Λεξικό .. Carmine

Carmine

Carmine(E120) is a natural dye derived from the dried bodies of females of the insect Dactylopius coccus var. Costa (cochineal) . Carmine is widely used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutic, food, and dyeing industries. Hypersensitivity to carmine (E120) has been identified as a cause of food intolerance and occupational asthma. Although it has been reported that inhalation of carmine may give rise to occupational asthma and extrinsic allergic alveolitis, there is little evidence of its immunogenic capacity[4]. A few cases of occupational asthma, extrinsic allergic alveolitis, and food allergy to carmine have been reported. Quirce S, et al, 1994  investigating occupational asthma at a factory making natural dyes they suggest from their findings that carmine may induce immunologic responses, most likely IgE mediated in workers with symptoms of occupational asthma[3]. We have identified three allergens of around 17, 28, and 50 kD implicated in occupational asthma of three carmine workers[2]. Carmine proteins can induce IgE-mediated food allergy and occupational asthma in workers using products where its presence could be easily overlooked, as well as in dye manufacture workers[1]. Due to its widespread use in the food and cosmetic industry, carmine should be tested in the allergy work-up in case of allergic reactions after a drink or a meal[5]. Carmine allergens are poorly defined; in general, proteins from cochineal not removed by the extraction process are considered as the main allergens in carmine[6].

References

1. Acero S, et al : Occupational asthma and food allergy due to carmine. Allergy 1998 Sep;53(9):897-901

2. Lizaso MT, et al: Identification of allergens involved in occupational asthma due to carmine dye. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2000 May;84(5):549-52

3. Quirce S, et al: Occupational asthma and immunologic responses induced by inhaled carmine among employees at a factory making natural dyes. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1994 Jan;93(1 Pt 1):44-52

4. Tabar S et al: Occupational asthma and food allergy due to carmine. Allergy 1998:53:897-901.

5. Wüthrich B, et al: Anaphylactic reactions to ingested carmine (E120). Allergy 1997 Nov;52(11):1133-7
6. Ferrer A, Marco FM, Andreu C, Sempere JM. Occupational asthma to carmine in a butcher. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2005 Nov;138(3):243-50. Epub 2005 Oct 6