Funding outcome

Asthma is one of the most prevalent pediatric chronic diseases and affects more than 300 million people worldwide. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airway that causes shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, coughing, and wheezing. The causes for asthma can vary between individuals, and there is currently no cure. Allergies are caused by an exaggerated immune system response. Infancy is a critical time period for the development of the gut microbiota in adults. Following delivery, the human infant becomes colonized by microbes from both the environment and the maternal microbiota. These microbes are responsible for several vital functions, including regulation of metabolism, and immune system functioning. Studies have demonstrated that numerous immune system and metabolic diseases are linked to aberrant gut microbiota, including asthma. The composition of the microbiota varies and can influence diseases later in life. For example, an altered balance of two bacterial phyla, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, are related to obesity. The production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the gut has been aimed at improving colonic and systemic health. The association between SCFA in infant fecal matter and the development of allergies and asthma is not yet known. However, research has demonstrated that specific SCFA may reduce the risk of developing gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, serving as a protective mechanism. It is plausible that certain SCFAs can also prevent the development of asthma and allergies in children later in life.