Fermented Maesil (Prunus mume) with probiotics inhibits development of atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice.
Maesil (Prunus mume Siebold & Zucc.), a potential source of free radical scavengers and inhibitor of pro-inflammatory mediators, is used in traditional Korean medical preparations as a remedy for skin disorders as have probiotics. The action of a probiotic fermented Maesil preparation on the development of atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions was determined in a NC/Nga mouse model as an initial step towards the development of a therapeutic feed supplement for use in dogs. Continuous ingestion of the experimental feed markedly inhibited the development of the AD-like skin lesions, as evidenced by a marked decrease in skin signs and reduced inflammation within the skin lesions. Efficacy was confirmed by significant decreases in eosinophil ratio and serum IgE concentration, and a reduction in the number of Staphylococcus aureus recovered from the ear. Relative mRNA expression levels of IL-4, interferon-gamma and tumour necrosis factor-alpha in the spleens of the experimental animals were also decreased and there was an increased serum concentration of IL-10 with a concurrent decreased IL-4 concentration in comparison to a control group. Taken together, the results indicate that some component(s) of fermented Maesil have the ability to suppress the development of AD-like skin lesions, possibly by stimulation of IL-10. Beneficial effects of fermented Maesil may thus be expected in dogs with AD, although this and the nature of the active pathway remain to be explored.
Jung
Bock-Gie
BG
College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500-757, Korea.
Cho
Sun-Ju
SJ
Koh
Hong-Bum
HB
Han
Dong-Un
DU
Lee
Bong-Joo
BJ
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004137:Dinitrochlorobenzene / Q000633:toxicity; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005285:Fermentation; D005638:Fruit; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D051379:Mice; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019936:Probiotics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D027861:Prunus / Q000737:chemistry*; D013047:Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors
D016207:Cytokines; D004137:Dinitrochlorobenzene; D010936:Plant Extracts; D007073:Immunoglobulin E