Long-term (56-week) oral administration of probiotic Enterococcus faecium M-74 decreases the expression of sICAM-1 and monocyte CD54, and increases that of lymphocyte CD49d in humans.

OBJECTIVES

To study the effects of long-term probiotic [Enterococcus faecium (EF) M-74 strain] application in humans with respect to adhesion molecules, both soluble forms (sICAM-1, sPECAM-1) and their expression on leukocytes.

METHODS

Double-blinded randomized and placebo controlled study lasting for 60 weeks. A single capsule containing either 2x10(9) of bacteria EF M-74 with 50 microg of organically bound selenium (E-group) or placebo (P-group) was given to volunteers. Peripheral blood was analyzed for the expression of particular adhesive molecules.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

We observed significant changes in CAMs expression in terms of a decrease in sICAM-1, CD54 on monocytes and CD11b on lymphocytes after one-year administration of Enterococcus faecium M-74 in humans. Anti-adhesion-aimed therapeutic modalities may provide the future approach to prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Application of probiotics may be part of such strategies. (Tab. 2, Fig. 6, Ref. 41.)