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Acupuncture ameliorates atopic dermatitis by modulating gut barrier function in a gut microbiota-dependent manner in
Mijung Yeom1, Sora Ahn1, Dae-Hyun Hahm2
1Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
Journal of Integrative Medicine
|August 13, 2024
Summary
Acupuncture effectively treats atopic dermatitis (AD) by modulating the gut microbiome and improving intestinal barrier function. These benefits are dependent on a healthy gut microbiota, offering a new non-pharmacological approach for AD treatment.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition potentially linked to gut microbiome alterations.
- Acupuncture shows promise in alleviating AD symptoms, but its mechanisms remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the gut microbiota in acupuncture's therapeutic effects on AD.
- To explore how acupuncture influences intestinal barrier function in the context of AD.
Main Methods:
- AD-like skin lesions were induced in mice, with acupuncture applied at LI11 acupoints.
- Intestinal barrier function was assessed via various physiological and molecular markers.
- Gut microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
Main Results:
- Acupuncture improved AD-like symptoms and altered gut microbiota structure.
- These effects were dependent on the gut microbiota, as shown by antibiotic depletion and fecal microbiota transplantation experiments.
- Acupuncture attenuated intestinal barrier dysfunction, including increased permeability and inflammation, in an AD-dependent manner.
Conclusions:
- Acupuncture ameliorates AD phenotypes through gut microbiota modulation and improved intestinal barrier function.
- This study highlights acupuncture as a potential non-pharmacological strategy for AD management by targeting the gut microbiome.
