[Incidence of sensitization to profilin in a population allergic to pollen: responsibility of profilin in pollen polysensitizations in patients with a normal level of total IgE].
The study had the aim of establishing the incidence of sensitization to profilin (a panallergen found in pollens and foods of vegetal origin) in pollen-allergic patients. We evaluated the consequences of such sensitizations on the results of specific IgE, the positivity of skin tests and clinical signs.


METHODS
94 consenting patients, allergic to pollens (trees and/or grasses and/or weeds) replied to a questionnaire and had skin tests to purified profilin and measurement of serum anti-profilin IgE.


RESULTS
Two groups were defined: one group was sensitized to profilin (GSP), with positive skin test and anti profilin IgE of 31 patients, and a group non-sensitive to profilin (GNSP) (negative skin test and anti-profilin IgE) of 41 patients. Discordant results were found in 22 patients. Taking in account the two groups, sensitization to profilin was 43%. The two groups were homogenous for age, sex, ethnics and clinical signs. Food allergy was more frequent but not statistically different (p = 0.09) in the group GSP (51.6%) than the GNSP (31.7%), in particular allergy to fruits of the Rosaceae family. Pollen polysensitization (to three species, trees, weeds and grasses) was more frequent in the GSP group (64.5%) than the GNSP (12.5). Polysensitization to pollens and foods was also more frequent in the sensitized group (65.5%) than in the non-sensitized group (12.5%). In a sub-group with normal levels of total IgE pollen polysensitization was more frequent in patients who were sensitive to profilin. On biological investigation, sensitization to profilin influenced the result of anti-latex IgE and also the IgE to many vegetal allergens. These results show the value of seeking a sensitization to profilin in patients with pollinoses.
Dubost
R
R
Laboratoire de Biochimie, Hôpital Louis Pradel, Lyon-Montchat, France.
Ruet
N
N
Deviller
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology; D003285:Contractile Proteins; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis*; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008840:Microfilament Proteins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011058:Pollen; D051304:Profilins; D012882:Skin Tests
D000485:Allergens; D003285:Contractile Proteins; D008840:Microfilament Proteins; D010940:Plant Proteins; D051304:Profilins; D007073:Immunoglobulin E