We have found that fermented barley extract (FBE), prepared from barley shochu residue, alleviates allergic rhinitis in OVA-sensitized mice. In this study, we examined to determine whether FBE suppresses the development of atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. The development of AD-like skin lesions in a 5% FBE containing diet group was significantly inhibited, and scratching behavior, one of aggravating factors, was also suppressed. Neither serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels nor interleukin (IL)-4 production by spleen cells in the 5% FBE diet group was found to be significantly reduced. On the other hand, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and IL-17 production by spleen cells in the 5% FBE diet group was significantly reduced. Hence it was assumed that FBE alleviates AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice, probably by modulating the cytokine production involved in chronic inflammation, such as IFN-γ or IL-17.

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