Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
08:05
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
[Asthma and allergy due to carmine dye]
Anales Del Sistema Sanitario De Navarra
|September 19, 2003
Summary
Occupational asthma and sensitization from carmine (E120) affect nearly half and over a fifth of workers, respectively. These findings highlight carmine as a significant occupational allergen requiring preventive measures.
Area of Science:
- Food science and toxicology
- Immunology
- Occupational health
Context:
- Cochineal carmine (E120), a natural red dye from insects, is widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
- Two workers were diagnosed with occupational asthma, prompting an investigation into carmine sensitization in a natural coloring factory.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the prevalence of sensitization and occupational asthma caused by carmine in a factory setting.
- To determine if carmine should be recognized as an occupational asthma-inducing agent.
Summary:
- The study found an accumulated incidence of 48.1% for sensitization and 18.5% for occupational asthma due to carmine.
- Occupational asthma from inhaled carmine is linked to arthropod protein particles acting as aeroallergens.
- The mechanism appears to be IgE-mediated, potentially involving high molecular weight allergens or low molecular weight haptens like carminic acid.
Impact:
- Carmine should be added to the list of agents causing occupational asthma.
- Preventive measures are mandatory in facilities handling carmine.
- Allergic reactions to carmine can occur via inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, manifesting as respiratory or alimentary allergies.
Related Concept Videos
02:06Allergic Reactions
Overview
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:30Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...