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Little P, Stuart B, Wingrove Z, Mullee M, Thomas T, Johnson S, Leydon G, Richards-Hall S, Williamson I, Yao L, Zhu S, Moore M. Probiotic capsules and xylitol chewing gum to manage symptoms of pharyngitis: a randomized controlled factorial trial. CMAJ 2017; 189:E1543-E1550. [PMID: 29255098 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.170599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing the use of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections is needed to limit the global threat of antibiotic resistance. We estimated the effectiveness of probiotics and xylitol for the management of pharyngitis. METHODS In this parallel-group factorial randomized controlled trial, participants in primary care (aged 3 years or older) with pharyngitis underwent randomization by nurses who provided sequential intervention packs. Pack contents for 3 kinds of material and advice were previously determined by computer-generated random numbers: no chewing gum, xylitol-based chewing gum (15% xylitol; 5 pieces daily) and sorbitol gum (5 pieces daily). Half of each group were also randomly assigned to receive either probiotic capsules (containing 24 × 109 colony-forming units of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria) or placebo. The primary outcome was mean self-reported severity of sore throat and difficulty swallowing (scale 0-6) in the first 3 days. We used multiple imputation to avoid the assumption that data were missing completely at random. RESULTS A total of 1009 individuals consented, 934 completed the baseline assessment, and 689 provided complete data for the primary outcome. Probiotics were not effective in reducing the severity of symptoms: mean severity scores 2.75 with no probiotic and 2.78 with probiotic (adjusted difference -0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.24 to 0.24). Chewing gum was also ineffective: mean severity scores 2.73 without gum, 2.72 with sorbitol gum (adjusted difference 0.07, 95% CI -0.23 to 0.37) and 2.73 with xylitol gum (adjusted difference 0.01, 95% CI -0.29 to 0.30). None of the secondary outcomes differed significantly between groups, and no harms were reported. INTERPRETATION Neither probiotics nor advice to chew xylitol-based chewing gum was effective for managing pharyngitis. Trial registration: ISRCTN, no. ISRCTN51472596.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Little
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
| | - Beth Stuart
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
| | - Zoe Wingrove
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
| | - Mark Mullee
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
| | - Tammy Thomas
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
| | - Sophie Johnson
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
| | - Gerry Leydon
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
| | - Samantha Richards-Hall
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
| | - Ian Williamson
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
| | - Lily Yao
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
| | - Shihua Zhu
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
| | - Michael Moore
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
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Valdovinos MA, Montijo E, Abreu AT, Heller S, González-Garay A, Bacarreza D, Bielsa-Fernández M, Bojórquez-Ramos MC, Bosques-Padilla F, Burguete-García AI, Carmona-Sánchez R, Consuelo-Sánchez A, Coss-Adame E, Chávez-Barrera JA, de Ariño M, Flores-Calderón J, Gómez-Escudero O, González-Huezo MS, Icaza-Chávez ME, Larrosa-Haro A, Morales-Arámbula M, Murata C, Ramírez-Mayans JA, Remes-Troche JM, Rizo-Robles T, Peláez-Luna M, Toro-Monjaraz EM, Torre A, Urquidi-Rivera ME, Vázquez R, Yamamoto-Furusho JK, Guarner F. The Mexican consensus on probiotics in gastroenterology. REVISTA DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA DE MEXICO 2017; 82:156-178. [PMID: 28104319 DOI: 10.1016/j.rgmx.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Probiotics are frequently prescribed in clinical practice. Their efficacy in treating gastrointestinal disorders is supported by a significant number of clinical trials. However, the correct prescription of these agents is hampered due to a lack of knowledge of the scientific evidence and to the different presentations and microbial compositions of the probiotics that are currently available. AIM To provide the clinician with a consensus review of probiotics and recommendations for their use in gastroenterology. MATERIALS AND METHODS Controlled clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews published up to 2015 were selected, using the MESH terms: probiotics, gastrointestinal diseases, humans, adults, AND children. The Delphi method was employed. Eighteen gastroenterologists treating adult patients and 14 pediatric gastroenterologists formulated statements that were voted on until agreement>70% was reached. The level of evidence based on the GRADE system was evaluated for each statement. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Eleven statements on the general concepts of probiotics and 27 statements on the use of probiotics in gastrointestinal diseases in both adults and children were formulated. The consensus group recommends the use of probiotics under the following clinical conditions: the prevention of diarrhea associated with antibiotics, the treatment of acute infectious diarrhea, the prevention of Clostridium difficile infection and necrotizing enterocolitis, the reduction of adverse events from Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy, relief from irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, the treatment of functional constipation in the adult, and the induction and maintenance of remission in patients with ulcerative colitis and pouchitis, and the treatment of covert and overt hepatic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Valdovinos
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México.
| | - E Montijo
- Departamento de Gastroenterología y Nutrición, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, México
| | - A T Abreu
- Servicio de Gastroendoscopia, Hospital Regional n.(o) 2 con Unidad de Medicina de Atención Ambulatoria, IMSS, Ciudad de México, México
| | - S Heller
- Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Ciudad de México, México
| | - A González-Garay
- Metodología de la Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, México
| | - D Bacarreza
- Hospital Infantil de las Californias, Tijuana, BC, México
| | - M Bielsa-Fernández
- Unidad de Pacientes en Estudio, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jalisco, México
| | - M C Bojórquez-Ramos
- UMAE Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente, IMSS, , Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | - F Bosques-Padilla
- Departamento de Medicina Interna, División de Gastroenterología, Hospital Universitario Dr. José Eleuterio González, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, N.L., México
| | - A I Burguete-García
- Departamento de Epidemiología Genética e Infecciones, CISEI, INSP, Cuernavaca, Mor., México
| | | | - A Consuelo-Sánchez
- Departamento de Gastroenterología y Nutrición, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Ciudad de México, México
| | - E Coss-Adame
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - J A Chávez-Barrera
- Departamento de Gastroenterología Pediátrica, UMAE Hospital General Dr. Gaudencio González Garza, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, IMSS, Ciudad de México, México
| | - M de Ariño
- Servicio de Gastroenterología, Hospital Español, Ciudad de México, México
| | - J Flores-Calderón
- Departamento de Gastroenterología y Endoscopia, UMAE Hospital de Pediatría Dr. Silvestre Frenk Freund, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Ciudad de México, México
| | - O Gómez-Escudero
- Clínica de Gastroenterología, Endoscopia Digestiva y Motilidad Gastrointestinal, Hospital Ángeles Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - M S González-Huezo
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Centro Médico Issemym, Metepec, Estado de México, México
| | | | - A Larrosa-Haro
- Instituto de Nutrición Humana, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | | | - C Murata
- Metodología de la Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, México
| | - J A Ramírez-Mayans
- Departamento de Gastroenterología y Nutrición, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, México
| | - J M Remes-Troche
- Laboratorio de Motilidad y Fisiología Digestiva, Instituto de Investigaciones Médico Biológicas, Universidad Veracruzana (UV), Veracruz, México
| | - T Rizo-Robles
- Servicio de Gastroenterología, Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, IMSS, Ciudad de México, México
| | - M Peláez-Luna
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - E M Toro-Monjaraz
- Departamento de Gastroenterología y Nutrición, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, México
| | - A Torre
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - M E Urquidi-Rivera
- Servicio de Gastroenterología Pediátrica y Endoscopia, Hospital Regional ISSSTE, Monterrey, N.L., México
| | - R Vázquez
- Departamento de Gastroenterología y Nutrición, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Ciudad de México, México
| | - J K Yamamoto-Furusho
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - F Guarner
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Vall d'Hebrón, Barcelona, España
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Valdovinos M, Montijo E, Abreu A, Heller S, González-Garay A, Bacarreza D, Bielsa-Fernández M, Bojórquez-Ramos M, Bosques-Padilla F, Burguete-García A, Carmona-Sánchez R, Consuelo-Sánchez A, Coss-Adame E, Chávez-Barrera J, de Ariño M, Flores-Calderón J, Gómez-Escudero O, González-Huezo M, Icaza-Chávez M, Larrosa-Haro A, Morales-Arámbula M, Murata C, Ramírez-Mayans J, Remes-Troche J, Rizo-Robles T, Peláez-Luna M, Toro-Monjaraz E, Torre A, Urquidi-Rivera M, Vázquez R, Yamamoto-Furusho J, Guarner F. The Mexican consensus on probiotics in gastroenterology. REVISTA DE GASTROENTEROLOGÍA DE MÉXICO (ENGLISH EDITION) 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rgmxen.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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Passalacqua G, Ciprandi G. Emerging drugs for perennial allergic rhinitis. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2012; 17:543-553. [PMID: 23186314 DOI: 10.1517/14728214.2012.746312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a high-prevalence disease, sustained by an IgE-triggered reaction with histamine release, followed by an inflammatory response which involves cells, mediators, cytokines and adhesion molecules. According to its duration, AR can be either intermittent or persistent. In the persistent form, the inflammatory component usually predominates. AREAS COVERED The current therapeutic strategy is based on antihistamines, antileukotrienes and on corticosteroids (which broadly act on inflammation). Allergen-specific immunotherapy is a biological response modifier that affects the immune response to allergens in a broad sense. The available pharmacotherapy is overall effective in controlling symptoms and inflammation, but safety concerns may be present (especially for prolonged treatments), and a proportion of patients remain uncontrolled. The available therapeutic innovations, as derived from the most recent literature are reviewed herein. EXPERT OPINION In the last years there have been very few innovative approaches to optimize the management of AR. These include new histamine receptor antagonists, combination therapy and strategies to selectively block relevant signaling pathways of the allergic reaction. Some more promising advances have been shown for allergen immunotherapy, where a number of new strategies are currently under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Passalacqua
- Allergy & Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS S. Martino-IST-University of Genoa, Padiglione Maragliano, L.go R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
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Hong WS, Chen YP, Dai TY, Huang IN, Chen MJ. Effect of heat-inactivated kefir-isolated Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens M1 on preventing an allergic airway response in mice. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2011; 59:9022-9031. [PMID: 21749079 DOI: 10.1021/jf201913x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we assessed the anti-asthmatic effects of heat-inactivated Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens M1 (HI-M1) and its fermented milk using different feeding procedures and at various dosage levels. The possible mechanisms whereby HI-M1 has anti-allergic asthmatic effects were also evaluated. Ovalbumin (OVA)-allergic asthma mice that have been orally administrated the HI-M1 samples showed strong inhibition of production of T helper cell (Th) 2 cytokines, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and Th17 cytokines in splenocytes and bronchoalveolar fluid compared to control mice. An increase in regulatory T cell population in splenocytes in the allergic asthma mice after oral administration of H1-M1 was also observed. In addition, all of the features of the asthmatic phenotype, including specific IgE production, airway inflammation, and development of airway hyperresponsiveness, were depressed in a dose-dependent manner by treatment. These findings support the possibility that oral feeding of H1-M1 may be an effective way of alleviating asthmatic symptoms in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Sheng Hong
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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6
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Abstract
Allergic rhinitis is a high-prevalence disease, affecting 10 - 20% of the general population. Allergic rhinitis is sustained by an IgE-mediated reaction and by a complex inflammatory network of cells, mediators and cytokines that becomes chronic when exposure to allergen persists. A T(H)2-biased immune response is the background of the allergic inflammation. The current therapeutic strategy is mainly based on drugs (antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, cromones and decongestants) and allergen immunotherapy. Drugs are (overall) effective in controlling symptoms but do not modify the immune background that leads to allergic inflammation and safety concerns may be present, especially for prolonged treatments. Immunotherapy can modify the allergic response but there is still room for improvement. Nowadays, several approaches are under investigation to optimise the management of allergic rhinitis. On one hand, new drugs and antimediators are being developed. On the other hand, attempts are being made to selectively block relevant signal pathways of allergic reaction. Finally, one of the major goals is to modify the T(H)2-biased immune response by improving the characteristics and modes of action of allergen immunotherapy.
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MESH Headings
- Allergens/adverse effects
- Allergens/therapeutic use
- Anti-Allergic Agents/pharmacology
- Anti-Allergic Agents/therapeutic use
- Anti-Asthmatic Agents/pharmacology
- Anti-Asthmatic Agents/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use
- Asthma/drug therapy
- Asthma/immunology
- Desensitization, Immunologic
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Drugs, Investigational/pharmacology
- Drugs, Investigational/therapeutic use
- Forecasting
- Humans
- Hypersensitivity, Immediate/immunology
- Immunoglobulin E/immunology
- Immunologic Factors/pharmacology
- Immunologic Factors/therapeutic use
- Immunosuppressive Agents/pharmacology
- Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use
- Patient Education as Topic
- Probiotics/pharmacology
- Probiotics/therapeutic use
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/drug therapy
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/epidemiology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/immunology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/physiopathology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial/therapy
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/drug therapy
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/epidemiology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/immunology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/physiopathology
- Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal/therapy
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Th2 Cells/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Passalacqua
- University of Genoa, Padiglione Maragliano, Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Largo Rossana Benzi 10, Genoa, Italy.
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Billoo AG, Memon MA, Khaskheli SA, Murtaza G, Iqbal K, Saeed Shekhani M, Siddiqi AQ. Role of a probiotic ( Saccharomyces boulardii) in management and prevention of diarrhoea. World J Gastroenterol 2006; 12:4557-60. [PMID: 16874872 PMCID: PMC4125647 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i28.4557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) in acute watery diarrhoea and its role in reducing the frequency of episodes of diarrhoea in subsequent two months.
METHODS: Children from 2 mo to 12 years of age, with acute diarrhoea were selected according to inclusion criteria and randomised in S. boulardii group (treated with ORS, nutritional support and S. boulardii, 250 mg bid) and in control group (treated with ORS and nutritional support only). Active treatment phase was 5 d and each child was followed for two months afterwards. Frequency and consistency of stools as well as safety of drug was assessed on every visit. A comparison of two groups was done in terms of number of diarrhoeal episode in subsequent two months.
RESULTS: There were fifty patients in each group. Baseline characteristics such as mean age and the average frequency of stools were comparable in S. boulardii and control group at the time of inclusion in the trial. By d 3 it reduced to 2.7 and 4.2 stools per d respectively and by d 6 it reduced to 1.6 (S. boulardii Group) and 3.3 (control group). The duration of diarrhoea was 3.6 d in S. boulardii group whereas it was 4.8 d in control group (P = 0.001). In the following two months, S. boulardii group had a significantly lower frequency of 0.54 episodes as compared to 1.08 episodes in control group. The drug was well accepted and tolerated. There were no reports of the side effects during treatment period.
CONCLUSION: S. boulardii significantly reduces the frequency and duration of acute diarrhoea. The consistency of stool also improves. The drug is well-tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G Billoo
- Department of Pediatrics, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Parkistan.
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Bloomfield SF, Stanwell-Smith R, Crevel RWR, Pickup J. Too clean, or not too clean: the hygiene hypothesis and home hygiene. Clin Exp Allergy 2006; 36:402-25. [PMID: 16630145 PMCID: PMC1448690 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2006.02463.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The 'hygiene hypothesis' as originally formulated by Strachan, proposes that a cause of the recent rapid rise in atopic disorders could be a lower incidence of infection in early childhood, transmitted by unhygienic contact with older siblings. Use of the term 'hygiene hypothesis' has led to several interpretations, some of which are not supported by a broader survey of the evidence. The increase in allergic disorders does not correlate with the decrease in infection with pathogenic organisms, nor can it be explained by changes in domestic hygiene. A consensus is beginning to develop round the view that more fundamental changes in lifestyle have led to decreased exposure to certain microbial or other species, such as helminths, that are important for the development of immunoregulatory mechanisms. Although this review concludes that the relationship of the hypothesis to hygiene practice is not proven, it lends strong support to initiatives seeking to improve hygiene practice. It would however be helpful if the hypothesis were renamed, e.g. as the 'microbial exposure' hypothesis, or 'microbial deprivation' hypothesis, as proposed for instance by Bjorksten. Avoiding the term 'hygiene' would help focus attention on determining the true impact of microbes on atopic diseases, while minimizing risks of discouraging good hygiene practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- S F Bloomfield
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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Abstract
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a high-prevalence disease, affecting 10-15% of the general population. AR is sustained by an IgE-mediated reaction, and by a complex inflammatory network of cells, mediators and cytokines that becomes chronic when exposure to allergen persists. A T helper 2 (TH2)-biased immune response is the basis for the allergic inflammation. The current therapeutic strategy is mainly based on drugs (antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, cromones, decongestants) and allergen immunotherapy. Drugs are overall effective in controlling symptoms, but do not modify the immune background that leads to allergic inflammation, and safety concerns may be present especially for prolonged treatments. Immunotherapy can modify the allergic response, but there is still space for improvement. Nowadays, several approaches are under investigation to optimise the management of AR. On one hand, new drugs and antimediators are being developed; on the other hand, attempts are made to selectively block relevant signal pathways of allergic reaction. Finally, one of the major goals is to modify the TH2-biased immune response by improving the characteristics and modes of action of allergen immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Ciprandi
- Dipartimento Patologie Testa-Collo, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino, Allergologia-U.O. ORL, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
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10
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Coulthard MG, Mellis CM. Does probiotic milk prevent infections in children attending daycare centres? Med J Aust 2004; 181:556-7. [PMID: 15540969 DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2004.tb06446.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2004] [Accepted: 04/21/2004] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark G Coulthard
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD.
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Thibault H, Aubert-Jacquin C, Goulet O. Effects of long-term consumption of a fermented infant formula (with Bifidobacterium breve c50 and Streptococcus thermophilus 065) on acute diarrhea in healthy infants. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2004; 39:147-52. [PMID: 15269618 DOI: 10.1097/00005176-200408000-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether long-term consumption of a fermented infant formula could influence the incidence of acute diarrhea and its severity in healthy infants. METHOD Nine hundred seventy-one infants, ranging in age from 4 to 6 months, were included in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial during a period of 5 months. They consumed daily either a fermented infant formula (FF) (fermentation with Bifidobacterium breve C50 and Streptococcus thermophilus 065) or a standard infant formula (SF) of the same nutritional composition. EVALUATION CRITERIA Number and duration of acute diarrhea episodes were evaluated. Severity of the episodes was determined by the number of hospital admissions, incidence of dehydration, number of medical consultations, number of oral rehydration solution prescriptions, and number of formula switches. RESULTS Growth of the infants and acceptability of the formulas were identical in the two groups. Incidence, duration of diarrhea episodes, and number of hospital admissions did not differ significantly between groups. Episodes were less severe in the FF (fermented formula) group. There were fewer cases of dehydration 2.5%versus 6.1% (P = 0.01), fewer medical consultations (46%v 56.6%, P = 0.003), fewer ORS prescriptions 41.9%v 51.9% (P = 0.003) and fewer switches to other formulas (59.5%v 74.9%, P = 0.0001) in FF infants compared to SF. CONCLUSION A fermented formula may reduce the severity of acute diarrhea among healthy young infants. This outcome may be linked to the bifidogenic effects of fermentation products and their interactions with the intestinal immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Thibault
- Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
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Abstract
A number of recent cohort and cross-sectional studies have contributed substantial knowledge to factors that influence the early development of asthma. Here, we summarize the recent evidence for the role of early life events such as prenatal factors, infections, diet and allergen exposure, and discuss the implications for future preventative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Peat
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Sydney University Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia.
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