Adhesion of Probiotics onto Intestinal Epithelial Cell and the Host Defense

• Published in: Chōnai saikingaku zasshi Vol. 17; no. 1; pp. 1 - 8
• Main Authors: FUKUSHIMA, Yoichi, YAMANO, Toshihiko
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese; English
• Published: Tokyo The Intestinal Microbiology Society 2003; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: adhesion; bifidobacteria; immunity; intestinal flora; Lactobacillus; natural defence; Probiotics; yogurt
• ISSN: 1343-0882; 1349-8363
• DOI: 10.11209/jim1997.17.1

The host possesses a developed defense system against invasion of pathogens through the epithelium in gut, where many infections are likely to occur. Gastric acid, digestive juices, intestinal microfiora, mucus layer, peristalsis, and immune system compose the barrier system in gut. Recently, probiotics which is positively influenced on the barrier system has been highlighted. Lactobacillus johnsonii Lal used in LCl yogurt was screened as a probiotic strain with the highest adhesive efficacy to the intestinal epithelium. The Lal strain inhibits the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria onto the intestinal epithelial cell lines, implying the strain could prevent infections through the gut. Feeding of LCl yogurt with the La1 strain improved intestinal microflora and fecal conditions. Intake of the LC1 strain significantly reinforced phagocytotic activity in blood and IgA levels. Intake of the La1 strain reduced the inflammation score of gastric ulcer and the concentration of Helicobacter pyroli. Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12, which is incorporated into follow-up formulas, has an adhesive efficacy onto mucus isolated from human. Feeding of formula with the Bb12 strain improves intestinal microfiora and prevents infectious diarrhea in infants. Intake of the Bb 12 strain elicits increase in intestinal IgA and phagocytotic activity. Furthermore, severity of atopic eczema in infants significantly improved by intake of formula with Bb12. Epithelial cells produce cytokine signals responding to bacteria attached on the surface, and commensal bacteria like lactic acid bacteria seem to stimulate host defense without any induction of inflammation. Capability of bacterial adhesion onto epithelial surface may be an important element to elicit such response of the host efficiently, and the adhesive strains, L. johnsonii Lal and B. lactis Bb12, could be beneficial tools for reinforcing the host defense including stimulation on immune function.