Lolium multiflorum grass is the major pollen allergen source in the southern region of Brazil, but most of its allergens remain poorly characterized. The aim of this study was to investigate antibody reactivity to L. multiflorum crude and carboxymethyl-ligand extracts in allergic patients and healthy individuals. Ion exchange carboxymethyl (CM) chromatography (CM-Sepharose) was used to isolate proteins (S2) from L. multiflorum crude extract (S1), which were assessed by SDS-PAGE. S1- and S2-specific IgE and IgG4 levels were measured by ELISA using sera from 55 atopic and 16 non-atopic subjects. Reactive polypeptide bands in S1 and S2 were detected by immunoblotting, and the most prominent bands in S2 were analyzed by mass spectrometry (MS-MS). Similar IgE and IgG4 levels were observed to both S1 (IgE median absorbance: 1.22; IgG4 median absorbance: 0.68) and S2 (IgE median absorbance: 1.26; IgG4 median absorbance: 0.85) in atopic subjects. S1 and S2 had positive correlations for IgE and IgG4 (IgE: r=0.9567; IgG4: r=0.9229; P<0.0001) levels. Homology between S1 and S2 was confirmed by IgE (84%) and IgG4 (83%) inhibition. Immunoblotting revealed that the 29-32 kDa band was recognized by 100% of atopic subjects in both S1 and S2. MS-MS analysis identified similarity profile to groups 1 and 5 grass allergens. This study revealed that carboxymethyl-ligand fraction played an important role for pollen allergy diagnosis by containing clinically relevant allergens and constituted a promising candidate for allergen-specific immunotherapy.

Este estudo teve por objetivo conhecer o perfil dos pacientes em tratamento contra o câncer da Unidade Oncológica de Anápolis quanto ao uso de plantas medicinais. Foram entrevistados 59 pacientes (42,12% da população estudada) por meio de questionários avaliativos enfatizando características sócio-demográficas e dados referentes à utilização de plantas medicinais. Evidenciou-se o uso indiscriminado de plantas medicinais entre os pacientes. A maioria dos entrevistados compartilha a opinião errônea de que plantas medicinais não fazem mal. A orientação sobre a forma de utilização das plantas ocorre, principalmente, pela informação de familiares ou amigos, e os profissionais da saúde muitas vezes são ignorados neste processo. Constatou-se que as plantas medicinais são utilizadas para o tratamento de enfermidades de baixa a alta gravidade, como o câncer. Dentre as 14 espécies usadas pelos pacientes com finalidade antineoplásica as mais mencionadas foram as popularmente conhecidas como noni, babosa, graviola e romã. Apesar de alguns estudos relatarem atividade antineoplásica ou quimiopreventiva para algumas espécies vegetais, muitas delas podem ser tóxicas ou apresentar potencial risco quando usadas concomitantemente ao tratamento convencional. Desta forma, observa-se que é preciso mais profissionais especializados para orientação sobre o risco de reações adversas e interações medicamentosas no que se refere ao uso de espécies vegetais e a terapêutica do câncer.

This study aims to survey the profile ofcancer patients in the Oncology Unit of Anápolis in relation to the use of medicinal plants. To evaluate socio-demographic characteristics and to retrieve data about on the use of medicinal plants, a questionnaire was filled by 59 patients, or 42.12% of the population under study. A widespread use of plants was found. Most of patients share the wrong idea that medicinal plants are not harmful. Guidance on the use of medicinal plants is given primarily by relatives and friends, and health professional are often ignored in this process. Among the 14 species used by patients with antineoplastic purpose, the most mentioned were popularly species known as "noni", "aloe", "soursop" and "pomegranate". Although some studies have reported chemopreventive or antineoplastic activity for some plant species, many may be toxic or show potential risk when used concurrently with conventional treatment. Thus, we can observe that there is a need for more specialized professionals for the guidance on the risk of adverse reactions and drug interactions in relation to the use of plant species and cancer therapeutics.