title: Analytic investigations on protein content in refined seed oils: implications in food allergy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A number of scientific reports have investigated the possible implications of refined seed oils in allergic reactions, resulting in conflicting points of view. Also the total amount of residual proteins after refinement is still a matter of debate. Nevertheless, seed oils are now blamed as possible cause of allergic reactions.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the true amount of proteins after oil refinement and to shed new lights on allergenic properties of refined seed oils.
  
  
  METHODS
  We optimized a protein extraction procedure on several commercial refined seed oils. Both colorimetric and amino acid analysis were used to measure residual protein content. SDS-PAGE was also used for characterizations of protein band patterns. Sensitized child patients sera were tested by Western blot on PAGE-resolved proteins.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our extraction method proved to be effective and reproducible. Amino acid analysis resulted more accurate in determining the protein content with respect to colorimetric methods, indicating a higher protein content than that previously reported. IgE responsive residual proteins were found in peanut oil extracts.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our preliminary data suggest that fully refined seed oils should be taken into account in the context of allergic reactions and would benefit of further toxicological studies.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Firenze, Italy.
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ramazzotti
authors.forename: Nadia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mulinacci
authors.forename: Luigia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pazzagli
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moriondo
authors.forename: Giampaolo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Manao
authors.forename: Franco Francesco
authors.initials: FF
authors.lastname: Vincieri
authors.forename: Donatella
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Degl'Innocenti