Immune-modulatory effect of probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis NCC2818 in individuals suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis to grass pollen: an exploratory, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Probiotics are defined as 'living micro-organisms that when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit to the host'. Different probiotic strains have been investigated for beneficial effects on allergic disorders. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of orally administering the probiotic Nestlé culture collection (NCC)2818 Bifidobacterium lactis strain on immune parameters and nasal symptom scores in subjects suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study was a double-blinded, parallel, randomized placebo-controlled trial conducted during the peak of the pollen season. Adult subjects with clinical history of SAR and positive skin prick test to grass pollen were recruited. The subjects received B. lactis NCC2818 or placebo for 8 weeks and completed symptom questionnaires every week. Whole blood was collected at baseline (V1), 4 weeks (V2) and 8 weeks (V3) to measure immune parameters. RESULTS: Concentrations of Th-2 cytokines, secreted by stimulated blood lymphocytes, were significantly lower in the probiotic group compared with the placebo group at V3 (interleukin (IL)-5, P ¼ 0.016; IL-13, P ¼ 0.005). Total nasal symptom scores were significantly lower in the second month of the study (weeks 5-8) in the probiotic group compared with the placebo group (P ¼ 0.03). Also, percentages of activated CD63 expressing basophils were significantly lower in the probiotic group at V2 (P ¼ 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Oral administration of the probiotic NCC2818 mitigates immune parameters and allergic symptoms during seasonal exposure. These promising results warrant that B. lactis NCC2818 be investigated further in large-scale trials for management of respiratory allergy.

Association between the gut microbiota and mineral metabolism

“…Probiotics are involved in the metabolism of bile acids, the synthesis of vitamins and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the neutralization of carcinogens. They also have immunomodulatory properties through their induction of immune responses, both specific and unspecific, increasing cytokine production and affecting the helper T‐cell response and regulation . Probiotics beneficially affect the nervous system and the endocrine system and help to hydrate the body …”

Comparison of two oral probiotic preparations in a randomized crossover trial highlights a potentially beneficial effect of Lactobacillus paracasei NCC2461 in patients with allergic rhinitis

“…We showed in a recent study [22] that the duration of the probiotic treatment may have an impact on the beneficial effect on both symptoms and immune markers. The beneficial results obtained on several parameters with L. paracasei NCC2461 after only 4 weeks of treatment can thus be considered as encouraging.…”

Nestlé's research on nutrition and the human gut microbiome

“…In a different clinical setting, Bifidobacterium lactis NCC2818 (see Fig. 2) was also shown to reduce allergic reactions in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis 9 . Moreover, L. paracasei NCC2461 was shown to decrease skin sensitivity to environmental stresses by increasing the skin barrier function 10 .…”