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A study on heterogeneity in water-soluble and non–water-soluble protein profiles of different species of Brassica pollen, seeds, and industrial flour for efficient allergy detection and immunotherapy has been lacking in India. The purpose of this study was to examine heterogeneity in the protein profile of antigenic extracts of different species of pollen, seeds, and seed flour of Brassica. A comparison of water-soluble and non–water-soluble protein profiles of seed extracts was studied. Water-soluble and non–water-soluble proteins were extracted, concentration was estimated by Lowry's method, and biochemical characterization by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was analyzed. Pollen from four species, four species of Brassica seeds comprising 25 varieties, and industrial seed flour were included for water-soluble studies, whereas four species of seeds were included for non–water-soluble protein extraction. Significant variation in protein content was observed among four different species of pollen, seeds, and industrial seed flour, respectively. No significant variation was observed in non–water-soluble extracts of four species or among water-soluble and non–water-soluble content of seeds. Heterogeneity in the protein profile of different species of pollen was not observed. However, variation in banding pattern of water-soluble as well as non–water-soluble protein extracts among four different species of seeds was observed. Interestingly, the industrial seed flour also showed a rich protein banding pattern. Variation in protein content as well as protein profile among different species of seeds of Brassica is recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2004 the World Allergy Organization’s Specialty and Training Council conducted a survey of World Allergy Organization (WAO) member societies to obtain information about the status of the specialty of allergy worldwide. Responses were received from 33 countries, representing a population of 1.39 billion people, of whom it was estimated that 22% may suffer from some form of allergic disease. Allergy was reported by 23 respondents to be a certified or accredited specialty in their country, and the number of certified allergists per head of population ranged from 1:25 million to 1:16,000. Allergists were ranked as the fifth most likely clinicians to see cases of allergic asthma, third most likely to see allergic rhinitis, and fourth most likely to see eczema or sinusitis. Nine countries only reported that children with allergic diseases would be seen by a pediatrician with appropriate training. The survey results highlight a pressing need for the development of allergy services worldwide. Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]