Grass pollen production and group V allergen content of agriculturally relevant species and cultivars

Jung, Stephan; Estrella, Nicole; Pfaffl, Michael W.; Hartmann, Stephan; Handelshauser, Ellinor; Menzel, Annette

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0193958

Cited by 29 publications

(29 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…In-situ pollen collections are very likely to be influenced by humidity (e.g. caused by rain events), mildew and insects after plants have been covered with collective containers [ 38 ]. To overcome these issues, grasses were kept in climate chambers during the actual pollen release.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Impact of elevated air temperature and drought on pollen characteristics of major agricultural grass species

et al. 2021

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Grass pollen allergens are known to be one of the major triggers of hay fever with an increasing number of humans affected by pollen associated health impacts. Climate change characterized by increasing air temperature and more frequent drought periods might affect plant development and pollen characteristics. In this study a one-year (2017) field experiment was conducted in Bavaria, Germany, simulating drought by excluding rain and elevated air temperature by installing a heating system to investigate their effects primarily on the allergenic potential of eight selected cultivars of the two grass species timothy and perennial ryegrass. It could be shown for timothy that especially under drought and heat conditions the allergen content is significantly lower accompanied by a decrease in pollen weight and protein content. In perennial ryegrass the response to drought and heat conditions in terms of allergen content, pollen weight, and protein content was more dependent on the respective cultivar probably due to varying requirements for their growth conditions and tolerance to drought and heat. Results support recommendations which cultivars should be grown preferentially. The optimal choice of grass species and respective cultivars under changing climate conditions should be a major key aspect for the public health sector in the future.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Following Jung et al [ 38 ], pollen grains were mechanically extracted. Total soluble protein content was quantified using BCA test [ 38 ].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of elevated air temperature and drought on pollen characteristics of major agricultural grass species

et al. 2021

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“…The role of air pollutants on this day-by-day variation in allergen levels remains poorly understood. Allergen levels are also likely to differ by species/cultivars ( Jung et al, 2018 ). The lack of precise information on allergen levels in the air may have contributed to the null findings.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Interactive effects of allergens and air pollution on respiratory health: A systematic review

Lam

Jarvis

Fuertes

2021

Science of The Total Environment

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Background Studies have demonstrated an adverse role of outdoor allergens on respiratory symptoms. It is unknown whether this effect is independent or synergistic of outdoor air pollutants. Methods We systematically reviewed all epidemiological studies that examined interaction effects between counts of outdoor airborne allergens (pollen, fungal spores) and air pollutants, on any respiratory health outcome in children and adults. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Scopus databases. Each study was summarized qualitatively and assessed for quality and risk of bias (International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews, registration number CRD42020162571). Results Thirty-five studies were identified (15 timeseries, eight case-crossovers, 11 panels and one cohort study), of which 12 reported a significant statistical interaction between an allergen and air pollutant. Eight interactions were related to asthma outcomes, including one on lung function measures and wheeze, three to medical consultations for pollinosis and one to allergic symptoms (nasal, ocular or bronchial). There was no consensus as to which allergen or air pollutant is more likely to interact. No study investigated whether interactions are stronger in atopic individuals. Conclusion Despite strong evidence from small experimental studies in humans, only a third of studies identified significant allergen-pollutant interactions using common epidemiological study designs. Exposure misclassification, failure to examine subgroups at risk, inadequate statistical power or absence of population-level effects are possible explanations.

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“…The mean Der 1 to Der 2-ratio ranged from 0.4 to 20.5 among various manufacturers they examined. A study by Jung et al [15] looking at pollen chemistry showed that pollen ranges from 2.5-61% of protein by dry mass. Another study by Roulston et al [16] concluded that there was a negative correlation with percentage of protein in pollen grain to pollen grain volume and mass.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparison of Weight Per Volume and Protein Nitrogen Units in Non-standardized Allergen Extracts: Implications for Prescribing Subcutaneous Immunotherapy

Dua

Park

Kim

2021

Preprint

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BackgroundAllergen extracts used in subcutaneous immunotherapy are standardized or non-standardized. Standardized extracts are available in specific biological potencies, presumably making their biological activity more consistent. The majority of allergen extracts are non-standardized and may have less consistent potencies. Non-standardized extracts are labeled as weight per volume or protein nitrogen units (PNUs). Neither method allows for any direct information regarding the extract’s biologic potency. The purpose of this study was to compare weight per volume versus PNU concentrations for 4 non-standardized allergen extracts prepared by two allergen manufacturers. The potencies were compared in application in current North American practice recommendations.MethodsThe weight per volume and PNU values were provided for 4 non-standardized extracts – birch, short ragweed, dog hair and Alternaria – from HollisterStier and Stallergenes Greer. Weight per volume and PNU concentrations were compared for each of these extracts from both manufacturers. From the raw data, we calculated the corresponding PNU values for a weight per volume of 1:100 and 1:200 for each extract. Similarly, we calculated the corresponding weight per volume for a range of PNU values, for 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 PNU/ml.ResultsBirch extract has low PNU concentration, below 5000, for a weight per volume of 1:200 for both HollisterStier and Stallergenes Greer. In contrast, for both HollisterStier and Stallergenes Greer ragweed extract, a weight per volume of 1:200 corresponds to a PNU concentration greater than 5000. Dog extract for a weight per volume of 1:200, and even for 1:100, corresponds to very low PNUs for both companies. For Alternaria, corresponding PNU concentrations for HollisterStier is low at only 500 while over 5000 for Stallergenes Greer. Corresponding weight per volumes for PNU values for these extracts can be found in the manuscript.Conclusions Our results show variability when comparing weight per volume and PNU concentrations for both Hollister-Stier and Stallergenes Greer products. We suggest selecting a PNU dose that corresponds to a weight per volume of 1:200 as this may improve patient safety. Our recommendations for starting PNU dose for the four non-standardized extracts are highlighted in the manuscript. If the starting PNU concentration is considerably below 5000 for a weight per volume of 1:200 slow up-titration is advised. Conversely, for PNU concentrations above 5000 for weight per volume of 1:200 we suggest a maintenance dose of 5000 PNU.

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Grass pollen production and group V allergen content of agriculturally relevant species and cultivars

Cited by 29 publications

References 34 publications

Impact of elevated air temperature and drought on pollen characteristics of major agricultural grass species

Impact of elevated air temperature and drought on pollen characteristics of major agricultural grass species

Interactive effects of allergens and air pollution on respiratory health: A systematic review

Comparison of Weight Per Volume and Protein Nitrogen Units in Non-standardized Allergen Extracts: Implications for Prescribing Subcutaneous Immunotherapy

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