Advances in the role of short-chain fatty acids in the onset and  prognosis of allergic diseases in children

QIN Yue; ZHANG Yun; WANG Min; ZHOU Han; WU Huajie; SUN Xin

doi:10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0547

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Chinese Journal of Child Health Care ›› 2026, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (4) : 439-443. DOI: 10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0547

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Advances in the role of short-chain fatty acids in the onset and prognosis of allergic diseases in children

QIN Yue, ZHANG Yun, WANG Min, ZHOU Han, WU Huajie, SUN Xin

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Abstract

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), mainly including acetate, propionate and butyrate, are key metabolites produced by gut microbiota through the fermentation of dietary fiber.They play a crucial role in maintaining intestinal mucosal barrier integrity and immune homeostasis.Recent studies suggest that SCFAs may partucipate in the development, progression, and prognosis of allergic diseases in children, such as allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, asthma, and food allergies, through various pathways.These pathways include modulating the gut-lung axis, activating G protein-coupled receptors, inhibiting histone deacetylases, and activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ.Current clinical and animal studies generally indicate that children with allergic diseases often exhibit decreased levels of SCFAs and related acid-producing bacteria in their gut.External supplementation of SCFAs or promotion of acid-producing bacterial proliferation may alleviate allergy-related symptoms and enhance barrier function.However, existing evidence is still predominantly based on animal experiments, in vitro mechanistic studies, and observational research, with a lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials.Key factors such as the optimal intervention timing, effective and safe dosages, and treatment durations remain to be clarified.Future research should focus on conducting multicenter, large-scale, long-term follow-up intervention studies to systematically evaluate efficacy and safety of SCFA-based approaches.Additionally, developing risk prediction models related to SCFAs could facilitate their translational application in the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases in children.

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short-chain fatty acids / allergic diseases / gut microbiota / children

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QIN Yue, ZHANG Yun, WANG Min, ZHOU Han, WU Huajie, SUN Xin. Advances in the role of short-chain fatty acids in the onset and prognosis of allergic diseases in children[J]. Chinese Journal of Child Health Care. 2026, 34(4): 439-443 https://doi.org/10.11852/zgetbjzz2025-0547

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