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Review Article

Probiotics and diseases of altered IgE regulation: A short review

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Pages 136-140 | Received 17 Feb 2015, Accepted 20 Apr 2015, Published online: 15 May 2015
 

Abstract

The use of probiotics has gained considerable popularity in the marketplace in the US and has been steadily increasing due to consumer interest in potential treatment of various diseases, which may be due to modulation of immune responses. The aim of this review is to present information from representative studies regarding some of the possible applications and clinical effects of probiotic use in diseases of altered immunoglobulin (IgE) regulation (allergic rhinitis (AR), asthma, atopic dermatitis (AD) and food sensitization). Reports in humans are sparse or controversial; there is currently little reliable scientific data that supports the theory that there exists a cause–effect relationship between taking probiotics and alleviation of allergic disease. Unfortunately, these findings are too variable to allow substantial conclusions as to the efficacy and effectiveness of probiotic use in these disease states.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Kevin B. Norowitz, MD (SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics) for fruitful discussions and Stephan Kohlhoff, MD (SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics) for critical reading.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

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