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Abstract
This study highlights the characterization and allergenicity of our
extracted proteins from date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) pollens
(DPP) which was rarely studied.
DPP were subjected to extraction then colorimetric protein measurement.
SDS-PAGE and gel filtration chromatography for separation of the three
major fractions ;: 82.4, 72.5 and 33 kDa to be our extract.
Based on history, clinical examination, total IgE and spirometry ; 40
residents in palm trees abundant areas were selected as 20 patients with
asthma and /or rhinitis and 20 apparently healthy controls and subjected
to the following:
a) CBC, skin prick testing (SPT), specific IgE against DPP by ELISA.
b) Biochemical oxidative stress parameters as blood nitric oxide (NO),
and free radical defensive enzymes against oxidative stress as
superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) assays.
Elevated total IgE (P= 0.000), peripheral eosinophilia and low FEVi indicated allergic airway diseases. SPT was positive in 25% of patients. ELISA was positive in all patients (P= 0.000). All patients expressed significant elevation in NO and SOD but not in G R (P= 0.000, P= 0.000 & P =0.563) respectively. There was a strong correlation between specific Ig E and blood NO and SOD (r - 0.948; r = -0.913) respectively reflecting potentiation of pollen allergenicity.
The difference in results between SPT and ELISA specific Ig E might be attributed to the sensitivity and specificity of both tests. Also, the decrease in mast cells is associated with increase of age. Specific Ig E reflected sensitization to airborne DPP in both pollinators and residents. Finally, DPP should be considered as an important allergen in countries where palm trees grow and should be included in SPT