administration, 8301 Muirkirk Rd., Laurel, MD, 20708, United States
| | - Mohammad S Alam
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, United States Food and Drug Administration, 8301 Muirkirk Rd., Laurel, MD, 20708, United States
| | - Kannan V Balan
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, United States Food and Drug Administration, 8301 Muirkirk Rd., Laurel, MD, 20708, United States
| | - Kristina M Williams
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, United States Food and Drug Administration, 8301 Muirkirk Rd., Laurel, MD, 20708, United States
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Boyle RJ, Shamji MH. Developments in the field of allergy in 2020 through the eyes of Clinical and Experimental Allergy. Clin Exp Allergy 2021; 51:1531-1537. [PMID: 34750898 DOI: 10.1111/cea.14046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
While 2020 will be remembered for the global coronavirus pandemic, there were also important advances in the field of allergy. In this review article, we summarize key findings reported in Clinical and Experimental Allergy during 2020. We hope this provides readers with an accessible snapshot of the work published in our journal during this time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Boyle
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mohamed H Shamji
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.,NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Alpha-gal syndrome encompasses a constellation of symptoms associated with immune-mediated hypersensitivity responses to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal). The purpose of this review is to discuss our current understanding of the etiology, clinical symptoms, natural history, epidemiology, and management of alpha-gal syndrome. RECENT FINDINGS Sensitization to alpha-gal is associated with bites from ectoparasites like the lone star tick Amblyomma americanum. Allergic reactions in alpha-gal syndrome are often delayed and inconsistent. The magnitude of the allergic response depends on co-factors like exercise and alcohol consumption and the amount of alpha-gal and fat present in the food. Assaying alpha-gal-specific IgE in the serum is the primary diagnostic test used to confirm the allergy. Long-term management of the condition involves avoidance of both mammalian food products and tick bites. SUMMARY Alpha-gal syndrome disrupts the current paradigm for understanding food allergy. Exposure to an ectoparasite is critical for the development of specific IgE antibodies underlying sensitization, and allergic reactions depend on the activation of mast cells and basophils sensitized with IgE against a carbohydrate rather than a protein. Research in this field may lead to the development of improved diagnostic and therapeutic tools that can revolutionize the management of patients with alpha-gal syndrome.
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