Qualitative analysis of protein antigen in bird exposed asthma patients by high-performance liquid chromatography method

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic disease that affects large number of people worldwide. In urban areas, asthmatic people are getting exposed to pigeon antigen (droppings and feathers) around the workplace and domestic areas. The present study was conducted to the determination of MUC1 protein in the blood of pigeon-exposed asthmatic patients by the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study of 108 pigeon-exposed asthma patients. We enrolled 17 asthmatic patients for detection of MUC1 expression in their serum sample who were atopic and skin prick testing positive for pigeon antigens (droppings and feathers). The MUC1 analysis was done with HPLC method. RESULTS: A total of 17 asthmatic patients were enrolled on the basis of the history of pigeon exposure and positive skin prick test for pigeon's feather and dropping allergens including 9 males and 8 females, the average age of the study candidates was 28.8 ± 10.1 years. MUC1 concentration was raised in all of the asthmatic patients exposed to pigeons. The MUC1 was upregulated in 15 and downregulated in 2 patients. A higher concentration of MUC1 was seen in younger patients. CONCLUSION: Pigeon droppings and feathers allergen exposed and sensitivity showed the higher MUC1 expression in serum in asthma patients. The concentration of MUC1 was higher in the younger age group. The HPLC method was easier and economical for the detection of MUC1.