In vitro studies reveal immunomodulatory effects of probiotic bacteria that are strain-dependent. Differential immunomodulatory in vitro capacities can not be extrapolated directly to in vivo efficacy. Thus, in vitro screening should be followed by comparative analysis of the selected immunomodulatory probiotic strains in an in vivo setting. Birch pollen allergy is one of the most common forms of respiratory allergy in European countries, and recognized by a Th2-skewed immune system. Five Lactobacillus strains will be evaluated for their immunomodulatory properties in birch pollen sensitive subjects outside the hay fever season. A double-blind placebo-controlled parallel study will be performed in which subjects with a proven birch pollen allergy will consume one of 5 different probiotic yoghurts containing 4 L. plantarum strains and 1 L. casei strain or a placebo yoghurt. Blood samples are collected at the start and after 4 weeks. Immune parameters are determined in serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures (hPBMC) derived from these subjects.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
60
Intake of yoghurt during 4 weeks
Intake of yoghurt during 4 weeks
Intake of yoghurt during 4 weeks
Yoghurt with L. plantarum strain
Intake of yoghurt during 4 weeks
Intake of yoghurt during 4 weeks
Allergologiepraktijk Arnhem/Radboud/Rijnstate
Arnhem, Gelderland, Netherlands
Il-13 in PBMC after ex-vivo stimulation with birch pollen allergen (Betv1)
Other cytokines and cell-surface markers in PBMC ex vivo stimulation assay, birch pollen specific IgE, IgG and IgG4 in blood
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