Kestose-enriched fructo-oligosaccharide alleviates atopic dermatitis by modulating the gut microbiome and immune response

Abstract

Interest in the beneficial effects of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOSs), a prebiotic supplement, on human health is increasing. The effects of 1-kestose, a key component of FOS, have been studied; however, the effects of kestose-enriched FOS on atopic dermatitis (AD) have not been investigated. This study aimed to examine the mechanism through which kestose-enriched FOS alleviated AD in OVA-sensitised Balb/c mice and compared the effects with those of normal FOS. Kestose-enriched FOS increased butyric and propionic acid levels in faeces to a significantly greater extent than did normal FOS. This increase was associated with increased abundance of Lactobacillus and Alistipes and decreased abundance of Prevotella. Furthermore, kestose-enriched FOS markedly decreased IgE levels and the counts of regulatory T cell-mediated T helper cell type 2, mast cells, and eosinophils. Thus, kestose-enriched FOS modulated the gut-skin axis by altering the intestinal microbiome and immune response, indicating its potential as a supplement for AD mitigation.