Changing of Fecal Flora and Clinical Effect of L. salivarius LS01 in Adults With Atopic Dermatitis

GOAL: : To evaluate cytokine stimulation with 3 strains of Lactobacillus
salivarius in vitro and to assess changes in intestinal microflora and clinical
improvements in adults with atopic dermatitis (AD) induced by the strain showing
the best immunomodulatory features.
BACKGROUND: : AD is a common skin disease in children and adults. It is
characterized by chronic inflammation, eczema, and increasing intestinal
permeability. Various studies have shown that patients with AD presented some
modifications in the intestinal microbiota composition; as a result, intestinal
microflora is thought to have a pivotal role in this disease.
METHODS: : Thirty-eight patients aged from 18 to 46 years with moderate/severe AD
were recruited. Subjects were randomized in a double-blind placebo-controlled
study to receive active treatment with L. salivarius LS01: probiotic (n=19) or
placebo (n=19). Cytokine production was determined by means of specific
quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Intestinal bacterial groups were
quantified using conventional culture techniques, whereas L. salivarius LS01 was
identified using polymerase chain reaction and pulse field gel electrophoresis.
RESULTS: : L. salivarius LS01 showed the best immunomodulatory features and it
was chosen for the second phase of the study. AD subjects showed a reduction in
their SCORAD score after probiotic treatment and a significant decrease in the
staphylococci load compared with the placebo group. Moreover, L. salivarius LS01
showed the ability to reduce the production of Th2 cytokines, maintaining the
production of Th1 cytokines stable.
CONCLUSIONS: : Treatment with the L. salivarius LS01 strain seems to positively
modify clinical and immunologic status and dermatology life quality in a group of
adults affected by moderate/severe AD, leading to a rebalancing of altered
intestinal microbiota.