Food allergy prevention in progeny by prebiotics supplementation during
pregnancy in a preclinical study
Abstract
Background: Food allergies (FAs) are associated with alterations in the
gut microbiota, epithelial barrier and immune tolerance. These
dysfunctions are observed in the first month of life, revealing that
early intervention is crucial for disease prevention. Nutritional
strategies such as prebiotics may reduce FAs in children. Indeed some
prebiotics such as galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and inulin are able to
induce tolerance, epithelial barrier reinforcementand gut microbiota
modulation, but the ideal period for intervention is unknown. Herein, we
investigated whether GOS/inulin supplementation during gestation could
protect progeny against FAs in mice. Methods: The mothers received a
control diet or an enriched diet with GOS/inulin exclusively during the
pregnancy. At the weaning, pups were intraperitoneally sensitized and
orally challenged with a wheat allergen. After the challenge pups
symptoms were evaluated and we analyzed allergic and tolerogenic
parameters. Moreover, mothers and pups fecal microbiota and short chain
fatty acids (SCFAs) were analyzed throughout the protocol. Results: We
demonstrated that prebiotics supplementation induced a strong
restructuration of the fecal microbiota of mice toward beneficial
strains during gestation and partially during mid-lactation. This
specific microbiota was transferred to pups and maintained to adulthood.
Moreover, B and T regulator subsets were increased in pups born from
supplemented mothers, inducing a tolerogenic environment and protecting
them against FAs. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that prebiotics
supplementation during pregnancy induces on the offspring a tolerogenic
environment and a microbial imprint, leading to a reduction of FA
development.