Lactobacillus pentosus Modulates Immune Response by Inducing IL-10 Producing Tr1 Cells

Several gut commensals have been shown to modulate host immune response. Recently, many food derived microbes have also been reported to affect the immune system. However, a mechanism to identify immunostimulatory and immunoregulatory microbes is needed. Here, we successfully established an in vitro screening system and identified an immunoregulatory bacterium, Lactobacillus pentosus KF340 (LP340), present in various fermented foods. LP340 induced a regulatory phenotype in mice Ag presenting cells which, in turn, induced IL-10 and IFN-γ producing Type 1 regulatory T cells (Tr1 cells) from naïve CD4⁺ T cells. Naïve CD4⁺ T cells co-cultured with LP340 treated dendritic cells highly expressed cytokine receptor IL-27R and were CD49b and lymphocyte-activation gene 3 double positive. Oral administration of LP340 in mice with atopic dermatitis reduced cellular infiltration in affected ear lobes and serum IgE levels, thus, ameliorating the disease symptoms. This suggests a systemic immunoregulatory effect of LP340. These findings demonstrate that LP340, a bacterium derived from food, prevents systemic inflammation through the induction of IL-10 producing Tr1 cells.

Intravesical Migration of an Intrauterine Contraceptive Device with Secondary Calculus Formation / 가정의학회지

Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) are a common form of reversible contraception owing to fewer systemic side effects and low cost, especially in a developing country like India. However, IUCDs are not without complications. Migration of a device into adjacent organs is the most morbid of all the documented complications. A patient who presents with a history that suggests loss or disappearance of an IUCD thread associated with urinary symptoms should raise suspicions that a device may have migrated into the bladder. Physicians should also be aware of possible secondary vesical calculus formation. Further radiological investigations and appropriate management are warranted. We present a case report describing the migration of an IUCD into the bladder with secondary calculus formation.