| Evidence of probiotics in prevention of allergy and asthma. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 16248828 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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Previous research into the causes of allergic diseases was mostly focussed on potential risk factors in the environment, with little success, however. Over the past 10 years, focus has therefore more been directed against protective factors that could enhance the development of tolerance to allergens which were previously encountered early in life, but are now lost in modern affluent societies. In particular, the role of childhood infections has been discussed, but so far these studies have not been conclusive. Recent epidemiological studies and experimental research suggest that the microbial environment and exposure to microbial products in infancy modifies immune responses and enhances the development of tolerance to ubiquitous allergens. The intestinal microflora may play a particular role in this respect, as it is the major external driving force in the maturation of the immune system after birth and animal experiments have shown it to be a prerequisite for normal development of oral tolerance. The composition of the microflora differs between healthy and allergic infants and in countries with a high and low prevalence of allergies. These differences are apparent within the first week of life, or even in the maternal vaginal flora during pregnancy and thus precede clinical symptoms. The use of live microorganisms that might be beneficial to health has a long tradition and the safety is well documented. Prospective intervention studies, in which the gut flora was modified from birth have yielded encouraging results and may suggest a new mode of primary prevention of allergy in the future. |
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Authors:
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Bengt Björkstén |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Review |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Current drug targets. Inflammation and allergy Volume: 4 ISSN: 1568-010X ISO Abbreviation: Curr Drug Targets Inflamm Allergy Publication Date: 2005 Oct |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2005-10-26 Completed Date: 2005-11-22 Revised Date: 2006-04-13 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 101160019 Medline TA: Curr Drug Targets Inflamm Allergy Country: Netherlands |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 599-604 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden. bengt.bjorksten@cfa.ki.se |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Asthma
/
immunology,
prevention & control* Bacteria / immunology Humans Hypersensitivity / immunology, prevention & control* Intestines / microbiology Probiotics / therapeutic use* |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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