Aspirin enhances sensitization to the egg-white allergen ovalbumin in rats

Abstract

Enhancement of oral absorption of food allergens by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), especially aspirin, is considered an exacerbating factor in the development of food allergies. In this study, we examined the effect of aspirin on oral sensitization to and absorption of the egg-white allergen ovalbumin (OVA) in rats. The absorption of OVA was evaluated by measuring the plasma concentration of OVA after oral administration by gavage. To evaluate oral sensitization to OVA, plasma levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) E and IgG1 antibodies (Abs) specific to OVA were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay after initiation of sensitization. High-dose aspirin (30 mg/kg) increased oral OVA absorption and plasma levels of OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 Abs compared with those observed in vehicle-treated rats. In contrast, low-dose aspirin (3 mg/kg) exerted no changes in either absorption or sensitization. Spermine, an absorption enhancer, increased the oral absorption of OVA to nearly the same extent as high-dose aspirin, whereas the plasma levels of OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 Abs exhibited no significant differences between spermine- and vehicle-treated rats. Among the NSAIDs, diclofenac and indomethacin increased sensitization to OVA, similar to high-dose aspirin, but meloxicam exerted no effects on Ab levels. In conclusion, we showed that high-dose aspirin enhanced oral sensitization to OVA. Our study suggests that enhanced oral sensitization to OVA cannot be ascribed to increased absorption of OVA from the intestinal tract. Although the mechanisms underlying this enhancement of sensitization are still controversial, our study suggests that modification of cytokine production due to impairment of the intestinal barrier function and inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 activity by aspirin may be involved.

Canna Starch Improves Intestinal Barrier Function, Inhibits Allergen Uptake, and Suppresses Anaphylactic Symptoms in Ovalbumin-Induced Food Allergy in Mice

“…The results indicated that canna starch intake inhibited the accumulation of OVA in the liver of food allergy model mice. Although it has been reported that increased allergen absorption exacerbates symptoms in rats [27], in the current study, a decrease in allergen uptake by canna starch ingestion in the food allergy model mice may be one reason for the suppression of anaphylactic symptoms.…”

Hypoallergenic Wheat Line (1BS-18H) Lacking ω5-Gliadin Induces Oral Tolerance to Wheat Gluten Proteins in a Rat Model of Wheat Allergy

“…To evaluate the sensitization to gluten and its components, plasma levels of IgE and IgG 1 Abs specific for gluten, gliadin, glutenin, and ω5-gliadin were determined by an ELISA in accordance with our previous report [ 26 ] with a modification. To determine the levels of gluten and its component-specific IgE Abs in plasma, each well of an ELISA plate was coated with 1 µg/mL MARE-1 dissolved in PBS (100 µL, pH 7.4) overnight at 4 °C.…”