Beneficial Effects of Citrus Juice Fermented with <i>Lactobacillus plantarum</i> YIT 0132 on Japanese Cedar Pollinosis

Abstract

Recently, the prevalence of allergies in Japan has been increasing. Certain types of fruit juice and lactic acid bacteria are known to alleviate allergic symptoms. Therefore, we examined whether citrus juice fermented by a specific lactic acid bacteria can improve the symptoms of Japanese cedar pollinosis (JCPsis). Lactobacillus plantarum YIT 0132 (LP0132) was selected based on its high proliferative activity in citrus juice and anti-inflammatory interleukin-10-inducing activity. Dietary administration of heat-killed LP0132 cells or citrus juice fermented with LP0132 was found to significantly suppress nasal rubbing in a JCPsis mouse model, indicating relief of allergy symptoms. To evaluate the effects of LP0132-fermented citrus juice on pollinosis symptoms and quality of life (QOL) in humans with JCPsis, a single-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted. The participants were 42 adults with JCPsis. They ingested 100 mL of sterilized LP0132-fermented citrus juice (active group) or unfermented citrus juice (placebo group) once daily for 8 weeks. Immediately after the pollen peak when allergy symptoms and QOL loss were most severe, itchy eyes, itchy skin, and QOL loss by JCPsis were alleviated in the active group compared with the placebo group. At 10 weeks after starting the intervention, increased the levels of blood eosinophils were significantly suppressed in the active group compared with the placebo group. We conclude that continuous ingestion of citrus juice fermented with LP0132 may help alleviate the allergy symptoms and impaired QOL caused by JCPsis.

Beneficial effects of citrus juice fermented with <i>Lactobacillus plantarum</i> YIT 0132 on atopic dermatitis: results of daily intake by adult patients in two open trials

“…Our previous report showned that LP0132 stimulates IL-10 production in vitro [ 16 ]. It has been reported that IL-10 suppress IgE production from B cells [ 24 , 25 ].…”

“…In mouse intraperitoneal macrophage culture, LP0132 was found to induce IL-10, which is an anti-inflammatory cytokine, and LP0132 and citrus juice were found to have an additional effect on allergic symptoms in an animal model of Japanese cedar pollinosis (JCPsis). A single-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial also revealed that daily intake of citrus juice fermented with LP0132 alleviates symptoms while enhancing QOL in patients with JCPsis [ 16 ]. However, it remains unknown whether citrus juice fermented with LP0132 also alleviates symptoms of atopic dermatitis in adult patients.…”

Seroprevalence of Immunoglobulin E Antibodies against Japanese Cedar Pollen Allergens Cry j 1 and Cry j 2 in Dogs Bred in Japan

“…Numerous Japanese cedar ( Cryptomeria japonica ) trees were planted about 70 years ago, and the large number of trees aged 30 years or more has led to increased levels of cedar pollen in Japan [ 1 , 2 ]. In humans, the incidence of seasonal allergic rhinitis and pollinosis in response to Japanese cedar pollen has also increased [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Japanese cedar pollinosis is a type I allergy and an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated disease [ 6 , 7 ].…”

The Microbiome and Mental Health: Looking Back, Moving Forward with Lessons from Allergic Diseases

“…Non-living microbes are excluded, as are microbial parts such as DNA. Yet, human subject research shows value of heat-inactivated microbes in mental health and allergic disorders; this may be via their influence on the immune system and markers of stress physiology 134 , 213 – 216) Moreover, the microbial components, even at the genetic level, have been shown to influence physiology. 217 , 218) Narrow views toward single (or a few) microbe solutions may neglect the microbial contexts and synergies that produced such startling preliminary research in the first place.…”