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Early markers of allergic disease in a primary prevention study using probiotics: 2.5‐year follow‐up phase
Author(s) -
Prescott S. L.,
Wiltschut J.,
Taylor A.,
Westcott L.,
Jung W.,
Currie H.,
Dunstan J. A.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.363
H-Index - 173
eISSN - 1398-9995
pISSN - 0105-4538
DOI - 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2008.01778.x
Subject(s) - medicine , probiotic , allergy , sensitization , immunology , placebo , atopic dermatitis , gastroenterology , genetics , alternative medicine , pathology , bacteria , biology
Background: We previously reported that a Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotic strain (LAFTI ® L10/LAVRI‐A1) given for the first 6 months of life increased the risk of allergen sensitization at 1 year of age. Methods: To assess the effects on subsequent allergic outcomes, 153 children from the initial prevention cohort ( n = 178) were reviewed at 2.5 years of age. Clinical outcomes were assessed in relation to (i) probiotic supplementation; and (ii) immune function previously assessed at 6 months of age. Results: Supplementation with this probiotic did not reduce the risk of dermatitis at 2.5 years (31/74, 42%) compared with that in placebo group (25/76, 34%). There was no significant reduction in any other allergic disease or allergen sensitization. Inhalant sensitization at 2.5 years ( n = 29) was associated with higher proportions of circulating CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T‐cell populations ( P = 0.005) and higher allergen‐induced FOXP3 levels ( P = 0.003) at 6 months. This was also seen in children with dermatitis. Children with dermatitis at 2.5 years also had significantly lower toll‐like receptor 4 lipopolysaccharide responses at 6 months of age (IL‐12 P = 0.04, IL‐6 P = 0.039) and lower polyclonal (PHA) responses (IFN‐γ P = 0.005, IL‐10 P = 0.001, and IL‐6 P = 0.001). Children who had previously received the probiotic had fewer gastrointestinal infections in the preceding 18 months ( P = 0.023). Conclusion: The LAFTI ® L10 probiotic strain did not have any significant effect on allergy outcomes. Allergic children showed a number of early differences in immune function including altered regulatory T‐cell markers and innate immune function.