Analytic investigations on protein content in refined seed oils: implications in food allergy.
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.
Ramazzotti
Matteo
M
Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Firenze, Italy.
Mulinacci
Nadia
N
Pazzagli
Luigia
L
Moriondo
Maria
M
Manao
Giampaolo
G
Vincieri
Franco Francesco
FF
Degl'Innocenti
Donatella
D