Gut Health and Allergies

Do you have allergies? Evidence continues to show that dietary habits affect gut health, and gut health affects your immune system. This research further reveals the complex and multifactorial regulatory mechanisms involving gastrointestinal microbiota, diet, and the immune system. Your body regulates your immune system with the help of your gut bacteria.

Take good care of your “gut bugs” and they will help take good care of you!

Abstract

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced by the intestinal microbiota during the fermentation of dietary fibers as secondary metabolites. Several recent studies reported that SCFAs modulate the development and function of immune-related cells. However, the molecular mechanisms by which SCFAs regulate mast cells (MCs) remain unclear. In the current study, we analyzed the function and gene expression of mouse MCs in the presence of SCFAs in vitro and in vivo. We found that the oral administration of valerate or butyrate ameliorated passive systemic anaphylaxis and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in mice. The majority of SCFAs, particularly propionate, butyrate, valerate, and isovalerate, suppressed the IgE-mediated degranulation of bone marrow–derived MCs, which were eliminated by the G_i protein inhibitor pertussis toxin and by the knockdown of Gpr109a. A treatment with the HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A also suppressed IgE-mediated MC activation and reduced the surface expression level of FcεRI on MCs. Acetylsalicylic acid and indomethacin attenuated the suppressive effects of SCFAs on degranulation. The degranulation degree was significantly reduced by PGE₂ but not by PGD₂. Furthermore, SCFAs enhanced PGE₂ release from stimulated MCs. The SCFA-mediated amelioration of anaphylaxis was exacerbated by COX inhibitors and an EP3 antagonist, but not by an EP4 antagonist. The administration of niacin, a ligand of GPR109A, alleviated the symptoms of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, which was inhibited by cyclooxygenase inhibitors and the EP3 antagonist. We conclude that SCFAs suppress IgE-mediated activation of MCs in vivo and in vitro involving GPR109A, PGE₂, and epigenetic regulation.

Source: Journal of Immunology January 10 2024

About the Author: Dr. L. Cindy Theroux-Jette, PhD, OT/L, LAc, CFMP

L. Cindy Theroux-Jette, PhD, OT/L, LAc, CHPCA is a functional medicine specialist, and a dually Board certified and licensed clinician with 30+ years of practice. She employs a functional integrative approach to identify and address the underlying root cause of disorders while treating adult and pediatric patients. She is a nationally Board-Certified and licensed Occupational Therapist (OT/L), and a nationally Board-Certified licensed Acupuncturist and herbalist (LAc). She is licensed to practice in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, became Board Certified in Occupational Therapy in 1992 by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), and was Board Certified in 2002 by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Her formal education includes a Doctoral degree in Health Psychology (PhD), a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAOM), a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy (BSOT), and two specialty certifications: Certified Functional Medicine Provider (CFMP), and Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist (CHPCA). Dr. Theroux-Jette holds the distinction of being the first and only Certified Functional Medicine Provider in Greater Nashua. She empowers her patients to take an active role in addressing modifiable problem areas and expects an active investment in self-care and treatment for best results in restoring function, maintaining health, and achieving healthy longevity. Dr. Theroux-Jette also holds the distinction of being the first and only NH licensed acupuncturist to have earned the Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist (CHPCA) specialty certification from the National Association for Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturists, and she is honored to be able to provide end-of-life comfort and palliative care. The comprehensive nature of her conventional medical training and holistic medical training serves to “fill the gap” and augment the care of conventional medical providers who may not have time or training to offer individualized care while working within the constraints of insurance driven conventional healthcare systems. She welcomes collaboration with all providers on the patient care team, as open communication facilitates better outcomes and is in the best interest of her patients. Virtual care via telemedicine visits allow Dr. Theroux-Jette to offer functional medicine services to patients from all over the United States. Her practice focus includes treatment of chronic health conditions, preventive medicine, restorative medicine, healthy aging, and immunological, gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. Complex conditions, pain, and psychological stress are the most common referrals and complaints she sees in her practice. Dr. Theroux-Jette was initially appointed to serve on the New Hampshire Board of Acupuncture Licensing in 2012 by Governor Lynch, was reappointed several times, and served as Chair of the Board for ten years. She is President Emeritus (2005-2012) of the state level professional association of licensed acupuncturists, the New Hampshire Acupuncture and Asian Medicine Association. Dr. Theroux-Jette honorably served her country in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1989 – 1997 at Naval Air Station South Weymouth, Massachusetts. Presently, she enjoys giving back to the local and global community as a member of the Rotary Club of Nashua and volunteering with Home Health & Hospice Care Wellspring Chorus. She follows a Pesco-Mediterranean diet, and in her free time enjoys nature, photography, and outdoor activities with her spouse, Ernie Jette.

Gut Health and Allergies