Abstract

Title

Preliminary Study Evaluating Presence and Interaction of Scfas in the Lungs 

Type
Poster Presentation
Theme
Probiotics and Prebiotics: Excellence in Science and Clinical Translation
Topic
Influence of Probiotics and Prebiotics on Diet, Nutrition and Drug Metabolism

Authors

Main Author
Marianne Koliana1
Presenting Author
Marianne Koliana1
Co-Author
Elaine Holmes1
Gary Frost2

Authors' Institution

Department / Institution / Country
Surgery and Cancer / Imperial College London / United Kingdom1
Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism / Imperial College London / United Kingdom2
Content
Background and Rationale
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting over 235 million people in the world, with an increasing prevalence. Previous research has demonstrated that the lung microbial community in asthmatics differs from healthy people. Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) are major gut microbial fermentation products and recent preliminary work has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect of SCFAs in asthma-induced rodent models. The mechanisms behind this remain unclear. 
Objectives: Indicates the purpose of the study
The objective of the research is to investigate the presence of SCFAs in the lungs and the effect on lung epithelium and cytokine profile.
Methodology: Describe pertinent experimental procedures
Sputum and bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) samples were obtained from healthy and asthmatic patients to investigate the presence of SCFAs using targeted gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Human lung epithelial cell-line was utilized to study the effect of SCFAs on inflammation using a pro-inflammatory cocktail mix. The epithelial cells were pre-treated with different doses of acetate and propionate, followed by treatment of the cocktail mix, to investigate cytokine response. 
Results: Summarize the results of the research

In preliminary data, SCFAs were detected in sputum and BAL samples in µM concentrations in both healthy and asthmatic patients with a slight increase in sputum samples. Treating the lung epithelial cells with propionate and inducing inflammation, demonstrated a significant decrease in IL-6 compared to control cells with no added propionate. 

Conclusions: State the main conclusions
This investigation presents preliminary evidence suggesting the presence of gut microbial derived products, SCFAs, in the lungs and the possible interaction with the epithelium and immune response. However, more information is needed to elucidate the presence of SCFAs in the lungs and the mechanism with the lung epithelium.
Keywords: Asthma; SCFAs; lung epithelium; lung microbiome
Requires Audio or Video system for Presentation?: No