Aging is accompanied by a progressive decline in almost all functions of the immune system. To investigate a possible impact of age on IgE production, this study evaluated total and allergen-specific serum IgE levels in a large cohort of allergic patients. This study included 6,370 allergic patients (2,961 females, 3,409 males; mean age, 21.7 years; age range, 0-96 years). Total and allergen-specific serum IgE levels were measured by immunoenzymatic assay. The analysis of variance showed a significant difference (P<0.0001) in the mean value of total IgE among the different age groups of patients. Moreover, specific IgE levels for all allergens examined differed significantly among the age groups of patients (P<0.0001), with a specific trend pattern for each allergen. Total IgE increased with age, but allergen-specific IgE levels significantly decreased with age, with a trend specific for each allergen tested.
Aging ; Allergens ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Immune System ; Immunoglobulin E

BACKGROUND: Pollen allergy may be frequently associated with fruit-vegetables: the so-called pollen food syndrome. Pru p 3 is the most relevant peach allergen. Previously, it has been reported that serum specific IgE level to Pru p 3 depends on age in a limited geographic area. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to to test the hypothesis about the differences of Pru p 3 sensitization across Italy, mainly concerning the impact of age. METHODS: The current study was retrospective and multicentre, involving 2 labs in Northern Italy (709 subjects), 1 in Genoa (1,040 subjects), and 1 in Southern Italy (2,188 subjects). All of them referred to labs for IgE testing because of suspected food allergy. Serum IgE to Pru p 3 was assessed in all subjects. RESULTS: Sixteen point seven percent (16.7%) of subjects were sensitized to Pru p 3. Sensitization percentage sigificantly decreased over time. The serum IgE levels increased up to young adulthood and then decreased until aging. CONCLUSION: Our experience demonstrates that Pru p 3 sensitization and production are closely age-dependent phenomena.
Aging ; Food Hypersensitivity ; Immunoglobulin E ; Italy ; Pollen ; Prunus persica ; Retrospective Studies ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal