空气致敏花粉污染研究进展

对空气致敏花粉污染概念的提出 ,空气致敏花粉污染的特点和影响因素 ,花粉采集方法的改进以及空气致敏花粉污染的研究进展等方面进行了总结 ,指出了研究中存在的问题 ,并对研究前景进行了展望     

Sensitivity to mugwort pollen allergens (Artemisia vulgaris)

The author has found that 42% of patients with pollinosis had positive skin reactions with mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) pollen allergens. The majority of tested patients (139 out of 187) were also allergic to grass pollens. However, hypersensitivity to mugwort pollen allergens was isolated and did not accompany grass pollen allergy. The symptoms of pollinosis appeared in this group later than in patients sensitive to grass pollen allergens only (over 21 years of age in 71%). Bronchial asthma was diagnosed in 40% of these patients and allergic skin reactions in 25%. Sensitivity to mugwort pollen allergens was accompanied by the sensitivity to pollen allergens of Graminae family of plants in 80% of cases. The author suggests that sensitivity to mugwort pollen allergens is the second most frequent cause of the pollinosis and is diagnosed too rarely. Failures of desensitization in patients sensitive to pollen allergens of Graminae family of plants may often result from coexisting sensitivity to mugwort pollen allergens as this sensitivity produces not only season but perennial clinical symptoms in nearly 50% of patients. The author discusses also botanical relations and cross-reactions in allergy to mugwort and ragweed pollen allergens.     

Seasonal changes of humoral and cellular immune responses to Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen allergens in Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata) with pollinosis

The natural occurrence of Japanese cedar [Cryptomeria japonica (CJ)] pollinosis has been reported in Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata). The present study was designed to investigate seasonal changes in immunological reactions to CJ pollen allergens in monkeys with CJ pollinosis. Blood samples were collected from six monkeys with CJ pollinosis before and after CJ pollen season. Seasonal changes in specific IgE and IgG to major allergens (Cry j 1 and Cry j 2) were observed before and after CJ pollen season. The humoral responses decreased significantly before CJ pollen and increased after CJ pollen season. Similar seasonal changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells proliferative responses to CJ allergens were observed before and after CJ pollen season. These humoral and cellular immune responses might serve as a biomarker for assessing new immunotherapies for monkeys with pollinosis.     

Prediction of birch airborne pollen counts by examining male catkin numbers in Hokkaido,northern Japan

Birch pollen is a very common cause of pollinosis in Hokkaido, northern Japan. Birch airborne pollen concentrations vary each year; hence, the development of a method for predicting annual airborne pollen concentration is very important in preventing widespread symptoms of pollinosis. In the current study, we investigated airborne pollen counts and male catkin numbers (male flower index) of birch in four cities of Hokkaido between 2002 and 2008. Airborne pollen surveys were conducted using Durham’s sampler, and male catkin numbers determined for three major birch species (Betula platyphylla var. japonica, B. emanii, and B. maximowicziana). We found an annual variation in male flower index for all the three birch species investigated. This variation worked in combination with the amount of precipitation during the pollen season to influence total birch pollen counts. In conclusion, the male catkin numbers of three major birch species reliably predict airborne pollen counts in Hokkaido, but only when the effect of precipitation during pollen season is considered.     

Pollen allergies in czechoslovakia

The article discusses the possible utilisation of the palynological and geobotanical observations in immunotherapy of children with pollinosis in Czechoslovakia. Three approaches to this problem exist: 1. Use of the individual pollen mixtures (prepared by the Institute of Sera and Vaccines (USOL), Prague), according to the clinical history and the results of diagnostic tests of each patient. 2. Use of the available standard pollen mixtures. 3. Improvement of the specificity of these mixtures by eliminating the redundant pollen types (i.e. pollen of the species not spread in the area). Intentions for the future, including the establishment of a pollen forecasting service, are mentioned.     

An approach for the conquest of the sugi pollinosis using plant growth regulation.

The sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) pollinosis becomes representative allergic disease in early spring in Japan. However, effective treatment for the sugi pollinosis and countermeasure against pollen of C. japonica at its source have not been developed in a practical sense. In this paper, the research aiming to prevent dispersion of pollen of the C. japonica is introduced on application and practical application to the field from the laboratory using the growth regulation of the plant. We found that formation of male flower bud in C. japonica could be suppressed by TNE, since the 3 beta-hydroxylase is inhibited by the action of Trinexysapacethyl, TNE.     

Olea Europea 3-year pollen record in the area of Thessaloniki,Greece and its sensitizing significance

Summary The observations of airborne pollen ofOlea europea and the incidence of clinical manifestations in patients allergic to this pollen type have not been registered so far in the city of Thessaloniki. The purpose of this study was: 1. to assess theO. europea pollen circulation in the area of our city, and 2. to detect the percentage of sensitivity toO. europea pollen in patients with pollinosis. We collected daily pollen samples during a 3-year period (February '87-January '90), using a Burkard volumetric trap, located on a high level area in the centre of the city. The pollen counts were then registered. The O.europea pollen grains were not differentiated microscopically from the other Oleaceae, but identified through phenological criteria. The patients included in the assessment of the sensitivity toO. europea came from the out-patient clinic of bronchial asthma of the General Hospital ?G. Papanicolaou?. They had a seasonal pollinosis and they were submitted to prick test using a battery of 22 groups and an O.europea extract. Pollen ofO. europea appears first in the atmosphere of Thessaloniki at the beginning of May, shows a peak in the end of May and continues to be present till the end of June. The quantity ofO. europea pollen ranked 6th in the list of the total pollen count and its flowering period coincided with that of grasses. In a sample of 360 patients with seasonal pollinosis, we detected anO. europea pollen sensitivity combined with other alleargens in 37% of the patients and a monosensivity in 4%. We conclude that pollen ofO. europea results to be present over a relative short period of time (May–June) in the area of Thessaloniki. The percentage of patients' sensitization toO. europea pollen was a little less frequent than sensitization to grasses, even if their flowering time coincides and their presence in the air shows about the same concentration values.     

Predicting days of high allergenic risk during Betula pollination using weather types

The aim of this study was to build up a picture of the influence of meteorological conditions on pollen and pollinosis, taking account of weather types, pollen concentrations in the air and pollinosis symptoms, with the aim of preventing allergic responses. The study took place in Burgundy from 1996 to 1998, during the pollination of the birch (Betula), which is the most important arborean allergen in this region. We used daily pollen data from four Hirst volumetric traps, identified weather types by Bénichou’s classification, and obtained data on the occurrence of rhinitis, conjunctivitis, asthma and coughing from a sample of 100 patients. These data were analysed by multiple-component analysis. The results show that pollen dispersal is favoured by windy conditions, low relative humidity, precipitation below 2 mm and temperatures above 6°C. Such weather also favours pollinosis, but other particular meteorological situations, even if they do not assist pollen dispersal, can act directly on the development of symptoms: a decrease of temperature (3°C) led to the development of rhinitis and conjunctivitis, while strong winds were associated with many cases of conjunctivitis and asthma, owing to the irritant effect of cold or wind; asthma was favoured by temperature inversions with fog, probably because such weather corresponds to high levels of pollution, which act on bronchial hyperreactivity. Because the weather types favouring pollination and pollinosis are predicted by the meteorological office, this can constitute a tool for reducing the effect of high-risk allergenic days. Received: 12 December 2000 / Revised: 24 April 2001 / Accepted: 9 May 2001     

The relationship between airborne pollen distribution and the frequency of specific pollen sensitization at two climatically different locations in Switzerland

Pollen data reported from the two monitoring stations of Locarno-Monti, on the southern slopes of the Alps, and Zurich on the northern slopes of the Alps, for the years 1989–1993 were compared with meteorological data from the corresponding locations and with the prevalence of pollinosis and frequency of specific pollen sensitization in patients with pollinosis. It was so discovered that the recorded quantity of allergenic pollen types (Alnus, Corylus, Betula, Fraxinus, Poaceae, Castaneae,Olea andArtemisia) south of the Alps is higher by a factor of 2.9 than that north of the Alps. These differences are due to the distinctly milder climate in the canton of Ticino (south of the Alps) showing higher annual mean temperatures, more sunshine duration and less precipitation days with higher amounts of precipitation. The allergological data show additionally that the summer pollinosis, caused byCastanea andOlea, is probably responsible for the differing prevalence of pollinosis at the two sites. Finally, we can summarize that in Switzerland pollen from Poaceae, Betulaceae and Oleacea are the most important for pollinosis.     

Development of electron spin resonance radical immunoassay for measurement of airborne orchard grass (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Dactylis glomerata</Emphasis>) pollen antigens

We have developed a highly sensitive method for the measurement of airborne orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata: Dac g) pollen antigens using an electron spin resonance (ESR) radical immunoassay. In this immunoassay, the lowest detectable level of Dac g antigen in a sample is 0.1 arbitrary unit; the amount of Dac g antigen in single pollen grains was found to be as 1.84 units. Thus, Dac g antigens can be detected in amounts of 1/20th of that contained in the grain. This immunoassay enables early detection of grass pollen antigens. Such information may be useful for patients with grass pollinosis, especially for those who show symptoms when only low levels of the pollen antigens are present in air. In this study, minor amounts of Dac g antigen (cross-reactive antigens) were detected in late March, after which the levels gradually increased. The levels were detected to be 10 units/m³ until the middle of May and then increased after blooming of orchard grass. High levels were maintained until the middle of June. Some patients who suffer from grass pollinosis show symptoms in late April and early May, when the airborne Dac g antigen levels were found to be 5–10 units/m³.     

Purification and characterization of 31-kDa palm pollen glycoprotein (Ela g Bd 31 K), which is recognized by IgE from palm pollinosis patients

A basic glycoprotein, which was recognized by IgE from oil palm pollinosis patients, has been purified from oil palm pollen (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.), which is a strong allergen and causes severe pollinosis in Malaysia and Singapore. Soluble proteins were extracted from defatted palm pollen with both Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.8) and Na-acetate buffer (pH 4.0). The allergenic glycoprotein was purified from the total extract to homogeneity with 0.4% yield by a combination of DEAE- and CM-cellulose, SP-HPLC, and gel filtration. The purified oil palm pollen glycoprotein with molecular mass of 31 kDa was recognized by the beta1-2 xylose specific antibody, suggesting this basic glycoprotein bears plant complex type N-glycan(s). The palm pollen basic glycoprotein, designated Ela g Bd 31 K, was recognized by IgE of palm pollinosis patients, suggesting Ela g Bd 31 K should be one of the palm pollen allergens. The preliminary structural analysis of N-glycans linked to glycoproteins of palm pollens showed that the antigenic N-glycans having alpha1-3 fucose and alpha1-2 xylose residues (GlcNAc(2 to approximately 0)Man3Xyl1Fuc(1 to approximately 0)GlcNAc2) actually occur on the palm pollen glycoproteins, in addition to the high-mannose type structures (Man(9 to approximately 5)GlcNAc2).     

Immunoenzyme test system with monoclonal antibodies to human IgG4 in the determination of allergen-specific antibodies in pollinosis

ELISA for determination of allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies was developed with the help of monoclonal anti-IgG4 antibodies obtained by classic hybridoma technique. Subclass specificity of antibodies were studied in sera of 108 patients suffering from pollinosis. Antibodies of this isotype were found in the majority of patients with tree pollen allergy but not in patients with grass pollen allergy. The level of IgG4 antibodies correlated with the severity of the disease but not with the intensity of skin tests. Specific hyposensitization resulted in significant increase of IgG4 antibody level in patients with tree pollen allergy. Determination of IgG4 antibodies is proved to be useful to reveal tree pollen allergy and to monitor hyposensitization therapy.     

北京主要气传致敏花粉年浓度峰值日期预测

花粉是我国北方引发过敏性鼻炎最主要过敏原,花粉症发病期与花粉浓度高峰期吻合。基于北京地区2012至2020年花粉季多站、逐日分类花粉浓度观测数据分析,得出北京地区花粉浓度在3月上旬至5月中旬(可进一步划分为3月中旬至4月上旬和4月下旬至5月上旬两个高峰期)和8月中旬至9月中旬分别存在两个高峰期,第一个高峰期内优势致敏花粉种类为柏科、杨柳科和松科,第二个高峰期内优势致敏花粉种类为桑科、菊科蒿属和藜科。根据优势致敏花粉年浓度峰值日期观测数据,使用与花粉采样站点位置相匹配的逐日气象观测数据累积值,基于作物模型概念和模糊逻辑原理建立了北京地区主要气传致敏花粉年浓度峰值日期预测模型。经检验,柏科、杨柳科、松科、桑科、菊科蒿属和藜科花粉模型预测准确率分别为87.8%、80.0%、64.4%、86.7%、78.8%和81.8%。基于北京地区主要气传致敏花粉年浓度峰值日期预测模型可为本地花粉症防治提供理论参考。     

Ambrosia elatior (L.) in Hungary (1989–1990)

Summary Weeds and among themAmbrosia are probably the most important vascular plants related to pollinosis in Hungary. Sampling was carried out in central (Budapest) and in southern (Paks, Szeged) Hungary. The results of two years (1989–1990) of aerobiological study onAmbrosia airborne pollen are reported. The highest percentage of airborne pollen was found in the mid-August to mid-September period, having a good correlation with clinical data on pollinosis. The implications of these results are considered in the context of forecasting and prevention of seasonal ragweed pollinosis.     

Free orbicules of Cupressaceae detected in daily aerobiological samples by optical and confocal microscopy

Members of Cupressaceae and Taxaceae are known to release large amounts of highly allergenic pollen grains into the atmosphere, which are responsible for the onset of pollinosis in many countries throughout the world. In addition to pollen grains, their pollen sacs produce orbicules, which are submicron particles reported to carry allergens and which are potentially able to reach much further down the respiratory tract than pollen grains. Previous research has postulated the presence of orbicules in the atmosphere; however, direct observations have not yet been reported. The aim of this research was to provide the first direct evidence that Cupressaceae orbicules are released into the atmosphere by detecting them in daily aerobiological samples. We observed pollen sacs, pollen grains, and orbicules of nine species of Cupressaceae using scanning electron microscope (SEM). We then used a light and confocal microscope, to examine daily aerobiological samples. Under SEM, we measured the orbicule size (0.494–0.777 µm) and detected unknown nanometric particles (130–200 nm). Under the light microscope, aerobiological samples showed clusters of stained dots surrounding the pollen grains of Cupressaceae. Under the confocal microscope, the same clusters were resolved into submicron particles with the same autofluorescence as the pollen grains. These features enabled us to identify them as orbicules. We believe that our findings help to explain the onset of pollinosis and allergic asthma related to Cupressaceae pollen grains in many countries, even before pollen grains are actually detected or after they are no longer observed in aerobiological monitoring samples.     

Short-term prediction of Betula airborne pollen concentration in Vigo (NW Spain) using logistic additive models and partially linear models

Betula pollen is a common cause of pollinosis in localities in NW Spain and between 13% and 60% of individuals who are immunosensitive to pollen grains respond positively to its allergens. It is important in the case of all such people to be able to predict pollen concentrations in advance. We therefore undertook an aerobiological study in the city of Vigo (Pontevedra, Spain) from 1995 to 2001, using a Hirst active-impact pollen trap (VPPS 2000) situated in the city centre. Vigo presents a temperate maritime climate with a mean annual temperature of 14.9 °C and 1,412 mm annual total precipitation. This paper analyses two ways of quantifying the prediction of pollen concentration: first by means of a generalized additive regression model with the object of predicting whether the series of interest exceeds a certain threshold; second using a partially linear model to obtain specific prediction values for pollen grains. Both models use a self-explicative part and another formed by exogenous meteorological factors. The models were tested with data from 2001 (year in which the total precipitation registered was almost twice the climatological average overall during the flowering period), which were not used in formulating the models. A highly satisfactory classification and good forecasting results were achieved with the first and second approaches respectively. The estimated line taking into account temperature and a calm S–SW wind, corresponds to the real line recorded during 2001, which gives us an idea of the proposed models validity.     

Release of IL-4 and IL-5 from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells co-cultured with Japanese cedar pollen antigen in vitro

The Japanese cedar pollen (JCP) is a major allergen with respect to pollinosis in Japan. It is believed that interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-5 (IL-5) derived from lymphocytes and other cells play a pivotal role in allergic reactions. We investigated whether the JCP antigen stimulates the release of these cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). PBMCs from eight adults (five adults with JCP pollinosis and three adults without JCP pollinosis) were co-incubated with purified JCP antigens. IL-4 was released in response to JCP antigens in six of the eight subjects at 24 h and in three subjects at 48 h. IL-4 release at 24 h occurred in all five subjects with JCP pollinosis but in only one of the three subjects without pollinosis. IL-5 was released in response to the JCP antigen in five of the eight subjects at 24 h and 48 h, including four of the five subjects with JCP pollinosis and one of the three subjects without pollinosis. These results suggest that PBMCs were more likely to release IL-4 and IL-5 in the presence of JCP pollinosis.     

Outdoor and indoor pollen grains in sofia

For frequently two years a period of the range and quantity of pollen grains in the most inhabited rooms of each of 4 dwellings in Sofia was studied, together with the outdoors air pollen spectra. Changes in the health status of the inhabitants affected by pollinosis were recorded at the same time. The characteristic pollen taxa, pollen interference periods and the way sensitive patients were affected were evaluated.     

Development of a rice-based peptide vaccine for Japanese cedar and cypress pollen allergies

Peptide immunotherapy using dominant T-cell epitopes is a safe treatment alternative to conventional subcutaneous injection of natural crude allergen extract, which is sometimes accompanied by anaphylactic shock. For Japanese cedar pollinosis (JCP), hybrid peptides composed of six to seven major T-cell epitopes (7Crp peptide) from the causative allergens Cry j 1 and Cry j 2 have been developed on the basis of different human leukemia antigen class II restrictions, because of the diversity of patients’ genetic backgrounds. However, other dominant T-cell epitopes that are produced in some patients are not covered by these peptides. To develop a more universal peptide vaccine for JCP, we generated transgenic rice seeds containing seven new T-cell epitopes (Crp3) in addition to the T-cell epitopes used in the 7Crp peptide. Next, we co-expressed unique T-cell epitopes (6Chao) from the Japanese cypress pollen allergens Cha o 1 and Cha o 2 in transgenic rice seeds, with 7Crp and Crp3. These transgenic rice seeds, containing many highly homologous T-cell epitopes derived from cedar and cypress allergens, are expected to be applicable to a wide range of patients suffering from these pollen allergies.     

Trends and threshold exceedances analysis of airborne pollen concentrations in Metropolitan Santiago Chile

Pollen is one of the primary causes of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in urban centers. In the present study, the concentrations of 39 different pollens in the Santiago de Chile metropolitan area over the period 2009–2013 are characterized. The pollen was monitored daily using Burkard volumetric equipment. The contribution of each type of pollen and the corresponding time trends are evaluated. The concentrations of the pollens are compared with the established threshold levels for the protection of human health. The results show that the total amount of pollen grains originating from trees, grasses, weeds and indeterminate sources throughout the period of the study was 258,496 grains m-3, with an annual average of 51,699 ± 3,906 grains m-3 year-1. The primary source of pollen is Platanus orientalis, which produces 61.8% of the analyzed pollen. Grass pollen is the third primary component of the analyzed pollen, with a contribution of 5.82%. Among the weeds, the presence of Urticacea (3.74%) is remarkable. The pollination pattern of the trees is monophasic, and the grasses have a biphasic pattern. The trends indicate that the total pollen and tree pollen do not present a time trend that is statistically significant throughout the period of the study, whereas the grass pollen and weed pollen concentrations in the environment present a statistically significant decreasing trend. The cause of this decrease is unclear. The pollen load has doubled over the past decade. When the observed concentrations of the pollens were compared with the corresponding threshold levels, the results indicated that over the period of the study, the pollen concentrations were at moderate, high and very high levels for an average of 293 days per year. Systematic counts of the pollen grains are an essential method for diagnosing and treating patients with pollinosis and for developing forestation and urban planning strategies.