Probiotics, Epigenetic Modifications, And Atopic Dermatitis

BACKGROUND: Evidence has shown that probiotics may have protective or therapeutic effect on atopic dermatitis (AD) in children. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remains to be addressed. Epigenetic regulation may shed light on these pathways. We want to assess the effect of probiotics exposures and AD on epigenetic changes of genes in exposed children. METHODS: 145 children with AD who received probiotics (Lactobacillus) in a clinical trial were recruited. Ten human candidate genes (IL4, IL-5, IL-13, TNFα, TGFβ, INF-γ, TLR2, TLR4, TLR9, and CD14) interacting with probiotics from literature reviews and prominent cytokine levels changes noted at this clinical trial with CpG islands were selected. Initially, 11 AD children with prominent SCORAD score decrease after taking probiotics were selected. 22 blood samples from these children before and after taking probiotics were measured by quantitative PCR assays.Candidate genes with differential methylation after taking probiotics identified throu...