Clinical Significance of Excess Lactose in the Diet (Part 2)

Abstract

The article on the basis of published data presents the ideas about the clinical significance of excess lactose in the diet. Lactose is a specific inhibitor of β-galactoside-binding protein — galectin-9 (Gal-9) which regulates the intracellular metabolism (cell growth, inflammation, immune response, apoptosis). Lactose, competitively binding to Gal-9, prevents activation of Gal-9/TIM-3-associated signaling pathways that promotes proliferation of the T-helper 1 and 17 cells, causing the induction of inflammation. Excess lactose reduces Treg-cells representation, which have immunosuppressive action, and increases insulin resistance. Lactose inhibits the interaction of Gal-9 with immunoglobulin E and hyaluronan-binding molecule CD44 and contributes to allergic manifestations. The limitations of using exogenous lactase preparations for patho­gnomonic treatment of inflammatory and allergic diseases in children with lactase deficiency are presented.

Keywords

• lactose
• LCT polymorphisms
• galectin-9
• inflammation
• allergy
• exogenous lactase