Fermented Maesil (Prunus mume) with probiotics inhibits development of atopic dermatitis‐like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice |
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| Authors: | Bock‐Gie Jung Sun‐Ju Cho Hong‐Bum Koh Dong‐Un Han Bong‐Joo Lee |
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| Institution: | 1. College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500‐757, Korea;2. Division of Animal Care, Cheonan Yonam College, Chungnam 330‐709, Korea |
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| Abstract: | 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‐γ and tumour necrosis factor‐α 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. |
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