Effect of Dietary Fiber and Metabolites on Mast Cell Activation and Mast Cell-Associated Diseases

Abstract

Many mast cell-associated diseases, including allergies and asthma, have seen a strong increase in prevalence during the past decades, especially in Western(ized) countries. It has been suggested that a Western diet may contribute to the prevalence and manifestation of allergies and asthma through reduced intake of dietary fiber and the subsequent production of their metabolites. Indeed, dietary fiber and its metabolites have been shown to positively influence the development of immune disorders via changes in microbiota composition and the regulation of B- and T-cell activation. However, the effects of these dietary components on the activation of mast cells, key effector cells of the inflammatory response in allergies and asthma, remain poorly characterized. Due to their location in the gut and vascularized tissues, mast cells are exposed to high concentrations of dietary fiber and/or its metabolites. Here, we provide a focused overview of current findings regarding the direct effects of dietary fiber and its various metabolites on the regulation of mast cell activity and the pathophysiology of mast cell-associated diseases.

Butyrate inhibits human mast cell activation via epigenetic regulation of FcεRI‐mediated signaling

“…24 However, the underlying mechanistic basis for these effects of butyrate remains unclear. 25 Moreover, studies in primary human mast cells are lacking, which is critical since significant functional and phenotypical differences exist between rodent and human mast cells. 26 Functional effects of SCFAs are often attributed to activation of membrane receptors GPR41 (or 'FFAR3') and GPR43 (or 'FFAR2'), 5,27 the latter also expressed by mast cells.…”

Whole Fruits and Fruit Fiber Emerging Health Effects

“…Low fruit (e.g., fiber and polyphenols) can increase microbiota dysbiosis, which is associated with increased risk of asthma severity [303,304,305]. Individuals with severe persistent asthma often have a high adherence to the Western diet and consume significantly less fruit fiber compared to healthy controls, which is partly associated with the increased colonic microbiota dysbiosis and lung axis effects associated with increased airway inflammation and adverse immune response reducing breathing capacity of the lungs [306,307,308]. A meta-analysis (2 RCTs; 249 children; age range 2–5 years) found that prebiotic fiber reduced the risk of asthma or wheezing by 63% when compared to the control group [309].…”

Association of Allergic Diseases and Related Conditions with Dietary Fiber Intake in Korean Adults

“…Watery rhinorrhea is a representative symptom of allergic rhinitis caused by histamine released from mast cells. Dietary fiber inhibits mast cell activation by reducing calcium entry, attenuating JKN/p38 phosphorylation, and reducing histone deacetylase activity, thus resulting in a decreased release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine [ 34 , 35 ]. It is presumed that the greater effect of fiber intake on watery rhinorrhea compared with that on other factors such as wheezing or nasal congestion could be because of its effect on mast cells.…”