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Effect of lysed Enterococcus faecalis FK-23 on allergen-induced immune responses and intestinal microflora in
1Central Research Laboratories, Nichinichi Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Mie, Japan.
Background:
Recent epidemiological studies have indicated that early life receipt of antibiotics may be associated with an increased risk of developing atopic disorder. Lysed Enterococcus faecalis FK-23 (LFK), a probiotic product of E faecalis, has been shown to have inhibitory effects on allergen-induced immune responses in mice.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of LFK on immune responses and intestinal microflora in antibiotic-treated, and allergen-sensitized weaning mice.
Methods:
Three-week-old BALB/c mice were sensitized with cedar pollen allergen to establish the experimental model. The allergen-induced peritoneal accumulation of eosinophils, serum levels of total and allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E and IgG2a, and the intestinal bacterial flora were determined in the control, antibiotic, LFK and antibiotic-LFK groups (n = 7 in all groups). Orally administered erythromycin, one kind of macrolide antibiotic, was used for the experiments.
Results:
There was no significant difference in the allergen-induced peritoneal accumulation of eosinophils and serum specific IgE and IgG2a levels in erythromycin-treated mice compared to a control group. However, the ratio of serum total IgE to IgG2a levels was significantly increased in erythromycin-treated mice relative to that found either in LFK-treated mice or in erythromycin-treated mice with LFK supplementation. The total aerobes, total anaerobes and Enterococcus species of intestinal microflora were not significantly different among all groups. Lactobacillus species were distinctly eliminated in the mice exposed to erythromycin on day 7 and totally recovered in erythromycin-treated mice with LFK intervention on day 28, but could not be recovered in the erythromycin-treated mice without LFK intervention.
Conclusions:
Our results suggest that LFK may improve the intestinal ecosystem disturbed by antibiotic use, and thereby prevent subsequent development of atopy. However, whether different antibiotics have different effects on immune responses needs to be addressed further.
Insights
Lysed Enterococcus faecalis FK-23 (LFK) may prevent atopic disorder by restoring gut bacteria disrupted by antibiotics. This probiotic intervention aided Lactobacillus recovery in mice after erythromycin treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Antibiotic use in early life is linked to increased atopic disorder risk.
- Lysed Enterococcus faecalis FK-23 (LFK) exhibits inhibitory effects on allergen-induced immune responses in mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate LFK's effects on immune responses and intestinal microflora.
- To assess LFK in antibiotic-treated, allergen-sensitized weaning mice.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were sensitized with cedar pollen allergen.
- Erythromycin was administered to induce antibiotic treatment.
- Immune responses (eosinophils, IgE, IgG2a) and intestinal flora were analyzed in control, antibiotic, LFK, and antibiotic-LFK groups.
Main Results:
- Erythromycin alone did not significantly alter eosinophil or specific Ig levels but increased the IgE/IgG2a ratio.
- LFK supplementation in antibiotic-treated mice normalized the IgE/IgG2a ratio.
- Lactobacillus species were depleted by erythromycin but recovered with LFK intervention.
Conclusions:
- LFK may prevent atopy by improving antibiotic-induced intestinal dysbiosis.
- Further research is needed on antibiotic-specific effects on immune responses.
