Exposure of rye (Secale cereale) cultivars to elevated ozone levels increases the allergen content in pollen.

摘要

The increase of air pollution because of climate change and global warming represents a major challenge for humankind in this century. Changes in climate and air pollution have also been suggested to be potential factors behind the increasing prevalence of allergic diseases. In this context, it has been shown that particular matter (eg, diesel exhaust particles) can act as carriers and adjuvant for allergens, thereby enhancing the allergic immune response and promoting airway inflammation.2 Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that rising concentrations of CO2 increase the production of ragweed pollen and their major allergen contents.3 Environmental effects caused by the air pollutant ozone (O3) may occur at 2 levels.