O uso de probióticos para o tratamento de alergias respiratórias - revisão de literatura

Abstract

Allergies are characterized by an exacerbated immune response to allergens in genetically susceptible individuals, marked by an imbalance between type 1 (Th1) and type 2 (Th2) immune responses. Allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis (AR) have a multifactorial pathogenesis involving genetic factors, environmental influences, and microbiota alterations. The gut microbiota plays a central role in immune development, and eubiosis is essential to promote interaction between the microbiota and host immune cells, contributing to the balance of inflammatory and allergic responses. The hygiene hypothesis suggests that reduced exposure to beneficial microorganisms contributes to the increasing prevalence of allergies. Microbiota alterations, such as dysbiosis, are associated with atopy, metabolic syndrome, and behavioral disorders, with microbiota formation influenced by factors such as birth method, breastfeeding, and antibiotic use. Probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that provide health benefits, show therapeutic potential in these conditions. They act by modulating the microbiota, strengthening the intestinal barrier, and regulating immunity through the activation of regulatory T cells and the production of IgA antibodies. These actions help inhibit pathogens, promote immune homeostasis, and reduce inflammatory responses. In allergic rhinitis, probiotics demonstrate effectiveness in restoring the microbiome and mitigating symptoms, with promising results also in food and respiratory allergies. However, their efficacy is strain-dependent, requiring further multicenter studies to confirm the benefits observed in preclinical and human models