Maternal Faecalibacterium pathobionts and low-fiber diets synergize to impact offspring health: implications for atopic dermatitis.

Background: The incidence of atopic dermatitis (AD) has increased globally in recent decades. A recent study identified enrichment of Faecalibacterium subspecies in young AD patients, implicating these gut bacteria in disease pathogenesis. This was unexpected, as Faecalibacterium is widely recognized as one of the most beneficial bacteria in the human gut.

Results: We tested the bacteria in female mice and observed their effect on the gut microbiome and overall health, which subsequently influenced the health of their offspring. These effects were markedly exacerbated when female mice were fed a low-fiber diet, leading to heightened systemic inflammation, skin damage, and hair loss in their offspring. Offspring of female mice receiving a low-fiber diet without pathobiont administration exhibited reduced symptom severity, which was further mitigated bythe administration of the beneficial strain A2-165.

Conclusions: These findings provide compelling evidence that maternalFaecalibacterium pathobionts play a critical role in the development of systemic conditions in offspring, offering valuable insights into the etiology of AD. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of gut microbiota dysbiosis and low fiber intake highlights the potential impact of modern dietary trends on the rising prevalence of AD and other chronic conditions. Video Abstract.