Premium
Potential Role for Lactic Acid Bacteria in Immune Modulation
Author(s) -
Karpa Kelly,
Paul Ian,
Leckie J. Alexander,
Shung Sharon,
Carkaci-Salli Nurgul,
Vrana Kent E.,
Mauger David,
Fausnight Tracy,
Poger Jennifer
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.1025.23
Subject(s) - allergy , probiotic , immune system , lactic acid , flora (microbiology) , immunology , peripheral blood mononuclear cell , bacteria , food allergy , gut flora , medicine , biology , bifidobacterium , lactobacillus , microbiology and biotechnology , physiology , in vitro , biochemistry , genetics
Many factors, including disrupted gut flora, have been associated with atopic conditions in children. Our objectives were two fold. First, we wished to investigate whether bacterial genera commonly found in the human gut, as well as in commercially‐available probiotic products, influence cytokine secretion in a manner that is consistent with oral tolerance induction. Second, we wished to determine if perinatal factors that disrupt gut flora are associated with food allergies. To accomplish these objectives, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were co‐incubated with lactobacilli/bifidobacteria and birth records of children with food allergies were reviewed. Significant increases in IL‐10, IFN‐γ, and IL‐12 were observed when PBMCs were co‐incubated with lactic acid bacteria. Review of birth records for 291 children (including 99 with food allergies) revealed associations between food allergy diagnosis and male gender (66 vs. 33; p=0.02), maternal intent to breastfeed (p<0.005), and age of mother at delivery (p=0.005). Lactic acid bacteria are potent immunomodulators, although a thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying food allergies remains to be elucidated.