Occupational rhinoconjunctivitys and asthma by exposure to Lathyrus sativus flour

Abstract

We report the case of a 42-year-old non-smoking man, who had worked as a carpenter for 6 years and who reported a history of rhinorrhea, paroxysmal sneezing, nasocular pruritus, lacrimation, wheezing and dyspnea attacks while preparing a mixture to seal the junctures between wooden panels. Allergy study consisted of skin prick testing (SPT) to inhalants, foods and Lathyrus sativus flour (LSF) extract, specific bronchial provocation test with LSF extract, cytological analysis of sputum, specific IgE antibodies against LSF, and histamine releasing test with dilutions (1:5, 1:25, 1:125, 1:625) of LSF. The results demonstrated occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma due to LSF exposure. We provide a review of published reports to date.

Crystal Structure and Functional Insights of Hemopexin Fold Protein from Grass Pea

“…Although proteins constitute approximately 20% of the total seed dry weight (Rosa et al, 2000), the grass pea crop has presently been banned due to the presence of various antinutritional substances responsible for neurolathyrism (Grela et al, 2001). Also, grass pea exposure results in occupational allergies leading to asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis in susceptible individuals (Valdivieso et al, 1988;Porcel et al, 2001;Gironés et al, 2005). In light of its unusual properties, we set out for a comparative analysis of grass pea seed proteome with respect to other legumes.…”

Identification and Characterization of β-Lathyrin, an Abundant Glycoprotein of Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus L.), as a Potential Allergen

“…Interestingly, the 7S globulin members are also the most dominant allergens in peanut and soybean. − In contrast to other legumes, very little is known about the allergenic potential of grass pea seed proteins. In sensitized individuals, grass pea can induce symptoms of food allergy as well as occupational-induced allergies, such as bronchial asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, facial edema, and generalized urticaria. − Three polypeptides (sized 46, 28, and 21 kDa) were recognized by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies present in the blood from grass-pea-allergic patients . Subsequently, a 24 kDa allergenic protein from grass pea was purified and crystallized .…”