Carleton researchers are investigating a possible link between a disruption of stomach microbes – caused by antibiotics and other factors – and allergic reactions to peanuts.

This research has the potential to provide insight into the underlying origins of the peanut allergy epidemic and a starting point for future work that could help hundreds of thousands of Canadians who suffer from food allergies.

Many factors can disrupt normal microbes that inhabit the intestinal tract. This disruption may compromise the ability of the vertebrate immune system to distinguish harmful from harmless foods, and result in an increased propensity to develop a food allergy during early development.

Through crowd funding (Futurefunder), the researchers are inviting Carleton community members, scientific researchers or anyone with food allergies to contribute to the investigation.

Team

Mark Forbes, associate vice-president (Research) and professor, Department of Biology
Shawn Hayley, graduate chair and associate professor, Department of Neuroscience
Rozlyn Boutin, fourth year student, Department of Biology

Key Points

  • The team will be using Carleton’s FutureFunder.ca crowdfunding program to raise funds.
  • Antibiotics will be administered to young mice to simulate what might happen to gastrointestinal microbes in young children.
  • To test further for allergic reactions, researchers are using peanuts and a naturally occurring protein, rather than artificial or toxic substances.
  • If this protein is found to be directly connected to allergic reactions, that could lead to new drugs to treat food allergies.
  • Asthma and allergies now represent the most common chronic childhood health conditions in the United States. In Canada, food allergies represent a significant health concern, with one in 13 affected.

Quotes

 “Almost every week, there are new proposed linkages between alterations in gut microbiota and health problems. The proposed linkage between food allergies and antibiotic use during development of the vertebrate immune system is one such proposal, but one without much experimental evidence for or against. This is where our research comes in. We are testing for a linkage.” Forbes.

We want to know what’s driving the increase in allergies, specifically peanut allergies. Is it the toxins in the environment? Or is it a situation changing the micro flora in the gut?” Hayley

“It would be the first documented association between antibiotic use and food allergies being triggered with help from a naturally occurring immune protein.” Hayley

“This is such a timely problem. Given the large number of kids and even adults who are developing allergies, it is important to tackle the mechanism and add this data to the research community.” Hayley

“I think what is most important about this project is that it’s addressing a condition that currently has no treatment. The fact that so many people either know someone with a food allergy or suffer themselves makes this project relevant to the public. The way we are addressing the issue is unique because we are using a model that closely resembles the human condition and has the potential to provide insights into the mechanisms governing the underlying causes of the allergy epidemic. This research could serve as a platform for future studies with therapeutic outcomes.” Boutin

Media Contact
Steven Reid
Media Relations Officer
Carleton University
613-520-2600 ext. 8718
613-265-6613
Steven_Reid3@Carleton.ca

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