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  • Title: Probiotics in infancy induce protective immune profiles that are characteristic for chronic low-grade inflammation.
    Author: Marschan E, Kuitunen M, Kukkonen K, Poussa T, Sarnesto A, Haahtela T, Korpela R, Savilahti E, Vaarala O.
    Journal: Clin Exp Allergy; 2008 Apr; 38(4):611-8. PubMed ID: 18266878.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Probiotics are widely studied both in the treatment and prevention of allergic diseases, but their mode of action is poorly known. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to examine the effect of probiotic bacteria on in vivo cytokine, antibody, and inflammatory responses in allergy-prone infants. METHODS: In a randomized double-blind study, probiotic bacteria or placebo were given for 1 month before delivery to mothers and for 6 months to infants with a family history of allergy. Plasma samples were analysed for C-reactive protein (CRP), total IgA and IgE, food-specific IgA, IgG, and IgE, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma. We analysed the associations of immunological and inflammatory parameters at age 6 months with probiotic treatment and allergic phenotype at 2 years. RESULTS: Infants receiving probiotic bacteria had higher plasma levels of CRP (P=0.008), total IgA (P=0.016), total IgE (P=0.047), and IL-10 (P=0.002) than infants in the placebo group. Increased plasma CRP level at age 6 months was associated with a decreased risk of eczema [odds ratio (OR) 0.41 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17-0.99], P=0.046], and with a decreased risk of allergic disease [OR 0.38 (95% CI 0.16-0.87), P=0.023] at age 2 years, when adjusted with probiotic use. CONCLUSION: The association of CRP with a decreased risk of eczema at 2 years of age in allergy-prone children supports the view that chronic, low-grade inflammation protects from eczema. Probiotic-induced low-grade inflammation was characterized by elevation of IgE, IgA, and IL-10, the changes typically observed in helminth infection-associated induction of regulatory mechanisms. The findings emphasize the role of chronic microbial exposure as an immune modulator protecting from allergy.
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