High levels of butyrate and propionate in early life are associated with protection against atopy

Abstract

BackgroundDietary changes are suggested to play a role in the increasing prevalence of allergic diseases and asthma. Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are metabolites present in certain foods and are produced by microbes in the gut following fermentation of fibers. SCFAs have been shown to have anti‐inflammatory properties in animal models. Our objective was to investigate the potential role of SCFAs in the prevention of allergy and asthma.MethodsWe analyzed SCFA levels by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in fecal samples from 301 one‐year‐old children from a birth cohort and examined their association with early life exposures, especially diet, and allergy and asthma later in life. Data on exposures and allergic diseases were collected by questionnaires. In addition, we treated mice with SCFAs to examine their effect on allergic airway inflammation.ResultsSignificant associations between the levels of SCFAs and the infant's diet were identified. Children with the highest levels of butyrate and propionate (≥95th percentile) in feces at the age of one year had significantly less atopic sensitization and were less likely to have asthma between 3 and 6 years. Children with the highest levels of butyrate were also less likely to have a reported diagnosis of food allergy or allergic rhinitis. Oral administration of SCFAs to mice significantly reduced the severity of allergic airway inflammation.ConclusionOur results suggest that strategies to increase SCFA levels could be a new dietary preventive option for allergic diseases in children.

The Role of Lung and Gut Microbiota in the Pathology of Asthma

“…The most known metabolites with demonstrated protective properties in human airway inflammation are SCFAs. Children with high amounts of butyrate and propionate in feces at 1 year of age have significantly less atopic sensitization and are less likely to have asthma between 3 and 6 years (Roduit et al, 2019). Moreover, soluble fiber supplementation has been found to decrease sputum eosinophilia and sputum histone deacetylase 9 gene expression in asthma patients (McLoughlin et al, 2019).…”

“…SCFAs have also been shown to reduce inflammation in both OVA and house dust mite (HDM)-induced airway inflammation models Cait et al, 2018). Moreover, oral application of SCFAs to mice during pregnancy and weaning have protect offspring from allergic lung inflammation, with butyrate in particular potently inducing Tregs in the lungs of offspring (Roduit et al, 2019) (Figure 2).…”

Future research trends in understanding the mechanisms underlying allergic diseases for improved patient care

“…For example, microbiota‐accessible carbohydrates (MAC) are complex carbohydrates found in dietary fibers that contribute to microbial diversity and generation of metabolites, such as short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) . SCFAs promote regulatory immune responses, and high SCFA levels early in life are associated with protection from atopic sensitization . In contrast, a high‐fat diet is associated with negative effects on microbiota composition and metabolism.…”

Position Statement on Atopic Dermatitis in Sub‐Saharan Africa: current status and roadmap

“…As the skin microbiome is also influenced by such factors as ethnicity, climate, UV exposure and lifestyle factors, future studies of African AD skin microbiome may yield novel regional variations. It was also noted that a butyrate‐rich diet (enriched in fibre‐rich foods and milk fat) shaped the gut microbiome and reduced AD incidence . A recent study in South African children demonstrated differences in gut microbiome composition between rural children with AD compared with their healthy counterparts …”