Immune Regulation via Beneficial Bacteria
A scientific study conducted by researchers from the Technical University of Denmark showed that certain types of beneficial bacteria present in infants' guts during the first months of life play a role in regulating the immune system's response, potentially contributing to a lower probability of developing allergies in later stages of life.
The French science, technology, and health website «Futura Sciences» reported on Sunday that the study, published in the specialized scientific journal «Nature Microbiology», identified types of «Bifidobacteria» that produce a natural compound known as «4-OH-PLA», which helps regulate immune activity and limit reactions associated with allergies.
Reducing Allergic Reactions by 60 Percent
Experiments conducted by researchers on human immune cells showed that this compound contributes to reducing the production of antibodies of the «IgE» type, associated with allergic reactions, by approximately 60 percent, when using concentrations similar to those naturally found in infants' guts, without affecting other types of antibodies necessary for body defense.
The study included monitoring 147 children from birth until they reached the age of five, where researchers analyzed their gut bacterial composition and tracked the development of indicators related to allergies during this period.
Factors Increasing Protection Opportunities
The results showed that children who recorded high levels of these beneficial bacteria during the first months after birth were less likely to show signs of sensitivity later, reinforcing the importance of microbial balance in the gut during early growth and immune system development.
Researchers identified several factors associated with increased levels of these bacteria in infants, including natural birth, exclusive breastfeeding, and early interaction with other children, noting that children born naturally were 14 times more likely to acquire these bacteria from their mothers compared to others.
Future Prospects for Prevention
Researchers believe the results may open the door to developing future preventive measures based on probiotics, or natural compounds produced by beneficial bacteria, including studying the possibility of adding them to some infant formula compositions.
The study highlights the role of the gut microbiome in immune system development during the first years of life and the importance of continuing research to determine ways to benefit from beneficial bacteria in limiting allergic diseases, especially since the results require further clinical studies before being translated into medical applications.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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