title: Treatment of atopic dermatitis eczema with a high concentration of Lactobacillus salivarius LS01 associated with an innovative gelling complex: a pilot study on adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the efficacy of a highly concentrated Lactobacillus salivarius preparation containing a gelling complex formed by Streptococcus thermophilus ST10 and tara gum in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Previous studies have demonstrated an improvement in AD symptoms after administration of the probiotic strain L. salivarius LS01. S. thermophilus ST10 and tara gum create a gelling complex that adheres to intestinal mucus and improves barrier function.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective, controlled pilot trial was carried out to evaluate how the association of S. thermophilus ST10 and tara gum could improve the activity of L. salivarius LS01 administered at high doses to adults with AD. Twenty-five patients were included into the study: 13 were treated for 1 month with the active formulation, whereas 12 represented the placebo group. Scoring Atopic Dermatitis index was determined before and at the end of probiotic administration. Fecal samples were also collected to evaluate changes in bacterial counts of Staphylococcus aureus and clostridia.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant improvement in SCORAD index was observed in the probiotic group after 1 month of treatment, whereas no significant changes occurred in placebo patients. A slight decrease in fecal S. aureus count was observed in probiotic-treated patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Data obtained in this study suggest a potential role for L. salivarius LS01 in the treatment of AD. The addition of tara gum and S. thermophilus ST10 seems to improve the overall efficacy of the probiotic strain, in particular shortening the time required for the onset of the positive effects. Further studies to investigate the activity of this preparation are advisable.
authors.affiliation: *Clinical Chemistry and Microbiology Laboratory ‡Clinical Dermatology, IRCSS Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute, Department of Biomedical Science for Health †Medical Technical Sciences Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Science for Health §Department of Biomedical Science for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Drago
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: De Vecchi
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Toscano
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vassena
authors.forename: Gianfranco
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Altomare
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pigatto
mesh_terms: D000268:Adhesiveness; D000328:Adult; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000382:microbiology*; D007558:Italy; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D053149:Plant Gums; D019936:Probiotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D048249:Streptococcus thermophilus / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D005782:Gels; D053149:Plant Gums; C038612:tara gum