Untargeted Metabolomic Profiling Reveals Changes in Gut Microbiota and Mechanisms of Its Regulation of Allergy in OVA-Sensitive BALB/c Mice

Abstract

Gut microbiota plays an important role in the regulation of food allergy. However, the interactions between the gut flora and immune system are not well studied. Here, we obtained ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitive BALB/c mice, combined with serum untargeted metabolomics to investigate the mechanisms of the interactions. The serum metabolomics results showed that 17 serum metabolites were downregulated, enriched in the aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis pathway, whereas indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) was increased. Six operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at the family level were altered and correlated with immune endpoints. Combined metabolomic and microbiomic analyses revealed that IPA levels were correlated with differential bacterial OTUs and a positive correlation with Treg in splenic lymphocytes. These results suggest that the regulatory effects of intestinal flora on allergic responses may be achieved by metabolizing tryptophan to produce indole derivatives and the aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis pathway. The formation of OVA tolerance in mice may be related to the enrichment of Peptostreptococcaceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Lactobacillaceae.

Synergistic effects of l-theanine and epigallocatechin gallate in alleviating ovalbumin allergy by regulating intestinal immunity through inhibition of mast cell degranulation

“…10 The regulatory effects of the gut microbiota on allergic responses may be achieved by an increase in the proportion of beneficial bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillus, and Ruminococcus, and a decrease in the proportion of harmful bacteria, such as Helicobacter. 11 OVA-A drug intervention includes the clinical use of antihistamines (such as promethazine hydrochloride and chlorpheniramine) and allergic medium blocking agents (such as nedocromil and cromoglycate disodium). However, the use of drugs to treat an allergy is dependent on the drug potency and half-life, and the effectiveness may be accompanied by side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, and gastrointestinal inflammation.…”

“…10 The regulatory effects of the gut microbiota on allergic responses may be achieved by an increase in the proportion of beneficial bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae , Lactobacillus , and Ruminococcus , and a decrease in the proportion of harmful bacteria, such as Helicobacter . 11…”

L-Theanine Modulates Intestine-Specific Immunity by Regulating the Differentiation of CD4+ T Cells in Ovalbumin-Sensitized Mice

“…16 Moreover, the regulatory effects of gut microbiota on allergic responses may be achieved by enhancing the proportions of beneficial bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillus, and Ruminococcus, while decreasing the proportions of harmful bacteria such as Helicobacter. 17 To date, there has been no effective strategy for the treatment of OVA-A, except for strict avoidance of allergens. Although allergic reactions can be effectively treated, concerns remain about the side effects and high medical costs associated with allergy medications.…”

Relationship between maternal–infant gut microbiota and infant food allergy

“…Roseburia has also been reported to strengthen intestinal barrier function and enhance Treg population expansion (Patterson et al, 2017 ; Yan et al, 2019 ), which may be beneficial with respect to food allergies. The genus Ruminococcus has been implicated in mediating protection from asthma through the production of SCFAs and volatile substances with the ability to reduce T-helper cell type 2-mediated allergic airway inflammation (Ege, 2017 ; Zhuang et al, 2019 ), and it has also been suggested that it may be involved in the development of ovalbumin tolerance (Xu et al, 2022 ). Erysipelotrichaceae has also been reported to be a key butyrate-producing bacterium (Estaki et al, 2016 ), which is reported to be more abundant in the gut microbiota during the first month of life in infants with IgE-mediated food allergy (Joseph et al, 2022 ).…”