The Effect Of Probiotic Administration On The Risk Of Atopic Sensitization And Asthma induction In Children And Adults

Abstract

Nowadays, atopic diseases and allergic asthma show high rates within the population and especially children. The underlying mechanisms of these diseases’ induction, as unraveled up-to-date, present great heterogeneity. In addition, the environment and genetics are considered to play a greater or smaller role in their etiology. Immunomodulatory effects in the lung environment and allergy induction are associated with gut commensal microbiota and diet. Based on this association, antibiotic administration was used unsuccessfully to control microbiota composition in the past. Today, probiotic administration is considered a solution. It is also observed in children that the risk of atopic sensitization is reduced after administration of probiotics but no reduction on the risk of asthma. The underlying mechanisms and the possibility of the oral administration of probiotics as a factor of risk reduction against allergic sensitization are elusive. Different hurdles are raised in the way to establish probiotics as a mean of prevention against asthma or atopy induction, such as the administration protocol of probiotics and the strong dependence on the patient. The body of literature existing on this topic is growing but the data remain inconclusive and need further research. The aim of the present study is to review the existing data up-to-date on the effect of probiotics on asthma and atopic diseases.