Gut microbiome alterations in patients with wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis

Abstract

The intestinal microbiota plays a critical role in food allergy development. However, little is known regarding the structure and composition of the intestinal microbiota in patients with wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA). We examined the gut microbiota alterations in patients with WDEIA and the microbiota’s association with WDEIA. Fecal samples were collected from 25 patients with WDEIA and 25 healthy controls. Environmental exposure factors were obtained, serum total IgE, IgE specific to wheat, gluten, and ω-5 gliadin were measured. Fecal samples were profiled using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The relative abundances of the bacterial genera Blautia (P < 0.05), Erysipelatoclostridium (P < 0.01), Akkermansia (P < 0.05) and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group (P < 0.05) were significantly increased, while those of Lactobacillus (P = 0.001) and Dialister (P < 0.05) were significantly decreased in subjects with WDEIA. The microbial diversity did not differ between WDEIA patients and healthy controls. IgE specific to ω-5 gliadin was positively associated with the Oscillospira (r = 0.48, P < 0.05) and negatively associated with Leuconostoc (r = −0.49, P < 0.05). Total IgE levels were significantly negatively correlated with Bifidobacterium (P < 0.05). The gut microbiome compositions in WDEIA patients differed from those of healthy controls. We identified a potential association between the gut microbiome and WDEIA development. Our findings may suggest new methods for preventing and treating WDEIA.