Complex interplay of gut microbiota between obesity and asthma in children

Mingge Hu1, Xiaoman Zhao1, Yazun Liu1

  • 1Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|November 29, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity and asthma are linked, with gut bacteria playing a key role in obesity-related asthma. Understanding this gut microbiota connection may lead to new treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Microbiome Research
  • Metabolic Health

Background:

  • Obesity is a significant risk factor and comorbidity for childhood asthma.
  • Obesity-related asthma is a distinct phenotype associated with severe symptoms and reduced quality of life.
  • Early-life gut microbiota establishment is crucial for immune and metabolic development in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the interplay between asthma and obesity in children.
  • To focus on the mediating role of gut microbiota in obesity-related asthma pathogenesis.
  • To provide insights for understanding and potentially treating this condition.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent research on asthma, obesity, and gut microbiota.
  • Analysis of the mechanisms linking microbial dysbiosis to metabolic and immune alterations.
  • Synthesis of evidence on the transitional role of gut microbiota in obesity-related asthma.

Main Results:

  • Microbial dysbiosis affects lipid metabolism, inflammation, and immune responses.
  • Gut microbiota dysbiosis is linked to susceptibility to childhood obesity and asthma.
  • The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the progression of obesity-related asthma.

Conclusions:

  • The gut microbiota is a key factor in the pathogenesis of obesity-related asthma.
  • Targeting the gut microbiota may offer novel therapeutic strategies for childhood obesity-related asthma.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate these complex interactions and develop interventions.

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