FICUS ENZYMES. I. SEPARATION OF THE PROTEOLYTIC ENZYMES OF FICUS CARICA AND FICUS GLABRATA LATICES.
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Chromatography↗
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Serum reactivity to other indoor ficus plants in patients with allergy to weeping fig (Ficus benjamina).
Ornamental plants have long been used for indoor decoration. An example is the india rubber tree (Ficus elastica). With the increased popularity of green plants, both in private homes and public premises, small-leaf species, such as weeping fig or Ficus benjamina (Fb), have become widely used. Exposure to dust from Fb may cause sensitization and allergic airway symptoms, which among occupationally exposed plant keepers occur both in atopics and non-atopics. The serum reactivity to sap extracts from Fb and seven other indoor plants of the genus Ficus were investigated with RAST and a RAST inhibition technique, using sera from 12 atopic subjects and 12 plant keepers, sensitized to Fb. The allergenic similarity between the different extracts was found to be extensive. The specific IgE antibodies with the highest concentrations in serum were those against Fb and its variegate form, "star light", with decreasing values for the other species, especially those with larger leaves. The binding of IgE antibodies to the other Ficus RAST discs could be completely inhibited by extract of Fb. These reactions were probably due to cross-reactivity. Sensitization is believed to occur by inhalation of allergen-enriched dust, emanating from the leaves of the plants. The high allergenic potency of the species with many small leaves may be due to their large total leaf area.
Allergens↗
The micromorphology and protein characterization of rubber particles in Ficus carica, Ficus benghalensis and Hevea brasiliensis.
Rubber biosynthesis takes place on the surface of rubber particles. These particles are surrounded by a monolayer membrane in which the rubber transferase is anchored. In order to gain better insight into whether rubber particles from different plant species share common structural characteristics, the micromorphology of rubber particles from Ficus carica, Ficus benghalensis, and Hevea brasiliensis was examined by electron microscopy. Rubber particles of all three species were spherical in shape, and the size of rubber particles of H. brasiliensis was much smaller than those of F. carica and F. benghalensis. In addition, investigations were undertaken to compare the cross-reactivity of the antibody raised against either the H. brasiliensis small rubber particle protein (SRPP) which is suggested to be involved in rubber biosynthesis, or the cis-prenyltransferase (CPT) which has an activity similar to rubber transferase. Both western analysis and TEM-immunogold labelling studies showed that rubber particles of F. carica and F. benghalensis do not contain the SRPP. None of the rubber particles in F. carica, F. benghalensis and H. brasiliensis contained the CPT, suggesting that the CPT itself could not catalyse the formation of high molecular weight rubber. These results indicate that rubber particles in the three different plant species investigated share some degree of similarity in architecture, and that the SRPP and CPT themselves are not the core proteins necessary for rubber biosynthesis.
Blotting, Western↗
Four new compounds, ficusal, ficusesquilignan A, B, and ficusolide diacetate from the heartwood of Ficus microcarpa.
Three new lignans, ficusal (1) and ficusesquilignans A (2), B (3) and one new gamma-lactone, ficusolide diacetate (4), were isolated from the wood of Ficus microcarpa L.f. Their structures were determined by spectral evidence.
Benzopyrans↗
A nervous disorder in cattle, caused by the plants Ficus ingens var. ingens and Ficus cordata subsp. salicifolia.
Two outbreaks of neurotoxicoses are reported in cattle browsing on the leaves of Ficus spp. In the first outbreak, three animals died and one became ill. A sheep developed severe nervous signs, including tetanic spasms, when dosed with the leaves of Ficus ingens var. ingens from the toxic camp where the cattle had died. The second outbreak resulted in the death of 12 heifers within 48 h of ingestion of the leaves of F. cordata subsp. salicifolia. Clinical signs included hyperaesthesia, ataxia, muscle tremors and padding motions while in lateral recumbency. Similar signs were reproduced by drenching the incriminated leaves to a steer. The sheep dosed with F. ingens var. ingens and two cattle, one of which had died during the second outbreak and the steer drenched with F. cordata subsp. salicifolia, were necropsied. Light microscopical examination consistently revealed oedema of the central nervous system. In the steer, focal demyelination was evident in localized areas of the brain and spinal cord. Liver lesions ranged from mild degeneration to focal disseminated necrosis of hepatocytes.
Animals↗
FICUS ENZYMES. II. PROPERTIES OF THE PROTEOLYTIC ENZYMES FROM THE LATEX OF FICUS CARICA VARIETY KADOTA.
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Amides↗
The relationship of the post-absorptive state to the hypoglycemic action studies on Ficus bengalensis and Ficus glomerata.
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Animals↗
[Anaphylactic reaction to Ficus benjamina (weeping fig)].
Ficus benjamina (weeping fig) is a widespread indoor ornamental plant. Allergens of Ficus benjamina are a well-known cause of IgE-mediated respiratory diseases. We treated a 32-year-old female who for 10 years had suffered from perennial rhinoconjunctivitis. When dusting her 2 meter high Ficus benjamina, she developed an anaphylactic reaction which resolved without sequelae. Skin prick testing revealed a strong immediate type reaction to a Ficus extract, the serum concentration of specific IgE-antibodies to Ficus was > 100 kU/I (CAP class 6). In view of these strong test reactions and the conclusive history, no challenge tests with Ficus allergens were performed. After removal of the Ficus plants which she had owned for 17 years and after thorough cleaning of her dwelling, the patient's symptoms of perennial rhinoconjunctivitis stopped. The patient also was sensitized to, but not allergic to natural rubber latex, which occurs frequently in Ficus allergy and probably is due to cross reactivity to allergens from both sources. As Ficus benjamina is an important source of indoor allergens, it should not be used in dwellings or work places.
Adult↗
Hypersensitivity to latex and Ficus benjamina allergens.
BACKGROUND: Association between allergy to Ficus benjamina and Hevea brasiliensis, two botanically unrelated plants, was suspected in consequence of two clinical observations. Symptoms were rhinitis and asthma. This study was undertaken to assess the in vivo and in vitro cross-reactivity between Ficus benjamina and Hevea brasiliensis allergens. METHODS: The two patients were asked about use and contact with latex devices and relationship between symptoms and Ficus benjamina exposure. Skin prick tests were performed with Ficus benjamina, Hevea brasiliensis extracts and common allergens. Double-blind nasal and bronchial challenge tests were done using the rinse fluid from a brand of latex gloves. Total and specific IgE antibodies to Ficus benjamina and Hevea brasiliensis were determined. In vitro cross-reactivity was investigated by means of CAP RAST and immunodot inhibition experiments. RESULTS: We observed that for the first patient the primary phenomenon is probably allergy to latex followed by allergy to Ficus benjamina. For the second patient, allergy to Ficus benjamina was diagnosed (improvement related to the avoidance of exposure to Ficus benjamina allergens) and positivity to latex skin prick tests may be due to the cross-reacting allergens. In vitro assays showed specific IgE antibodies to both allergens and cross-reactivity was confirmed in the two cases by reciprocal inhibition of the two extracts. CONCLUSION: The increasing risk of sensitization to widely used latex devices and extensive exposure to Ficus species in households and offices indicates increased allergenic risk from this newly recognized cross-reactivity.
Adult↗
Stabilization of palm oils by using Ficus exasperata leaves in local processing methods.
This work was done to ascertain the efficacy of the local use of Ficus exasperata leaves in processing palm oils to improve and stabilize the quality. Palm oils were obtained from the ripe fruits of Elaeis guineensis and Elaeis guineensis var virescens, including Ficus exasperata leaves in the traditional processing procedures--cooking and soaking the fruits in water. Phytochemical analysis of the Ficus leaves and the oils were performed. The quality of the oils were assessed in terms of saponification, acid and peroxide values, and free fatty acid content. Results showed the presence of phenolic compounds, terpenoids, alcohols and carbonyl compounds in the leaves. Oil from both oil palm varieties contained appreciable amounts of carotenoids, flavonoids and sterols, but only the Elaeis guineensis var virescens oil contained saponins. The use of the Ficus leaves eliminated saponins and the foaming tendencies of the var virescens oil, but reduced the sterol levels and increased the carotenoid levels in the oils from both oil palm varieties. Oils processed by soaking of fruits and use of the Ficus leaves had slightly greater saponification values, while oils processed by cooking of fruit and use of leaves had reduced FFA, acid and peroxide values. The use of Ficus exasperata leaves makes for a better stabilized oil with potentially good keeping qualities.
Acids↗
The prevalence and diagnostic value of specific IgE antibodies to inhalant, animal and plant food, and ficus allergens in patients with natural rubber latex allergy.
BACKGROUND: It is well recognised that natural rubber latex allergy can be associated with serological cross-reactivity to plant allergens, especially tropical fruits and Ficus. In contrast, data on the frequency and clinical value of specific IgE antibodies against these allergens remain rare. In addition, little is known about the prevalence and diagnostic value of specific IgE antibodies to classical inhalant and animal allergens in NRL allergic patients. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence, the sensitivity, and the specificity of these different specific IgE antibodies in patients suffering from NRL allergy. METHODS: Serum samples of 42 NRL allergic adults were investigated. All had a history of NRL allergy confirmed by a positive skin test for latex and a positive latex-specific IgE. Samples were analysed for IgE antibodies against 9 plant food allergens (avocado, banana, chestnut, fig, kiwi, papaya, peanut, pineapple and tomato) and Ficus benjamina. A specific IgE quantification for 3 animal food allergens (codfish, cow's milk, egg's white) and 8 common inhalant allergens (Dermatophagoïdes pteronyssinus, birch pollen, timothy grass pollen, mugwort pollen, cat and dog epithelium, Aspergillus fumigatus and Cladosporium herbarum) was also performed. Because double blind placebo-controlled challenges could not be considered, for ethical reasons, patient's food allergy or immediate hypersensitivity for Ficus and inhalant allergens was documented by a standardised questionnaire. Diagnosis of atopy was based on a relevant history and the presence of a specific IgE antibody to at least one classical inhalant allergen. For some IgE determinations presence or absence of cross-reactivity was investigated by CAP-inhibition tests. RESULTS: A specific IgE antibody to at least one of the investigated inhalant and animal food allergens was found in respectively 76% and 12% of the serum samples. A plant food-specific IgE antibody was observed in 88% of the serum samples, most frequently to papaya (71%) and least frequently to kiwi (17%). Twenty-nine percent of the serum samples contained Ficus-IgE. According to the questionnaire and the threshold of 0.35 kUa/L, sensitivity of the plant food IgE antibodies varied between 0% for papaya and 73% for avocado. Specificity varied between 28% for papaya and 91% for kiwi. For Ficus-IgE sensitivity was 20% and specificity 70%. CONCLUSIONS: For inhalant and animal food allergens sensitivity and specificity of the IgE quantification correlated generally well with the values obtained in non-NRL allergic adults. Determination of specific IgE to the investigated plant foods and Ficus was not always a sensitive neither a specific test to establish the clinical diagnosis of this allergy.
Adolescent↗
The anti-inflammatory effect of a crude aqueous extract of the root bark of "Ficus elastica" in the rat.
An investigation has been carried out to determine whether the aqueous extract of Ficus elastica is active as an anti-inflammatory agent in the carrageenin-induced oedema and adjuvant-induced arthritis in the rat. This investigation was prompted by the fact that practitioners of herbal medicine in West Africa use the plant for the treatment of muscle and joint pain. The results of the investigation clearly indicated that orally administered Ficus elastica extract markedly inhibited the experimentally induced inflammation in the two test models. This effect of Ficus elastica was very similar to that of indomethacin. Thus in the carrageenin-induced oedema Ficus elastica (2-10 mg/kg) and indomethacin (1-5 mg/kg) produced inhibition of the magnitude of 5.41-68.92% and 27.03-69.26%, respectively. Similarly, both the extract of Ficus elastica and indomethacin inhibited the primary as well as the secondary lesions of adjuvant arthritis in the rat. The extract used in this study was coloured buff and there is considerable evidence that flavonoids of plant origin possess anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore it may be concluded that the anti-inflammatory activity of the extract of Ficus elastica was probably due to the presence of a pigment of the flavonoid class. Further studies are in progress to elucidate the chemical characteristics of this active principle.
Animals↗
Activation and inactivation of human factor X by proteases derived from Ficus carica.
We investigated the effect of proteases derived from Ficus carica (common fig) on human blood coagulation. The milky sap (latex) of several Ficus (F.) species contain ficin, which is a mixture of proteases. Ficin derived from Ficus carica shortened the activated partial thromboplastin time and the prothrombin time of normal plasmas and plasmas deficient in coagulation factors, except plasma deficient in factor X (FX) and generated activated FX (FXa) in defibrinated plasma. Chromatographic separation of ficin from Ficus carica yielded six proteolytic fractions with a different specificity towards FX. We isolated two factor X activators with molecular masses of 23.2 and 23.5 kDa, and studied their action on purified human FX. Factor X was converted to activated FXbeta by consecutive proteolytic cleavage in the heavy chain between Leu178 and Asp179, Arg187 and Gly188, and Arg194and Ile195 (FX numbering system) with concomitant release of a carboxy-terminal peptide. The cleavage pattern of FXa degradation products in the light chain was influenced by Ca2+ and Mn2+. These data suggest the haemostatic potency of Ficus proteases is based on activation of human coagulation factor X.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Convergence and coevolution in a mutualism: evidence from a molecular phylogeny of Ficus.
The interaction between Ficus (Moraceae) and their pollinating wasps (Chalcidoidea: Agaonidae; more than 700 species-specific couples) is one of the most specialized mutualisms found in nature. Both partners of this interaction show extensive variation in their respective biology. Here we investigate Ficus life-history trait evolution and fig/fig wasp coadaptation in the context of a well-resolved molecular phylogeny. Mapping out variations in Ficus life-history traits on an independently derived phylogeny constructed from ribosomal DNA sequences (external and internal transcribed spacer) reveals several parallel transitions in Ficus growth habit and breeding system. Convergent trait evolution might explain the discrepancies between morphological analyses and our molecular reconstruction of the genus. Morphological characters probably correlate with growth habit and breeding system and could therefore be subject to convergent evolution. Furthermore, we reconstruct the evolution of Ficus inflorescence characters that are considered adaptations to the pollinators. Our phylogeny reveals convergences in ostiole shape, stigma morphology, and stamen:ovule ratio. Statistical tests taking into account the phylogenetic relationship of the species show that transitions in ostiole shape are correlated with variation in wasp pollinator head shape, and evolutionary changes in stigma morphology and stamen:ovule ratio correlate with changes in the pollination behavior of the associated wasp. These correlations provide evidence for reciprocal adaptations of morphological characters between these mutualistic partners that have interacted over a long evolutionary time. In light of previous ecological studies on mutualism, we discuss the adaptive significance of these correlations and what they can tell us about the coevolutionary process occurring between figs and their pollinators.
Adaptation, Biological↗
Cross-reactivity between Ficus benjamina (weeping fig) and natural rubber latex.
The importance of hypersensitivity to Ficus allergens is reported. Cross-sensitization between fig (Ficus carica), weeping fig (F. benjamina [Fb]), and natural rubber latex (NRL) was confirmed by RAST inhibition. We performed skin prick tests with fresh Fb tree sap and NRL extracts in 346 consecutive patients and in 151 patients with immediate-type hypersensitivity to NRL. Total serum IgE and IgE antibodies to NRL and Ficus spp. were analyzed in sera. By the RAST-inhibition method, we studied cross-reactivity among latex, fig, and weeping fig. Sensitization to Fb was diagnosed in 23 of the 346 consecutive patients, and the simultaneous presence of latex-specific IgE was highly significant. Of 151 NRL-allergic patients, 35 were also sensitized to Fb. Cross-reacting IgE antibodies recognizing latex and Ficus allergens were demonstrated by RAST inhibition. The present study reinforces the importance of Fb as an indoor allergen. Cross-reacting IgE antibodies to NRL and Ficus spp. allergens are frequently found in the sera of atopic patients. Development of commercially available standardized extracts for skin tests is urgently necessary.
Adolescent↗
Identification and characterization of cross-reactive natural rubber latex and Ficus benjamina allergens.
BACKGROUND: An association between allergy to Ficus benjamina and natural rubber latex (NRL) has been suspected based on clinical and immunological observations. The responsible cross-reactive allergens have not been identified yet. This study was undertaken to investigate the cross-reactivity between hevein (Hev b 6.02, 4.7 kD), a major allergen of NRL, and F. benjamina and identify its counterpart in F. benjamina. METHODS: 89 serum samples from subjects allergic to NRL were used in the study. Skin prick tests were performed with highly purified hevein and sap extract of F. benjamina. Specific IgE antibodies to NRL, F. benjamina and Hev b 6.02 were determined by the Pharmacia CAP method. Cross-reactivity among these allergens was investigated by means of CAP and immunoblot inhibition experiments. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis separation and protein microsequencing were performed to identify the cross-reactive allergens in F. benjamina. RESULTS: 67 out of 89 (75%) sera showed elevated IgE to hevein. Specific IgE to Ficus were found in 22 (24.7%) sera, and with 1 exception, all these sera also had IgE to Hev b 6.02. Results of CAP inhibition assays using 11 sera showing IgE to both Hev b 6.02 and Ficus demonstrated that the IgE to Ficus could be completely inhibited by Hev b 6.02 in 6 of 11 sera. Immunoblots and immunoblot inhibition assays revealed that a protein of about 45 kD in F. benjamina is strongly recognized by serum IgE. In addition, the IgE-binding reactivity to this 45-kD protein could be completely inhibited by preincubation of the sera with Hev b 6.02. N-terminal protein sequencing of 14 amino acids indicated that this 45-kD protein has a hevein-like domain at the N-terminal region and may belong to the endochitinase family. CONCLUSION: Latex-allergic patients are at higher risk of becoming sensitized to Ficus. Hev b 6.02 in latex is a major cross-reactive allergen and its counterpart in F. benjamina is an acidic protein with a molecular weight of about 45 kD and a hevein-like N-terminal domain.
Adult↗
Phylogenetic relationships of functionally dioecious FICUS (Moraceae) based on ribosomal DNA sequences and morphology.
Figs (Ficus, Moraceae) are either monoecious or gynodioecious depending on the arrangement of unisexual florets within the specialized inflorescence or syconium. The gynodioecious species are functionally dioecious due to the impact of pollinating fig wasps (Hymenoptera: Agaonidae) on the maturation of fig seeds. The evolutionary relationships of functionally dioecious figs (Ficus subg. Ficus) were examined through phylogenetic analyses based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA and morphology. Forty-six species representing each monoecious subgenus and each section of functionally dioecious subg. Ficus were included in parsimony analyses based on 180 molecular characters and 61 morphological characters that were potentially informative. Separate and combined analyses of molecular and morphological data sets suggested that functionally dioecious figs are not monophyletic and that monoecious subg. Sycomorus is derived within a dioecious clade. The combined analysis indicated one or two origins of functional dioecy in the genus and at least two reversals to monoecy within a functionally dioecious lineage. The exclusion of breeding system and related characters from the analysis also indicated two shifts from monoecy to functional dioecy and two reversals. The associations of pollinating fig wasps were congruent with host fig phylogeny and further supported a revised classification of Ficus.
Journal Article↗
[Ficus benjamina, a perennial inhalation allergen of increasing importance].
12 patients are described with perennial allergic rhinoconjunctivitis or asthma, 3 had additionally urticarial eruptions and one edema of the eyelids. In all of them sensitization to Ficus benjamina was identified by skin prick tests, in 7 cases by the additional presence of specific IgE in vitro, and in 2 it was verified by a conjunctival provocation test. 10 patients were atopic with sensitization to other respiratory allergens such as pollen, house dust mite or animal dander. 2 patients, however, with a massive exposure to Ficus benjamina at home, were non-atopic with monovalent sensitization to this plant. Ficus benjamina is a tropical tree of the genus Ficus which belongs to the Moraceae family. The allergen is located in the plant sap, the so called latex, which after evaporation binds to dust particles on the leaf surface. Upon contact they are emanated from the leaves, thus imitating allergy to house dust components. Since Ficus benjamina is a very popular decorative plant, an increasing number of sensitized individuals is to be expected. The identification of a preventable respiratory allergen is of considerable importance for the patients.
Adolescent↗