New research from Monash University has uncovered a potential breakthrough in the prevention of asthma. The study, led by Professor Ben Marsland and published in the journal Immunity, highlights the long-term effects of early exposure to antibiotics on asthma susceptibility. The research team identified a molecule produced by gut bacteria, known as IPA, that could potentially be used as a dietary supplement to prevent asthma in at-risk children.
Asthma is a global health issue, affecting over 260 million people and causing around 455,000 deaths annually. The discovery of IPA and its role in protecting against asthma could have significant implications for asthma prevention and treatment.
Professor Marsland explains the link between antibiotic use, gut bacteria, and asthma risk. “We know that recurrent use of antibiotics early in life disrupts a person’s healthy gut microbiota and increases the risk of allergies and asthma. By depleting bacteria that produce IPA, antibiotics reduce a key molecule that has the potential to prevent asthma,” he said.
The first years of life play a vital role in establishing a healthy gut microbiota. Factors such as food intake, genetics, and environmental exposures influence the development of the gut microbiome. Infants at high risk of allergies and asthma often have disrupted and delayed maturation of the gut microbiome.
Professor Marsland emphasizes the importance of early intervention. “The use of antibiotics in the first year of life can unintentionally reduce beneficial bacteria, including those that produce IPA. Our research shows that IPA is critical in the maturation of lung cells, making it a potential candidate for preventing allergic airway inflammation early in life,” he said.
In their study, the research team observed that mice given antibiotics early in life were more susceptible to allergic airway inflammation induced by house dust mites, a common trigger for asthma. This susceptibility persisted into adulthood, even after the gut microbiome and IPA levels returned to normal, underscoring the importance of this molecule in early life development.
However, when the mice received a diet supplemented with IPA early in life, they were effectively protected against developing allergic airway inflammation in adulthood. This finding suggests that dietary intervention with IPA could potentially prevent asthma development in at-risk individuals.
Overall, the research from Monash University provides valuable insights into the role of gut bacteria and the IPA molecule in asthma prevention. With further studies, IPA may prove to be a simple and effective treatment for children at risk of asthma, offering hope for a future free from this debilitating respiratory condition.
