title: Specific probiotics in enhancing maturation of IgA responses in formula-fed infants.
abstract: The first months of life represent a critical period for the maturation of the infant's immune system and, thus, a window of opportunity for measures to reduce the risk of disease. We hypothesized that specific probiotics might promote mucosal immunologic maturation in formula-fed infants. The numbers of cow's milk-specific and total IgA-secreting cells were measured at 3, 7, and 12 mo of age in a double-blind placebo-controlled study of 72 infants with early artificial feeding. The infants consumed infant formula supplemented with specific probiotics (Lactobacillus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12) or placebo during the first year of life. Further analyses of the serum concentrations of the IgA-inducing cytokine TGF-beta2 and the soluble innate microbial receptor sCD14 were conducted. The numbers of cow's milk-specific IgA secreting cells were significantly higher in infants receiving probiotics compared with those receiving placebo (p = 0.045, ANOVA for repeated measures). At 12 mo of age, the serum concentrations of sCD14 were 1479 pg/mL [95% confidence interval (CI) 1373-1592] in infants receiving probiotics and 1291 pg/mL (95% CI 1152-1445) in infants receiving placebo (p = 0.046). Administration of the probiotics Lactobacillus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 at the time of introduction of cow's milk in the infant's diet results in cow's milk-specific IgA antibody responsiveness that may be the result of increased production of sCD14.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Turku, Finland. samrau@utu.fi
authors.forename: Samuli
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rautava
authors.forename: Heikki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Arvilommi
authors.forename: Erika
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Isolauri
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001644:Bifidobacterium; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007223:Infant; D041943:Infant Formula / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007778:Lactobacillus; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000276:immunology; D018950:Lipopolysaccharide Receptors / Q000097:blood; D008892:Milk / Q000276:immunology; D018529:Nutritional Support; D019936:Probiotics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D018950:Lipopolysaccharide Receptors; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta