[Mechanisms and risk factors for type 1 food allergies: the role of gastric digestion]

Wien Med Wochenschr. 2012 Dec;162(23-24):513-8. doi: 10.1007/s10354-012-0154-4. Epub 2012 Nov 19.
[Article in German]

Abstract

True food allergens are considered as digestion stable proteins, which are absorbed through the gastrointestinal epithelium in an intact form leading to sensitization and causing systemic symptoms. According to classifications, allergens, which are digestion-labile, cause local symptoms by their cross-reactivity towards inhalative allergens. Our recent studies revealed that digestion labile allergens can also have sensitizing capacity if gastric digestion is hindered. The increase of gastric pH via acid-suppression by proton pump inhibitors, sucralfate or antacids, interferes with protein digestion, and leads to sensitization and allergic reaction in mouse models as well as in human patients. Furthermore, the inhibition of digestion increases the risk for anaphylactic responses in sensitized individuals.Even though also other factors, such as sphingolipid metabolites, are associated with the development of food allergies, it is without any doubt that the stomach has an important gate keeping function against food allergies.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / immunology*
  • Anaphylaxis / physiopathology
  • Animals
  • Antacids / administration & dosage
  • Antacids / adverse effects
  • Anti-Ulcer Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Ulcer Agents / adverse effects
  • Cross Reactions
  • Dietary Proteins / immunology
  • Dietary Proteins / metabolism
  • Digestion / physiology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Food Hypersensitivity / physiopathology*
  • Gastric Acid / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / physiopathology*
  • Mice
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Risk Factors
  • Sphingolipids / metabolism
  • Sucralfate / administration & dosage
  • Sucralfate / adverse effects

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Antacids
  • Anti-Ulcer Agents
  • Dietary Proteins
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors
  • Sphingolipids
  • Sucralfate