Amaranthus species around Bangkok, Thailand and the release of allergenic proteins from their pollens.
BACKGROUND
Pollen of Amaranthus L., commonly known as careless weed or Phak-khom in Thai, has become one of the major causes of airway allergy in many countries including Thailand. Despite its recognized importance, there is no available information about which Amaranthus species are producing allergenic pollen more likely to affect Thai patients. Furthermore, only allergenic proteins released from pollen can cause allergy.


OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to survey species of Amaranthus found in Bangkok and to investigate the impact of water on pollen damage and protein release from Amaranthus pollens.


METHODS
Amaranthus inflorescences were sampled and identified using the identification key provided in "Flora of Thailand". Shed pollens were collected on day 1, 3 and 7 after shedding. Ten mg of pollens in distilled water including damaged pollens were counted under a light microscope. In addition, supernatant was analyzed for concentration of proteins released from pollens using Bradford's assay. Profiles of released proteins and IgE binding proteins were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot.


RESULTS
Three species of Amaranthus-A. hybridus, A. spinosus, and A. viridis were identified. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed at least twelve protein bands with MW ranging from 10 to 80 kDa. Water caused more damage to pollens and higher amount of proteins were recovered from pollens 1 day after shedding than from 3- and 7-days old pollens. The results of Western blot showed IgE-bound proteins with MW ranging from 30 to 50 kDa.


CONCLUSIONS
Water could damage pollens and time after shedding and significantly affected the amount of allergenic proteins released from pollen.
M.Sc. Programme in Plant Science, Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand.
Umaporn
U
Siriwattanakul
Surapon
S
Piboonpocanun
Paweena
P
Traiperm
Aussanee
A
Pichakam
Wisuwat
W
Songnuan
D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D027721:Amaranthus / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D011058:Pollen / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D013785:Thailand; D013997:Time Factors; D014504:Urban Health; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
D000485:Allergens; D015415:Biomarkers; D010940:Plant Proteins; D014867:Water; D007073:Immunoglobulin E