ASSOCIATION OF GUT DYSBIOSIS AND DEVELOPMENT OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA AMONG PEDIATRIC PATIENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

<h3>Introduction</h3> Many emerging important microbiotas in host development are proposed to contribute in the initiation and persistence of many non-communicable diseases, including allergic diseases and asthma. A cohesive association is still lacking to guide clinicians in pursuing clinical trials for diagnostic and treatment modalities directed on gut microbiota to prevent or treat asthma. The objective of this paper is to determine the association between gut dysbiosis and development of bronchial asthma in pediatrics. <h3>Methods</h3> Observational studies determining the role of gut microbiome in the development of asthma in pediatric patients were systematically reviewed by two appraisers. Studies were included and appraised using the PRISMA guidelines. <h3>Results</h3> A total of ten studies were included with a total population of 5,678 children under the age of 7 years old. All included studies confirmed the association between gut microbiota and bronchial asthma. The relative high abundance of Bacteroides, Clostridium spp., and Christensenellacea; as well as the relative low abundance of Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, and Rothia in the gut confer an increased risk for asthma development. Probable mechanisms associating asthma with the identified gut microbiome include activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines with regulation of T cells and Toll-like receptors, and lack of short-chain fatty acids that ultimately mediate allergic airway responses. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Overall result of this review found an association between gut microbiota and the development of asthma. Moreover, introduction of appropriate gut microbiome during the "critical window" or the first 100 days of life may prevent the development of asthma.