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Updated: Feb 27, 2026
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
Is a high-fiber diet able to influence ovalbumin-induced allergic airway inflammation in a mouse model?
Zhiyu Zhang1, Lei Shi, Wenhui Pang
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China.
Background:
More recently, a large amount of experimental and clinical discovered that dietary- fiber intake would decrease the susceptibility to allergic airway disease (AAD) and respiratory inflammation.
Objective:
To investigate whether a fiber-intake supplement is able to influence the induction of AAD and to elucidate the interactive relationship.
Methods:
AAD model mice and control mice were raised on a fundamental diet with standard 4% fiber content, whereas other mice were fed a 10% fiber-content diet in the high fiber-content group, along with a 25% fiber-content diet instead in very-high fiber-content group. All experimental mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin to induce allergic inflammation in both the upper and lower airways. Hallmarks of AAD were examined in terms of eosinophil infiltration and goblet cell metaplasia in subepithelial mucosa, T-helper type 1 (Th1) to Th2 skewing of the immune response. Furthermore, to elucidate the interrelations, we generated 16S ribosomal DNA from fecal samples and further validated the variation of colony composition in each group.
Results:
The excessive high-fiber supplement induced a promoting effect rather than a suppressive effect, including a rise in nasal rubbing and sneezing, an increase in eosinophil inflammation and goblet cell metaplasia in subepithelial mucosa, and promoted Th2 skewing of the immune response as well as the production of serum levels of ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin E. Moreover, overconsumption of dietary fiber greatly altered the construction of bacterial flora in the intestinal tract, including an increased proportion of Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria, and a decreased proportion of Bacteroidetes.
Conclusion:
Our work indicated that, instead of a protecting impact, excessive fiber intake preformed a negative influence on the induction of AAD. Therefore, we suspected that an excessive supplement of dietary fiber might not be an advisable method for the prevention and treatment of AADs.
Insights
Excessive dietary fiber intake may worsen allergic airway disease (AAD) by promoting inflammation and altering gut bacteria. High-fiber supplements are not advisable for preventing or treating AAD.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Dietary fiber intake is increasingly recognized for its potential to reduce susceptibility to allergic airway disease (AAD) and respiratory inflammation.
- Previous research suggested a protective role for dietary fiber in managing AAD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of fiber-intake supplements on the induction of AAD.
- To elucidate the interactive relationship between fiber intake and AAD development.
Main Methods:
- Mice models of AAD were established and fed diets with varying fiber content (4%, 10%, and 25%).
- Allergic inflammation was induced via ovalbumin sensitization and challenge.
- Evaluated AAD hallmarks, including immune response skewing (Th1/Th2) and gut microbiota composition via 16S ribosomal DNA analysis.
Main Results:
- Excessive high-fiber intake promoted AAD symptoms, including increased eosinophil infiltration and goblet cell metaplasia.
- High fiber levels skewed the immune response towards Th2 and increased ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin E.
- Dietary fiber overconsumption significantly altered gut microbiota, increasing Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria, while decreasing Bacteroidetes.
Conclusions:
- Contrary to expectations, excessive dietary fiber intake negatively influenced AAD induction.
- Overconsumption of dietary fiber may not be a beneficial strategy for AAD prevention or treatment.
