The impact of age on Pru p 3 IgE production in Italy.
BACKGROUND
Pollen allergy may be frequently associated with fruit-vegetables: the so-called pollen food syndrome. Pru p 3 is the most relevant peach allergen. Previously, it has been reported that serum specific IgE level to Pru p 3 depends on age in a limited geographic area.


OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to to test the hypothesis about the differences of Pru p 3 sensitization across Italy, mainly concerning the impact of age.


METHODS
The current study was retrospective and multicentre, involving 2 labs in Northern Italy (709 subjects), 1 in Genoa (1,040 subjects), and 1 in Southern Italy (2,188 subjects). All of them referred to labs for IgE testing because of suspected food allergy. Serum IgE to Pru p 3 was assessed in all subjects.


RESULTS
Sixteen point seven percent (16.7%) of subjects were sensitized to Pru p 3. Sensitization percentage sigificantly decreased over time. The serum IgE levels increased up to young adulthood and then decreased until aging.


CONCLUSIONS
Our experience demonstrates that Pru p 3 sensitization and production are closely age-dependent phenomena.
Allergy and Laboratory Medicine Department, IRCCS-AOU San Martino-IST, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
Giorgio
G
Ciprandi
Department of Pediatrics, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
Mara
M
De Amici
Allergy Lab, Internal Medicine II Unit, AOU Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy.
Maria Luisa
ML
Di Martino
Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine, AO G. Salvini, 20024, Garbagnate Milanese (MI), Italy.
Fiorella
F
Barocci
Allergy and Laboratory Medicine Department, IRCCS-AOU San Martino-IST, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
Paola
P
Comite
Age; Italy; Lipid transfer protein; Pru p 3; Sensitization