Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
10:36

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage

Published on: January 27, 2019

Efficacy of probiotic Lactobacillus GG on allergic sensitization and asthma in infants at risk

M A Rose1, F Stieglitz, A Köksal

  • 1Children's Hospital, Goethe University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, Frankfurt, Germany. markus.rose@kgu.de

Clinical and Experimental Allergy : Journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|July 8, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Oral Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG) supplementation did not improve atopic dermatitis or asthma in young children with recurrent wheeze. However, LGG showed a mild, persistent reduction in allergic sensitization to airborne allergens.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Microbiome Research
  • Clinical Nutrition

Background:

  • Probiotics are widely believed to benefit allergic disease prevention and treatment.
  • Existing research presents conflicting findings regarding probiotics' impact on allergic sensitization and asthma development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical efficacy of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG) in preventing atopic dermatitis and asthma in high-risk infants.
  • To assess LGG's effect on allergic sensitization markers and clinical outcomes in children with recurrent wheeze and a family history of atopy.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 131 children aged 6-24 months with recurrent wheeze and atopic family history.
  • Participants received 6 months of LGG or placebo, with outcomes including atopic dermatitis, asthma events, IgE levels, and specific IgE sensitization monitored during intervention and follow-up.
  • Biomarkers such as eosinophils, eosinophilic cationic protein, and TGF-beta were assessed at baseline, end of intervention, and post-follow-up.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences were observed in atopic dermatitis or asthma-related events between the LGG and placebo groups.
  • A subgroup with pre-existing allergic sensitization experienced slightly worse asthma symptoms with LGG.
  • LGG supplementation led to a significant reduction in aeroallergen sensitization at 6 months and this effect persisted post-supplementation.

Conclusions:

  • Oral LGG supplementation demonstrated no clinical benefit for atopic dermatitis or asthma in high-risk infants with recurrent wheeze.
  • A modest, sustained reduction in allergic sensitization to aeroallergens was observed, persisting for 6 months after LGG cessation.
  • LGG was well-tolerated with no severe adverse events, suggesting a potential role in modulating immune responses to allergens.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

A Component-resolved Diagnostic Approach for a Study on Grass Pollen Allergens in Chinese Southerners with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Asthma06:34

A Component-resolved Diagnostic Approach for a Study on Grass Pollen Allergens in Chinese Southerners with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Asthma

Published on: June 4, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers01:19

Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers

Leukotriene modifiers, or cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists, are medications used to manage chronic asthma. These agents target specific inflammatory mediators produced during arachidonic acid metabolism, an essential process in generating inflammation in the body.
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Probiotics01:22

Probiotics

Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that confer health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex microbial ecosystem, and the balance of this microbiota is crucial for digestive and systemic health. Among the most extensively studied and utilized probiotics are species formerly classified within the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These organisms not only naturally colonize the human gut but are also consumed through...
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.