Analyzing the level of antimicrobial peptides in breast milk of mothers of infants with atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial disease. The onset of AD is associated with the skin and intestinal barrier failure and impaired balance of the innate immunity. Inadequate innate immune reactions and decreased production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) by epithelial cells allow the passage of foreign proteins and bacterial toxins into the organism resulting in sensitization and local inflammation. Breast milk can act as a source of AMPs. The improper antimicrobial protection can be enhanced by stimulating the epithelial cells with probiotics. Objective. To evaluate the effect of a probiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus on the level of β-defensin-2 in breast milk of mothers of infants with AD. Materials and methods. We analyzed the effect of a probiotic containing Lactobacillus sp. strain n.v. Ер 317/402 «NARINE» on the level of β-defensin-2 in breast milk of mothers of infants with AD. The experimental group (n = 26) included mothers of infants with AD. They were further divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 17) received 2 capsules of probiotic (180 mg in one capsule) twice a day for 20 days, whereas Group 2 (n = 9) received 2 capsules of placebo twice a day for 20 days. The control group comprised mothers of healthy infants (n = 11). The level of β-defensin-2 in breast milk was measured using the ELISA Kit for Defensin Beta 2 (DEFb2) as per the manufacturer's instructions. The differences were evaluated using the unpaired Student's T test and Welch's t-test. Microsoft Excel was used for statistical analysis. Results. The proposed dosage regimen of the probiotic analyzed caused a 5.2-fold increase in the level of β-defensin-2 in breast milk of mothers of infants with AD (p < 0.05) (6.67 vs 1.29) and alleviation of skin inflammation in infants. Conclusion. Administration of Lactobacillus sp. strain n.v. Ер 317/402 «NARINE» may affect the level of β-defensin-2 in breast milk. Therefore, the probiotic can be used for the prevention and treatment of AD. Key words: atopic dermatitis, infants, defensins, breast milk