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Changes in Leukocyte Populations among Children Receiving a Follow‐on Cow's Milk‐Based Formula Containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
Author(s) -
Sarvetnick Nora,
Murphy Kevin,
PauleyHunter Rosemary,
Scalabrin Deolinda
Publication year - 2013
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.27.1_supplement.643.11
Subject(s) - lactobacillus rhamnosus , immunophenotyping , probiotic , medicine , immune system , flow cytometry , lactobacillus , immunology , inflammation , gastroenterology , biology , food science , bacteria , genetics , fermentation
Background Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is a probiotic with demonstrated health benefits, and these benefits may be due to LGG‐induced changes in the immune system. Objective We examined changes in immune cell populations and activation markers produced by the addition of LGG to a children's follow‐on formula. Methods This was a double blinded, randomized, controlled, parallel‐designed, prospective study. Data is reported for participants who completed the study. Participants (1–4 years of age) received either a marketed, follow‐on formula (n=8), formula supplemented with 42 mg of β‐Glucan per serving (n=10), or formula with 6 × 10 9 colony forming units of LGG per serving (n=9), twice a day for a 3 week period. Flow cytometry was used to immunophenotype peripheral blood leukocytes. Thirty serum cytokines were measured via multiplex analysis. Changes from baseline were analyzed by Kruksal‐Wallis. As this was a pilot study, differences with p‐values < 0.10 were considered of interest. Results Participants that received LGG showed reduced levels of IL‐2 and IL‐3. They also had a reduction in the total proportion and general activation of CD4 T cells and a decrease in specific subsets of double negative T cells. Conclusion These data suggest that LGG has an anti‐inflammatory effect by reducing available T cell populations that can cause inflammation.