Preventative and Therapeutic Probiotic Use in Allergic Skin Conditions: Experimental and Clinical Findings

Abstract

Probiotics are ingested live microbes that can modify intestinal microbial populations in a way that benefits the host. The interest in probiotic preventative/therapeutic potential in allergic diseases stemmed from the fact that probiotics have been shown to improve intestinal dysbiosis and permeability and to reduce inflammatory cytokines in human and murine experimental models. Enhanced presence of probiotic bacteria in the intestinal microbiota is found to correlate with protection against allergy. Therefore, many studies have been recently designed to examine the efficacy of probiotics, but the literature on the allergic skin disorders is still very scarce. Here, our objective is to summarize and evaluate the available knowledge from randomized or nonrandomized controlled trials of probiotic use in allergic skin conditions. Clinical improvement especially in IgE-sensitized eczema and experimental models such as atopic dermatitis-like lesions (trinitrochlorobenzene and picryl chloride sensitizations) and allergic contact dermatitis (dinitrofluorobenzene sensitization) has been reported. Although there is a very promising evidence to recommend the addition of probiotics into foods, probiotics do not have a proven role in the prevention or the therapy of allergic skin disorders. Thus, being aware of possible measures, such as probiotics use, to prevent/heal atopic diseases is essential for the practicing allergy specialist.

Children with atopic dermatitis show clinical improvement after Lactobacillus exposure

“…A probiotic mix containing L. paracasei, L. acidophilus, and B. lactis supplementation has been reported to increase Lactobacilli stains and reduce Clostridium perfringens [32]. The present trial shows that probiotics administration can modulate the composition of intestinal microbiota, which in turn modulates immune response maturation [3].…”

“…It is interesting to find that urine 8-OHdG levels are also reduced after treatment, indicating that probiotics may also have antioxidative effects [23]. The present trial shows that probiotics administration can modulate the composition of intestinal microbiota, which in turn modulates immune response maturation [3]. Differences in intestinal microbiota composition have been found between cases of AD and healthy controls [31].…”

“…Secretory antibodies in breast milk promote longterm intestinal homeostasis by regulating the gut microbiota [37]. As probiotics may modulate the intestinal microbiota, it is reasonable to expect that the beneficial effects of probiotics in modulating the immune response are conferred to children with food allergy or food-induced skin allergy [3,38]. There were significant differences in skin prick test reactivity of mite, milk, and egg sensitization among the four groups after treatment.…”

“…The hygiene hypothesis, or exposure to microbial stimuli in early life programs the immune system towards a Th2-type allergic response, is suggested to be a major mechanism in AD [1]. Modulation of the intestinal microbiota with probiotics, live micro-organisms with immuno-modulatory effects that stimulate Th1 cytokines and suppress Th2 responses, may offer a new way of preventing or treating allergic diseases [3]. Modulation of the intestinal microbiota with probiotics, live micro-organisms with immuno-modulatory effects that stimulate Th1 cytokines and suppress Th2 responses, may offer a new way of preventing or treating allergic diseases [3].…”

“…Intestinal microbiota plays a key role in signalling the developing mucosal immune system, and intestinal dysbiosis has been shown to precede the onset of allergic diseases through altered immune regulation [2]. Modulation of the intestinal microbiota with probiotics, live micro-organisms with immuno-modulatory effects that stimulate Th1 cytokines and suppress Th2 responses, may offer a new way of preventing or treating allergic diseases [3].…”