Identification of allergenic proteins from Tilia cordata

There are a lot of environmental allergenic factors such as pollens, fungal spores, house dust mites, some foods and drinks. Although these factors are harmless for most people, they can cause hypersensitivity for some individual. This sensitivity is calling ''allergy''. Allergens generally has a protein, after Charles Blackey's discovery in 1873 that pollens cause allergic diseases, it has been established that pollen play an important role in allergic diseases. The allergenic properties of pollen are due to the glycoprotein, lipoprotein polysaccharide and proteins found in the exine and intin layers. In this study we investigated the allergenic proteins extracted form T. cordata (small-leaved linden) pollen samples collected from Gaziantep region during pollen dissemination period. The morphology of T. cordata pollen was determined by examining the slides prepared using the Wodehouse method under an inverted microscope and images of pollen were captured. Total concentrations of the potentially allergenic proteins in the prepared pollen extracts of T. cordata were determined using the BCA method. In addition, the SDS-PAGE was used to separate the proteins of T. cordata according to their molecular weights, and the proteins were visualized using silver staining. According to our results, T. cordata may cause allergic reactions, and that further comprehensive studies are needed. The determination of allergen proteins is very important in terms of making the correct diagnosis, as it constitutes the first step of diagnosis and treatment in allergic diseases. Key Words: Allergy, Allergen, Pollen, T. cordata, pollen Allergy