薬理と治療

Abstract

Background　Approximately one-third of the Japanese population suffers from allergic symptoms due to Japanese cedar pollen scattering and the incidence is increasing; therefore, additional solutions are required. It is thought that anti-allergic effects are caused by enhanced IgA secretion. In previous clinical studies, we confirmed that the Lactobacillus pentosus strain B240 can enhance salivary IgA secretion; thus, we hypothesized that consecutive B240 intake could alleviate the allergic symptoms caused by cedar pollen exposure. Methods　A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed on 34 healthy volunteers（20-65 years old）to evaluate the anti-allergy effects of daily B240 tablet intake for 8 weeks. We used a questionnaire based on Japanese Rhino-Conjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire（JRQLQ）No.　1 to evaluate allergic symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy nose, itchy eyes, watery eyes, the number of paper handkerchiefs used to wipe a runny nose, and the overall face scale of participants exposed to cedar pollen for 3h in an environmental exposure unit; trial registration number UMIN000034239. Results　B240 intake for 8 weeks significantly improved the overall face scale score during cedar pollen exposure for 3h. Moreover, there were significant positive correlations between the overall face scale score and the scores of each symptom. Conclusions　B240 has anti-allergic effects and could be a new option for people who develop mild allergic symptoms. Additionally, overall face scale can be used to evaluate both symptoms and quality of life during pollen exposure in an environmental exposure unit.