Oral administration of GKK1 ameliorates atopic dermatitis in a mouse model.

Background/objectives: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent chronic skin condition, especially in young children, with rising incidence in developed countries. AD causes repeated scratching, and thus affecting quality of life. This study evaluated the effects and mechanisms of the probiotic GKK1 on AD symptoms in mice.

Methods: Five-week-old BALB/c mice were divided into four groups ( = 8): control, AD, low-dose GKK1 (10 CFU/day), and high-dose GKK1 (10 CFU/day). GKK1 was intragastrically administered daily for 42 days. AD symptoms, skin histology, serum antibodies, inflammatory cytokine levels, gut microbiota composition, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the intestines were assessed.

Results: GKK1 showed improved skin appearance and reduced inflammation in AD mice, with high-dose GKK1 significantly reducing histological inflammation. The GKK1 treatment upregulated splenic interleukin (IL)-2, suppressed IL-4, IL-5 and IL-17 levels and increased intestinal and spp., contributing to higher SCFAs production in intestine.

Conclusion: Oral GKK1 effectively ameliorated AD symptoms and reduced inflammation in mice. Therefore, GKK1 may serve as a potential treatment for AD.