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Selected Publication:
Tomazic, P.
Nasal Mucus Proteome and its Involvement in Allergic Rhinitis
PhD-Studium (Doctor of Philosophy); Humanmedizin; [ Dissertation ] Graz Medical University; 2016. pp.
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- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Advisor:
- Birner-Grünberger Ruth
- Heinemann Akos
- Lang-Loidolt Doris
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- Abstract:
- Background: Nasal mucus is the first line defense barrier against (aero-) allergens. Its proteome and function is not clearly investigated yet. Objective: The role of nasal mucus in pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis was investigated by analyzing its proteome in allergic rhinitis patients and healthy controls in as well as out of pollen season. Methods: Nasal mucus was collected with a suction device, tryptically digested and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Proteins were identified by searching the SwissProt database and annotated by collecting gene ontology data from databases and existing literature. Gene enrichment analysis was performed by Cytoscape/BINGO software tools. Proteins were quantified using spectral counting or areas under the curve and selected proteins were confirmed by Western blotting. Results: In total 430 proteins were identified where 430 were present in allergic rhinitis patients and 372 proteins were found in healthy controls. In pollen season 10 proteins were significantly more abundant in allergic rhinitis patients than in healthy controls. These were complement C4-B (C4B), alpha-1-acid glycoprotein 2 (ORM2), and phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP), which were not detected in HC at all; as well as alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M, 13.2-fold), apolipoprotein A-II (APOA2, 9.4-fold), vitamin D-binding protein (GC, 4.6-fold), complement C3 (C3, 3.6-fold), apolipoprotein A-I (APOA1, 3.6-fold), BPI fold-containing family B member 2 (BPIFB2, 2.9-fold) and clusterin (CLU, 2.6-fold). Conclusion: Contrary to their symptom pattern, allergic rhinitis patients show an increased inflammatory response in their nasal mucus proteome even out of pollen season. In combination with reduced defense mechanisms and an increase in inflammation in season, the nasal mucus proteome of allergic subjects reflects a decreased plasticity and thus inadequate reaction to allergen stress as compared to healthy controls.