High-fat diet exacerbates atopic dermatitis through alterations in the gut microbiome

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin condition influenced by genetics and environmental factors like diet.
• High-fat diets (HFDs) are suspected contributors to AD exacerbation, but the underlying mechanisms require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a high-fat diet on the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis.
• To explore the role of gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in HFD-induced AD exacerbation.

Main Methods:

• Atopic dermatitis was induced in mice fed either a normal or high-fat diet (HFD).
• Skin inflammation markers and AD-related factors were quantified.
• Gut microbiota composition and SCFA levels in cecal contents were analyzed.
• Fecal microbiota transplantation and acetate administration were performed.

Main Results:

• HFD significantly increased inflammatory markers and AD-related factors in the skin.
• HFD altered gut microbiota, decreasing SCFA-producing bacteria (Bacteroides acidifaciens, Parabacteroides distasonis) and reducing SCFA levels.
• Fecal microbiota transplantation confirmed the link between gut dysbiosis and AD exacerbation.
• Acetate administration ameliorated HFD-induced skin inflammation and AD-like symptoms.

Conclusions:

• High-fat diet intake exacerbates atopic dermatitis-like symptoms through gut microbiota alterations and reduced SCFA production.
• Acetate and acetate-producing bacteria show potential as therapeutic strategies for managing AD.