The biochemical analysis
The analyzed parameters of CBC were within the recommended values, and no statistically significant differences were observed between both analyzed groups, except for a higher level of neutrophils and lymphocytes in allergic patients (Table 1). An increased number of neutrophils usually is present in symptomatic individuals with allergic diseases(22) (23). A higher level of lymphocytes is related to increased activation of Th2 lymphocytes, which exacerbates the secretion of cytokines responsible for IgE production - mainly IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. In turn, increased IgE synthesis is a reason for inflammation in allergy and asthma (24). In this study, patients with grass pollen allergy have higher IgE levels than healthy volunteers; however, in both groups, the IgE concentration was within the recommended level. It corresponds with the clinical practice, which shows that in the diagnosis of grass pollen allergy, the determination of total IgE is only one of the tests that are performed together with other clinical tests (e.g., skin prick tests, bronchial, intranasal, conjunctival provocation tests) (25).
Table 1. Anthropometric and biochemical characteristics in the study and control group
Table 1. Anthropometric and biochemical characteristics in the study and control group
The analysis of total IgE with CBC parameters showed a positive correlation with platelet levels (Table 2). Platelets play a potential role in immune-mediated responses to allergy because they release mediators (e.g., platelet-activating factor – PAF) that can be recognized by other cell types, such as endothelial cells, macrophages, T lymphocytes, neutrophils, and mast cells (26). PAF is a mediator that acts as a potent activator of human eosinophils (21) and can mimic the allergic induction of leukocyte-dependent histamine release from platelets (27) (28). Therefore, the positive correlation between IgE and PLT levels reflects the relation between both parameters, primarily since PLT can interact with immune cells and increase immune mediators (29). Platelets are a rich source of spasmogens and mediators, stimulating leucocyte activation and recruitment in allergy and asthma. PLT isolated from allergic donors express both the high and the low-affinity IgE receptors on their surface, and after contact with antigens (allergens), stimulate the inflammatory various pro0inflammatory mediators. Simulation of the high-affinity IgE receptor can cause platelet chemotaxis characterized by mild hemostatic defect rather than an increased incidence of thrombosis (30).
Table 2
The correlation between IgE and biochemical and nutritional parameters – please insert here
Spearman correlation between the concentration of total IgE and biochemical or nutritional parameters
|
Spearman correlation
|
Coefficient RS
|
P velue
|
total IgE and WBC
|
-0,1212
|
0,5234
|
total IgE and lymphocytes
|
0,0274
|
0,8855
|
total IgE and eosinophils
|
0,1245
|
0,5120
|
total IgE and PLT
|
-0,4902
|
0,0060
|
total IgE and CRP
|
0,0550
|
0,7728
|
total IgE and ESR
|
0,0970
|
0,6102
|
total IgE and PUFA intake
|
0,1752
|
0,3545
|
total IgE and omega-3
|
0,0698
|
0,7138
|
total IgE and zinc intake
|
-0,4720
|
0,0084
|
IgE – immunoglobulin E; WBC – white blood cells, PLT – platelets; CRP – C-reactive protein; ESR – erythrocyte sedimentation rate; PUFA – polyunsaturated fatty acids
|
Table 2. The correlation between IgE and biochemical and nutritional parameters – please insert here
Dietary analysis
Recent data highlight the role of nutrients, such as dietary minerals (including macro- and micro-/trace elements), in the immune response (6) (7) (8). Therefore, we decided to analyze the diet by assessing the level of macronutrients and minerals consumption in the group of patients with grass pollen allergy and healthy volunteers, considering the current nutritional standards for the Polish population and WHO recommendations (21).
The analysis of daily food rations showed that the energy value of the diet in patients with grass pollen allergy and the control group was comparable. Unfortunately, the food rations were poorly balanced (Table 3). According to the dietary recommendations, the amount of energy derived from protein should not exceed 10–15% of energy intake; however, in this study, the protein intake was higher in allergic patients (WHO recommendation) (21). The Institute of Medicine, in turn, suggests that a high-protein diet is characterized by an intake of more than 35% of energy from protein. Such protein amount is based on the acceptable macronutrient distribution range (AMDR), set at 10–35% of total energy intake (31). The percentage of carbohydrate intake in allergic patients and the control group did not achieve the recommended minimum of 400 grams/day (55–75% of the total energy) and was associated with a high fat intake, which exceeded the recommended 15–30% of the daily energy supply in the analyzed diets (21) (32) (33).
Table 3. Nutritional analysis of daily food rations in grass pollen allergy patients and control group
* non-parametric Wilcoxon test; SD –standard deviation, Me – median, – QD – quartile deviation, SFA –Saturated Fatty Acids, MUFA – Monounsaturated Fatty Acids, PUFA –Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids), n-3 PUFA – polyunsaturated fatty acids, n-6 PUFA – n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids; Ca – calcium; P – phosphorus;
Table 3. Nutritional analysis of daily food rations in grass pollen allergy patients and control group – please insert here
Despite many unsolved problems and clinical questions, it is increasingly apparent that dietary intake of fatty acids may influence the development of inflammatory and tolerogenic immune responses (34). One is saturated fatty acids (SFA), which were supplied in high amounts and exceeded the recommended 10% of total energy intake in the allergic group(35) (36). Unfortunately, the SFA consumption was higher in allergic patients. Excessive SFA increases the risk of improper immune system activation in the respiratory tract. The immune stimulation is initiated by adipose tissue macrophages, which release pro-inflammatory mediators (such as TNFα and IL-6). Moreover, SFA activates the domain-like protein receptor 3, which affects the release of IL-1β (a marker of inflammation) and increases granulocytosis in the respiratory tract (37).
Other fatty acids that have a crucial influence on the immune system are mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFA and PUFA), which were within the reference range and comparable in both the allergic group and healthy control (reference range 10–14% and 6–10% of total energy intake, respectively) (21). It is beneficial, particularly that the low levels of long-chain PUFA (LC-PUFA) influence the development of allergic processes (e.g., asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic inflammation) in infants and young children (38). Moreover, n-3 and n-6 fatty acids belong to PUFA and are critical in allergic mechanisms.
The consumption of n-3 fatty acids was within the reference norms (1–2% of total energy). However, available data on the amount of PUFA in the diet are still being established, as most data available relate to their intake and effects in infants and children. Studies in adults showed that three weeks of dietary omega-3 supplementation does not provide the available beneficial impact in the short-term treatment of asthma and does not improve a test for bronchial hyperresponsiveness to mannitol or decrease sputum eosinophil counts (9). However, such short supplementation might not be sufficient to reduce the inflammatory state of chronic disease. Nevertheless, n-3 LCPUFA (mainly eicosapentaenoic acid - EPA and docosahexaenoic acid - DHA) reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-13 by decreasing reactive oxygen species levels (39). EPA and DHA target specific receptors or signaling cascades, act as eicosanoid precursors, and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties (40). Thus, since n-3 PUFAs regulate the immune system, their proper participation in the analyzed diets can be considered beneficial.
Fish and fish oils are sources of long-chain n-3 PUFA, and these fatty acids oppose the unbeneficial effect of high consumption of n-6 PUFA (41). In this study, n-6 acids were supplied in 4.35% of the energy intake in allergic patients and 4,07% in the control group. Nevertheless, their amount was lower than the recommended 5–8% of the total energy supply. Recent epidemiological and cross-sectional evidence suggests that an unbalanced high intake of n-6 PUFA (e.g., linoleic acid – LA) may contribute to the incidence of allergic sensitization and asthma (reviewed in (41) (42). Fortunately, the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in our study was about 3/1. Compared to a Western diet, this ratio varies from 15/1 to 16/1. Thus, the analyzed ratio in allergic patients is advantageous, considering the role of these fatty acids in the autoimmune processes. It was proved that a ratio of 5/1 and lower positively affects patients with asthma, while a ratio of 10/1 causes adverse consequences (exacerbates inflammatory state) (43).
In allergic and atopic processes, dietary minerals (e.g., calcium, zinc, selenium) play an important role in their development. The analysis of dietary intake of macro and microelements showed statistically significant differences between the analyzed grass pollen allergy patients and the control group. Higher sodium, phosphorus, and copper and a lower calcium and magnesium intake were observed in allergic patients compared to the control group.
The detailed analysis has shown that the dietary sodium exceeded the adequate intake of 1500 mg/day and was higher in allergic patients. Potassium intake was lower than recommended AI = 4700 mg/day. Low potassium and high sodium increase the risk of hypertension development (44). Moreover, insufficient calcium intake (which was lower than AI = 1000 mg/day) and high phosphorus amount (exceeding the recommended 700 mg/day) were observed in both analyzed groups. In most Western diets, dietary phosphorus overload is due to the high amount of processed food intake, which is rich in phosphate additives(45) (46). Phosphorus overconsumption can result in increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion, which leads to bone loss/resorption, and these adverse effects increase when dietary calcium intake is low (47). Moreover, some allergic conditions, such as childhood eczema and milk allergy, are associated with significantly lower calcium intake(11) (48). Animal studies proved that proper calcium consumption reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α - TNF-α, and IL-6 in obese mice (49). Additionally, casein and whey protein in milk products reveal anti-inflammatory effects and beneficially modulate immune response (12). Thus, low calcium intake in allergic patients could cause worsening of allergic symptoms, particularly during the allergic season.
Magnesium is another macro-mineral important in the immune function, which regulates leukocyte activation and modulates the stimulation of peripheral blood neutrophils and eosinophils in patients with eosinophilia (16) (17). Thus, proper magnesium intake in both analyzed groups can be an important component that might prevent stimulation or exacerbation of clinical symptoms in allergic patients.
For proper immune function, it is necessary to have adequate micronutrient intake. One of them is zinc. The low concentration of this microelement in the serum in asthma patients correlates with the disease's severity (13). Adequate zinc level regulates hyperresponsive immune reactions by diminishing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory Th17 and Th9 cells and reveals antioxidant properties (8) (14) (15). Fortunately, in this study, the average zinc consumption slightly exceeded the recommended values of RDA in allergic patients and the control group. Moreover, a negative correlation between total IgE level and zinc intake was observed (Table 2), which confirms that this microelement should be considered in nutritional recommendations for grass pollen allergies.
Another microelement is copper, whose intake was higher than RDA (0.9 mg/day), particularly in the group with a grass allergy. Copper plays a crucial role in inflammatory response as a free-radical scavenger (8), and maintains intracellular antioxidant balance (43); however, taken in excess reveals cellular toxicity due to its redox properties and ability to disrupt active sites of metalloproteins (18). Thus, copper excess may exacerbate allergic response, and its consumption should be reduced in patients with grass pollen allergy.
In summary, this research shows that nutritional factors can potentially be associated with developing allergic processes. A similar conclusion is in line with research by Han et al., who determined that none of the analyzed macronutrients of the diet, fatty acids or minerals, is exclusively associated with asthma or allergies, but a well-balanced diet is more crucial in diminishing allergic symptoms (50). Thus, dietary interventions based on detailed analysis of the whole diet, including basic nutrients and essential components as well as macro- and micronutrient intakes, are advisable to prevent allergic processes. The analyzed data in this study indicates the need to modify and maintain a properly balanced diet, particularly in allergic patients. Despite small groups in numbers, the presented data allow us to show the dietary insufficiencies and excess of specific components and show in which direction nutritional modifications should be made. Nevertheless, large groups are needed to confirm the revealed tendencies and to create nutritional recommendations for allergic patients in the Polish population.