Gut Dysbiosis and Adult Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Dermatology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Growing interest in the gut microbiota (GM) and atopic dermatitis (AD) relationship.
• Gut dysbiosis is increasingly implicated in various health conditions.
• Understanding GM differences in AD is crucial for developing targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and identify differences in the gut microbiota of adults with AD versus healthy adults.
• To assess the potential link between gut dysbiosis and atopic dermatitis.
• To evaluate interventions aimed at modifying gut microbiota for AD management.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Searches conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science.
• Analysis of both observational and interventional studies on gut microbiota in adults.

Main Results:

• Heterogeneous results observed, but distinct GM characteristics identified in adults with AD.
• No significant difference in microbial diversity between AD patients and healthy controls.
• Specific bacteria (Bacteroidales, Enterobacteriaceae, Clostridium perfringens) were more prevalent in AD patients; healthy individuals had more short-chain fatty acid producers.

Conclusions:

• Preliminary evidence suggests interventions like probiotics, fecal microbiota transplants, and balneotherapy can improve AD management by altering gut microbiota.
• Further meta-analyses are needed to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety of gut flora-modifying interventions for AD.
• Targeting the intestinal flora holds potential for enhancing adult AD management.