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Christensen R, Miller SP, Gomaa NA. Home-ics: how experiences of the home impact biology and child neurodevelopmental outcomes. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03609-2. [PMID: 39333388 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03609-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 09/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024]
Abstract
Studies on the -omics of child neurodevelopmental outcomes, e.g. genome, epigenome, microbiome, metabolome, and brain connectome aim to enable data-driven precision health to improve these outcomes, or deliver the right intervention, to the right child, at the right time. However, evidence suggests that neurodevelopmental outcomes are shaped by modifiable socioenvironmental factors. Everyday exposures including family and neighbourhood-level socioeconomic status, housing conditions, and interactions with those living in the home, are strongly associated with child health and have been suggested to alter -omics. Our aim was to review and understand the biological pathways by which home factors contribute to child neurodevelopment outcomes. We review studies suggestive of the home factors contributing to neurodevelopmental outcomes that encompass the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the brain, the gut-brain-axis, and the immune system. We thus conceptualize home-ics as the study of how the multi-faceted living environment can impact neurodevelopmental outcomes through biology and highlight the importance of targeting the modifiable aspects of a child's home to optimize outcomes. We encourage clinicians and health care providers to routinely assess home factors in patient encounters, and counsel families on modifiable aspects of the home. We conclude by discussing clinical and policy implications and future research directions of home-ics. IMPACT: Home-ics can be conceptualized as the study of how home factors may shape child neurodevelopmental outcomes through altering biology. Targeting modifiable aspects of a child's home environment (e.g. parenting style, early intervention, enriched environment) may lead to improved neurodevelopmental outcomes. Clinicians should routinely assess home factors and counsel families on modifiable aspects of the home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhandi Christensen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Steven P Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Noha A Gomaa
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada.
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, Canada.
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Jiang S, Cai M, Li D, Chen X, Chen X, Huang Q, Zhong C, Zheng X, Zhou D, Chen Z, Zhang L, Ching JY, Chen A, Lu S, Zhang L, Hu L, Liao Y, Li Y, He Z, Wu J, Huo H, Liang Y, Li W, Zou Y, Luo W, Ng SC, Chan FK, Chen X, Deng Y. Association of breast milk-derived arachidonic acid-induced infant gut dysbiosis with the onset of atopic dermatitis. Gut 2024:gutjnl-2024-332407. [PMID: 39084687 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2024-332407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The specific breast milk-derived metabolites that mediate host-microbiota interactions and contribute to the onset of atopic dermatitis (AD) remain unknown and require further investigation. DESIGN We enrolled 250 mother-infant pairs and collected 978 longitudinal faecal samples from infants from birth to 6 months of age, along with 243 maternal faecal samples for metagenomics. Concurrently, 239 corresponding breast milk samples were analysed for metabolomics. Animal and cellular experiments were conducted to validate the bioinformatics findings. RESULTS The clinical findings suggested that a decrease in daily breastfeeding duration was associated with a reduced incidence of AD. This observation inspired us to investigate the effects of breast milk-derived fatty acids. We found that high concentrations of arachidonic acid (AA), but not eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid, induced gut dysbiosis in infants. Further investigation revealed that four specific bacteria degraded mannan into mannose, consequently enhancing the mannan-dependent biosynthesis of O-antigen and lipopolysaccharide. Correlation analysis confirmed that in infants with AD, the abundance of Escherichia coli under high AA concentrations was positively correlated with some microbial pathways (eg, 'GDP-mannose-derived O-antigen and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis'). These findings are consistent with those of the animal studies. Additionally, AA, but not EPA, disrupted the ratio of CD4/CD8 cells, increased skin lesion area and enhanced the proportion of peripheral Th2 cells. It also promoted IgE secretion and the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes in BALB/c mice fed AA following ovalbumin immunostimulation. Moreover, AA significantly increased IL-4 secretion in HaCaT cells costimulated with TNF-α and INF-γ. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that AA is intimately linked to the onset of AD via gut dysbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhua Jiang
- Department of paediatrics, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengyun Cai
- Institute of translational medicine, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dingru Li
- Institute of translational medicine, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, People's Republic of China
- South China University of Technology School of Biology and Biological Engineering, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangping Chen
- Institute of translational medicine, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqian Chen
- Department of paediatrics, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qitao Huang
- Department of obstetrics, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Caimei Zhong
- Department of Dermatology, Shunde District Center for Prevention and Cure of Chronic Diseases, Foshan, China
| | - Xiufeng Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Lunjiao, Shunde, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyan Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
- Centre for Gut Microbiota Research, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinse University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Jessica Yl Ching
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Ailing Chen
- Department of paediatrics, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaoxia Lu
- Department of obstetrics, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lifang Zhang
- Institute of translational medicine, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Hu
- Institute of translational medicine, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Liao
- Department of obstetrics, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of paediatrics, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhihua He
- Department of obstetrics, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Wu
- Department of obstetrics, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiyi Huo
- Department of paediatrics, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongqi Liang
- Department of paediatrics, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanwen Li
- Department of paediatrics, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanli Zou
- The Second People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Luo
- Institute of translational medicine, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Siew C Ng
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
- Centre for Gut Microbiota Research, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinse University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Francis Kl Chan
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Xia Chen
- Central Laboratory of the Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhua Deng
- Institute of translational medicine, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, People's Republic of China
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Cheng J, Kolba N, Tako E. The effect of dietary zinc and zinc physiological status on the composition of the gut microbiome in vivo. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2024; 64:6432-6451. [PMID: 36688291 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2169857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Zinc serves critical catalytic, regulatory, and structural roles. Hosts and their resident gut microbiota both require zinc, leading to competition, where a balance must be maintained. This systematic review examined evidence on dietary zinc and physiological status (zinc deficiency or high zinc/zinc overload) effects on gut microbiota. This review was conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021250566). PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched for in vivo (animal) studies, resulting in eight selected studies. Study quality limitations were evaluated using the SYRCLE risk of bias tool and according to ARRIVE guidelines. The results demonstrated that zinc deficiency led to inconsistent changes in α-diversity and short-chain fatty acid production but led to alterations in bacterial taxa with functions in carbohydrate metabolism, glycan metabolism, and intestinal mucin degradation. High dietary zinc/zinc overload generally resulted in either unchanged or decreased α-diversity, decreased short-chain fatty acid production, and increased bacterial metal resistance and antibiotic resistance genes. Additional studies in human and animal models are needed to further understand zinc physiological status effects on the intestinal microbiome and clarify the applicability of utilizing the gut microbiome as a potential zinc status biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn Cheng
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Nikolai Kolba
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Elad Tako
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
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Zhou L, Tang L, Zhou C, Wen SW, Krewski D, Xie RH. Association of maternal postpartum depression symptoms with infant neurodevelopment and gut microbiota. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1385229. [PMID: 38835546 PMCID: PMC11148360 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1385229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Understanding the mechanisms underlying maternal postpartum depression (PPD) and its effects on offspring development is crucial. However, research on the association between maternal PPD, gut microbiota, and offspring neurodevelopment remains limited. This study aimed to examine the association of maternal PPD symptoms with early gut microbiome, gut metabolome, and neurodevelopment in infants at 6 months. Methods Maternal PPD symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) at 42 days postpartum. Infants stool samples collected at 42 days after birth were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) detection. Infant neurodevelopment was measured at 6 months using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition (ASQ-3). Correlations between gut microbiota, metabolites and neurodevelopment were identified through co-occurrence network analysis. Finally, mediation analyses were conducted to determine potential causal pathways. Results A total of 101 mother-infant dyads were included in the final analysis. Infants born to mothers with PPD symptoms at 42 days postpartum had lower neurodevelopmental scores at 6 months. These infants also had increased alpha diversity of gut microbiota and were abundant in Veillonella and Finegoldia, while depleted abundance of Bifidobacterium, Dialister, Cronobacter and Megasphaera. Furthermore, alterations were observed in metabolite levels linked to the Alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolic pathway, primarily characterized by decreases in N-Acetyl-L-aspartic acid, L-Aspartic acid, and L-Asparagine. Co-occurrence network and mediation analyses revealed that N-Acetyl-L-aspartic acid and L-Aspartic acid levels mediated the relationship between maternal PPD symptoms and the development of infant problem-solving skills. Conclusions Maternal PPD symptoms are associated with alterations in the gut microbiota and neurodevelopment in infants. This study provides new insights into potential early intervention for infants whose mother experienced PPD. Further research is warranted to elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lepeng Zhou
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Linghong Tang
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuhui Zhou
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Women and Children Medical Research Center, Foshan Women and Children Hospital, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Shi Wu Wen
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel Krewski
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Risk Science International, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ri-Hua Xie
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Women and Children Medical Research Center, Foshan Women and Children Hospital, Foshan, Guangdong, China
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Laue HE, Bonham KS, Coker MO, Moroishi Y, Pathmasiri W, McRitchie S, Sumner S, Hoen AG, Karagas MR, Klepac-Ceraj V, Madan JC. Prospective association of the infant gut microbiome with social behaviors in the ECHO consortium. Mol Autism 2024; 15:21. [PMID: 38760865 PMCID: PMC11101342 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-024-00597-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying modifiable risk factors of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) may inform interventions to reduce financial burden. The infant/toddler gut microbiome is one such feature that has been associated with social behaviors, but results vary between cohorts. We aimed to identify consistent overall and sex-specific associations between the early-life gut microbiome and autism-related behaviors. METHODS Utilizing the Environmental influences on Children Health Outcomes (ECHO) consortium of United States (U.S.) pediatric cohorts, we gathered data on 304 participants with fecal metagenomic sequencing between 6-weeks to 2-years postpartum (481 samples). ASD-related social development was assessed with the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2). Linear regression, PERMANOVA, and Microbiome Multivariable Association with Linear Models (MaAsLin2) were adjusted for sociodemographic factors. Stratified models estimated sex-specific effects. RESULTS Genes encoding pathways for synthesis of short-chain fatty acids were associated with higher SRS-2 scores, indicative of ASDs. Fecal concentrations of butyrate were also positively associated with ASD-related SRS-2 scores, some of which may be explained by formula use. LIMITATIONS The distribution of age at outcome assessment differed in the cohorts included, potentially limiting comparability between cohorts. Stool sample collection methods also differed between cohorts. Our study population reflects the general U.S. population, and thus includes few participants who met the criteria for being at high risk of developing ASD. CONCLUSIONS Our study is among the first multicenter studies in the U.S. to describe prospective microbiome development from infancy in relation to neurodevelopment associated with ASDs. Our work contributes to clarifying which microbial features associate with subsequent diagnosis of neuropsychiatric outcomes. This will allow for future interventional research targeting the microbiome to change neurodevelopmental trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E Laue
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Kevin S Bonham
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wellesley College, 106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA, 02481, USA
| | - Modupe O Coker
- School of Dental Medicine, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Yuka Moroishi
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Wimal Pathmasiri
- Department of Nutrition, Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Susan McRitchie
- Department of Nutrition, Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Susan Sumner
- Department of Nutrition, Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Anne G Hoen
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Margaret R Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Vanja Klepac-Ceraj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wellesley College, 106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA, 02481, USA.
| | - Juliette C Madan
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA.
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, One Medical Center Drive, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, 03756, USA.
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van de Wouw M, Wang Y, Workentine ML, Vaghef-Mehrabani E, Barth D, Mercer EM, Dewey D, Arrieta MC, Reimer RA, Tomfohr-Madsen L, Giesbrecht GF. Cluster-specific associations between the gut microbiota and behavioral outcomes in preschool-aged children. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:60. [PMID: 38515179 PMCID: PMC10956200 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01773-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gut microbiota is recognized as a regulator of brain development and behavioral outcomes during childhood. Nonetheless, associations between the gut microbiota and behavior are often inconsistent among studies in humans, perhaps because many host-microbe relationships vary widely between individuals. This study aims to stratify children based on their gut microbiota composition (i.e., clusters) and to identify novel gut microbiome cluster-specific associations between the stool metabolomic pathways and child behavioral outcomes. METHODS Stool samples were collected from a community sample of 248 typically developing children (3-5 years). The gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S sequencing while LC-MS/MS was used for untargeted metabolomics. Parent-reported behavioral outcomes (i.e., Adaptive Skills, Internalizing, Externalizing, Behavioral Symptoms, Developmental Social Disorders) were assessed using the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-2). Children were grouped based on their gut microbiota composition using the Dirichlet multinomial method, after which differences in the metabolome and behavioral outcomes were investigated. RESULTS Four different gut microbiota clusters were identified, where the cluster enriched in both Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium (Ba2) had the most distinct stool metabolome. The cluster characterized by high Bifidobacterium abundance (Bif), as well as cluster Ba2, were associated with lower Adaptive Skill scores and its subcomponent Social Skills. Cluster Ba2 also had significantly lower stool histidine to urocanate turnover, which in turn was associated with lower Social Skill scores in a cluster-dependent manner. Finally, cluster Ba2 had increased levels of compounds involved in Galactose metabolism (i.e., stachyose, raffinose, alpha-D-glucose), where alpha-D-glucose was associated with the Adaptive Skill subcomponent Daily Living scores (i.e., ability to perform basic everyday tasks) in a cluster-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS These data show novel associations between the gut microbiota, its metabolites, and behavioral outcomes in typically developing preschool-aged children. Our results support the concept that cluster-based groupings could be used to develop more personalized interventions to support child behavioral outcomes. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel van de Wouw
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yanan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Microbiomes for One Systems Health, Health & Biosecurity, CSIRO, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Matthew L Workentine
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UCVM Bioinformatics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Elnaz Vaghef-Mehrabani
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Delaney Barth
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Emily M Mercer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- International Microbiome Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marie-Claire Arrieta
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- International Microbiome Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Raylene A Reimer
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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Caputi V, Hill L, Figueiredo M, Popov J, Hartung E, Margolis KG, Baskaran K, Joharapurkar P, Moshkovich M, Pai N. Functional contribution of the intestinal microbiome in autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and Rett syndrome: a systematic review of pediatric and adult studies. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1341656. [PMID: 38516317 PMCID: PMC10954784 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1341656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Critical phases of neurodevelopment and gut microbiota diversification occur in early life and both processes are impacted by genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies have shown the presence of gut microbiota alterations in neurodevelopmental disorders. Here we performed a systematic review of alterations of the intestinal microbiota composition and function in pediatric and adult patients affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Rett syndrome (RETT). Methods We searched selected keywords in the online databases of PubMed, Cochrane, and OVID (January 1980 to December 2021) with secondary review of references of eligible articles. Two reviewers independently performed critical appraisals on the included articles using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program for each study design. Results Our systematic review identified 18, 7, and 3 original articles describing intestinal microbiota profiles in ASD, ADHD, and RETT, respectively. Decreased Firmicutes and increased Bacteroidetes were observed in the gut microbiota of individuals affected by ASD and ADHD. Proinflammatory cytokines, short-chain fatty acids and neurotransmitter levels were altered in ASD and RETT. Constipation and visceral pain were related to changes in the gut microbiota in patients affected by ASD and RETT. Hyperactivity and impulsivity were negatively correlated with Faecalibacterium (phylum Firmicutes) and positively correlated with Bacteroides sp. (phylum Bacteroidetes) in ADHD subjects. Five studies explored microbiota-or diet-targeted interventions in ASD and ADHD. Probiotic treatments with Lactobacillus sp. and fecal microbiota transplantation from healthy donors reduced constipation and ameliorated ASD symptoms in affected children. Perinatal administration of Lactobacillus sp. prevented the onset of Asperger and ADHD symptoms in adolescence. Micronutrient supplementation improved disease symptomatology in ADHD without causing significant changes in microbiota communities' composition. Discussion Several discrepancies were found among the included studies, primarily due to sample size, variations in dietary practices, and a high prevalence of functional gastrointestinal symptoms. Further studies employing longitudinal study designs, larger sample sizes and multi-omics technologies are warranted to identify the functional contribution of the intestinal microbiota in developmental trajectories of the human brain and neurobehavior. Systematic review registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/, CRD42020158734.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Caputi
- Poultry Production and Product Safety Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Lee Hill
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Melanie Figueiredo
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jelena Popov
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Emily Hartung
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Kara Gross Margolis
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- New York University Pain Research Center, New York, NY, United States
- New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kanish Baskaran
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Papiha Joharapurkar
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Michal Moshkovich
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nikhil Pai
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, McMaster Children’s Hospital, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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8
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Ou Y, Belzer C, Smidt H, de Weerth C. Development of the gut microbiota in the first 14 years of life and its relations to internalizing and externalizing difficulties and social anxiety during puberty. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:847-860. [PMID: 37071196 PMCID: PMC10894087 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02205-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Relations between the gut microbiota and host mental health have been suggested by a growing number of case-control and cross-sectional studies, while supporting evidence is limited in large community samples followed during an extended period. Therefore, the current preregistered study ( https://osf.io/8ymav , September 7, 2022) described child gut microbiota development in the first 14 years of life and explored its relations to internalizing and externalizing difficulties and social anxiety in puberty, a period of high relevance for the development of mental health problems. Fecal microbiota composition was analysed by 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing in a total of 1003 samples from 193 children. Through a clustering method, four distinct microbial clusters were newly identified in puberty. Most children within three of these clusters remained in the same clusters from the age of 12 to 14 years, suggesting stability in microbial development and transition during this period. These three clusters were compositionally similar to enterotypes (i.e., a robust classification of the gut microbiota based on its composition across different populations) enriched in Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Ruminococcus, respectively. Two Prevotella 9-predominated clusters, including one reported by us earlier in middle childhood and the other one in puberty, were associated with more externalizing behavior at age 14. One Faecalibacterium-depleted pubertal cluster was related to more social anxiety at age 14. This finding was confirmed by a negative cross-sectional relation between Faecalibacterium and social anxiety in the 14-year-olds. The findings of this study continue to map gut microbiota development in a relatively large community sample followed from birth onwards, importantly extending our knowledge to puberty. Results indicate that Prevotella 9 and Faecalibacterium may be relevant microbial taxa in relation to externalizing behavior and social anxiety, respectively. These correlational findings need validations from other similar cohort studies, as well as well-designed mechanistic pre-clinical investigations before inferring cause and effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangwenshan Ou
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 8033, 6700 EH, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Clara Belzer
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 8033, 6700 EH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hauke Smidt
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 8033, 6700 EH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Carolina de Weerth
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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9
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Ou Y, Rots E, Belzer C, Smidt H, de Weerth C. Gut microbiota and child behavior in early puberty: does child sex play a role? Gut Microbes 2023; 15:2278222. [PMID: 37943628 PMCID: PMC10731618 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2278222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing number of studies have indicated relations between the gut microbiota and mental health. However, to date, there is a scarcity of microbiota studies in community samples in early puberty. The current preregistered study (https://osf.io/wu2vt) investigated gut microbiota composition in relation to sex in low-risk children and explored behavioral associations with gut microbiota composition and metabolites in the same samples, together with the potential role of sex. Fecal microbiota composition was analyzed in 12-year-old children (N = 137) by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and quantitative PCR. Modest sex differences were observed in beta diversity. Generalized linear models showed consistent behavioral relations to both relative and absolute abundances of individual taxa, including positive associations between Parasutterella and mother-reported internalizing behavior, and negative associations between Odoribacter and mother-reported externalizing behavior. Additionally, Prevotella 9 was positively related to mother-reported externalizing behavior, confirming earlier findings on the same cohort at 5 years of age. Sex-related differences were found in behavioral relations to Ruminiclostridium 5, Alistipes, Streptococcus, Ruminiclostridium 9, Ruminococcaceae UCG-5, and Dialister, for relative abundances, as well as to Family XIII AD3011 group and an unidentified bacterium within the Tenericutes, for absolute abundances. Limited behavioral relations were observed regarding alpha diversity and fecal metabolites. Our findings describe links between the gut microbiota and child behavior, together with differences between child sexes in these relations, in low-risk early pubertal children. Importantly, this study confirmed earlier findings in this cohort of positive relations between Prevotella 9 and externalizing behavior at age 10 years. Results also show the merit of including absolute abundances in microbiota studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangwenshan Ou
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Eline Rots
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Clara Belzer
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hauke Smidt
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Carolina de Weerth
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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10
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Ou Y, Belzer C, Smidt H, de Weerth C. Methodological recommendations for human microbiota-gut-brain axis research. MICROBIOME RESEARCH REPORTS 2023; 3:1. [PMID: 38455088 PMCID: PMC10917620 DOI: 10.20517/mrr.2023.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Observational studies have determined numerous correlations between sequence-based gut microbiota data and human mental traits. However, these associations are often inconsistent across studies. This inconsistency is one of the reasons that mechanistic validation studies of the observed correlations are lagging, making it difficult to establish causal associations. The absence of consistent study findings may partially be due to the lack of clear guidelines for identifying confounders of relations between complex microbial communities and mental conditions. Gut microbial complexity also impedes deciphering microbiota-host relations by using a single analytical approach. The aim of the current review is to help solve these problems by providing methodological recommendations for future human microbiota-gut-brain axis research on the selection of confounders, the use of integrative biostatistical methods, and the steps needed to translate correlative findings into causal conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangwenshan Ou
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 8033, 6700 EH Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Radboud university medical center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Clara Belzer
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 8033, 6700 EH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hauke Smidt
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 8033, 6700 EH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Carolina de Weerth
- Radboud university medical center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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11
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Querdasi FR, Vogel SC, Thomason ME, Callaghan BL, Brito NH. A comparison of the infant gut microbiome before versus after the start of the covid-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13289. [PMID: 37587195 PMCID: PMC10432475 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40102-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting public health directives led to many changes in families' social and material environments. Prior research suggests that these changes are likely to impact composition of the gut microbiome, particularly during early childhood when the gut microbiome is developing most rapidly. Importantly, disruption to the gut microbiome during this sensitive period can have potentially long-lasting impacts on health and development. In the current study, we compare gut microbiome composition among a socioeconomically and racially diverse group of 12-month old infants living in New York City who provided stool samples before the pandemic (N = 34) to a group who provided samples during the first 9-months of the pandemic (March-December 2020; N = 20). We found that infants sampled during the pandemic had lower alpha diversity of the microbiome, lower abundance of Pasteurellaceae and Haemophilus, and significantly different beta diversity based on unweighted Unifrac distance than infants sampled before the pandemic. Exploratory analyses suggest that gut microbiome changes due to the pandemic occurred relatively quickly after the start of the pandemic and were sustained. Our results provide evidence that pandemic-related environmental disruptions had an impact on community-level taxonomic diversity of the developing gut microbiome, as well as abundance of specific members of the gut bacterial community.
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Agusti A, Lamers F, Tamayo M, Benito-Amat C, Molina-Mendoza GV, Penninx BWJH, Sanz Y. The Gut Microbiome in Early Life Stress: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15112566. [PMID: 37299527 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to early life stress (ELS), prenatal or postnatal during childhood and adolescence, can significantly impact mental and physical health. The role of the intestinal microbiome in human health, and particularly mental health, is becoming increasingly evident. This systematic review aims to summarize the clinical data evaluating the effect of ELS on the human intestinal microbiome. The systematic review (CRD42022351092) was performed following PRISMA guidelines, with ELS considered as exposure to psychological stressors prenatally and during early life (childhood and adolescence). Thirteen articles met all inclusion criteria, and all studies reviewed found a link between ELS and the gut microbiome in both prenatal and postnatal periods. However, we failed to find consensus microbiome signatures associated with pre- or postnatal stress, or both. The inconsistency of results is likely attributed to various factors such as different experimental designs, ages examined, questionnaires, timing of sample collection and analysis methods, small population sizes, and the type of stressors. Additional studies using similar stressors and validated stress measures, as well as higher-resolution microbiome analytical approaches, are needed to draw definitive conclusions about the links between stress and the human gut microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Agusti
- Microbiome, Nutrition & Health Research Unit, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, Excellence Center Severo Ochoa-Spanish National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Femke Lamers
- Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Public Health, Mental Health Program, Department of Psychiatry, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Tamayo
- Microbiome, Nutrition & Health Research Unit, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, Excellence Center Severo Ochoa-Spanish National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), 46980 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Benito-Amat
- Institute for the Management and Innovation of Knowledge (INGENIO-CSIC-UPV), Polytechnic University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Gara V Molina-Mendoza
- Microbiome, Nutrition & Health Research Unit, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, Excellence Center Severo Ochoa-Spanish National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Brenda W J H Penninx
- Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Public Health, Mental Health Program, Department of Psychiatry, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yolanda Sanz
- Microbiome, Nutrition & Health Research Unit, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, Excellence Center Severo Ochoa-Spanish National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), 46980 Valencia, Spain
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13
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Chen J, Li H, Zhao T, Chen K, Chen MH, Sun Z, Xu W, Maas K, Lester BM, Cong XS. The Impact of Early Life Experiences and Gut Microbiota on Neurobehavioral Development in Preterm Infants: A Longitudinal Cohort Study. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030814. [PMID: 36985387 PMCID: PMC10056840 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of early life experiences and gut microbiota on neurobehavioral development in preterm infants during neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization. METHODS Preterm infants were followed from NICU admission until their 28th postnatal day or until discharge. Daily stool samples, painful/stressful experiences, feeding patterns, and other clinical and demographic data were collected. Gut microbiota was profiled using 16S rRNA sequencing, and operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were selected to predict the neurobehaviors. The neurobehavioral development was assessed by the Neonatal Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) at 36 to 38 weeks of post-menstrual age (PMA). Fifty-five infants who had NNNS measurements were included in the sparse log-contrast regression analysis. RESULTS Preterm infants who experienced a high level of pain/stress during the NICU hospitalization had higher NNNS stress/abstinence scores. Eight operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified to be associated with NNNS subscales after controlling demographic and clinical features, feeding patterns, and painful/stressful experiences. These OTUs and taxa belonging to seven genera, i.e., Enterobacteriaceae_unclassified, Escherichia-Shigella, Incertae_Sedis, Veillonella, Enterococcus, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, and Streptococcus with five belonging to Firmicutes and two belonging to Proteobacteria phylum. The enriched abundance of Enterobacteriaceae_unclassified (OTU17) and Streptococcus (OTU28) were consistently associated with less optimal neurobehavioral outcomes. The other six OTUs were also associated with infant neurobehavioral responses depending on days at NICU stay. CONCLUSIONS This study explored the dynamic impact of specific OTUs on neurobehavioral development in preterm infants after controlling for early life experiences, i.e., acute and chronic pain/stress and feeding in the NICU. The gut microbiota and acute pain/stressful experiences dynamically impact the neurobehavioral development in preterm infants during their NICU hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Hongfei Li
- Department of Statistics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Tingting Zhao
- School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, CT 06477, USA
| | - Kun Chen
- Department of Statistics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Ming-Hui Chen
- Department of Statistics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Zhe Sun
- Department of Statistics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Wanli Xu
- School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Kendra Maas
- Microbial Analysis, Resources, and Services (MARS), University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Barry M Lester
- Brown Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Xiaomei S Cong
- School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, CT 06477, USA
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
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14
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Chen J, Li H, Zhao T, Chen K, Chen MH, Sun Z, Xu W, Maas K, Lester B, Cong X. The impact of early life experiences and gut microbiota on neurobehavioral development among preterm infants: A longitudinal cohort study. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.01.04.23284200. [PMID: 36711616 PMCID: PMC9882379 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.04.23284200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Objectives To investigate the impact of early life experiences and gut microbiota on neurobehavioral development among preterm infants during neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization. Methods Preterm infants were followed from the NICU admission until their 28 th postnatal day or until discharge. Daily stool samples, painful/stressful experiences, feeding patterns, and other clinical and demographic data were collected. Gut microbiota was profiled using 16S rRNA sequencing, and operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were selected to predict the neurobehaviors. The neurobehavioral development was assessed by the Neonatal Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) at 36 to 38 weeks of post-menstrual age (PMA). Fifty-five infants who had NNNS measurements were included in the sparse log-contrast regression analysis. Results Preterm infants who experienced high level of pain/stress during the NICU hospitalization that were associated with higher NNNS stress/abstinence scores. Eight operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified to be associated with of NNNS subscales after controlling demographic and clinical features, feeding patterns, and painful/stressful experiences. These OTUs, taxa belong to seven genera including Enterobacteriaceae_unclassified, Escherichia-Shigella, Incertae_Sedis, Veillonella, Enterococcus, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 , and Streptococcus with five belonging to Firmicutes and two belonging to Proteobacteria phylum. The enriched abundance of Enterobacteriaceae_unclassified (OTU17) and Streptococcus (OTU28) were consistently associated with less optimal neurobehavioral outcomes. The other six OTUs were also associated with infant neurobehavioral responses depending on days at NICU stay. Conclusions This study explored the dynamic impact of specific OTUs on neurobehavioral development among preterm infants after controlling for early life experiences, i.e., acute and chronic pain/stress, and feeding in the NICU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Florida State University College of Nursing, Tallahassee, FL., United States
- School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT., United States
| | - Hongfei Li
- Department of Statistics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT., United States
| | - Tingting Zhao
- School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT., United States
| | - Kun Chen
- Department of Statistics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT., United States
| | - Ming-Hui Chen
- Department of Statistics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT., United States
| | - Zhe Sun
- Department of Statistics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT., United States
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT., United States
| | - Wanli Xu
- School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT., United States
| | - Kendra Maas
- University of Connecticut, Microbial Analysis, Resources, and Services (MARS), Storrs, CT., United States
| | - Barry Lester
- Brown Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI., United States
| | - Xiaomei Cong
- School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT., United States
- Yale University School of Nursing, Orange, CT., United States
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT., United States
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15
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Șchiopu CG, Ștefănescu C, Boloș A, Diaconescu S, Gilca-Blanariu GE, Ștefănescu G. Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders with Psychiatric Symptoms: Involvement of the Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis in the Pathophysiology and Case Management. Microorganisms 2022; 10:2199. [PMID: 36363791 PMCID: PMC9694215 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders have been an important cause of poor life quality in affected populations. The unclear etiology and pathophysiological mechanism alter the clinical evolution of the patient. Although a strong connection with psychological stress has been observed, it was not until recently that the gut-brain axis involvement has been revealed. Furthermore, the current literature not only promotes the gut-brain axis modulation as a therapeutical target for functional digestive disorders but also states that the gut microbiome has a main role in this bi-directional mechanism. Psychiatric symptoms are currently recognized as an equally important aspect of the clinical manifestation and modulation of both the digestive and central nervous systems and could be the best approach in restoring the balance. As such, this article proposes a detailed description of the physiology of the microbiome-gut-brain axis, the pathophysiology of the functional gastrointestinal disorders with psychiatric symptoms and current perspectives for therapeutical management, as revealed by the latest studies in the scientific literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Gabriela Șchiopu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Cristinel Ștefănescu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Alexandra Boloș
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | - Smaranda Diaconescu
- Medical-Surgical Department, Faculty of Medicine, University “Titu Maiorescu”, 040441 Bucuresti, Romania
| | | | - Gabriela Ștefănescu
- Department of Gastroentereology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iași, Romania
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16
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Del Castillo-Izquierdo Á, Mayneris-Perxachs J, Fernández-Real JM. Bidirectional relationships between the gut microbiome and sexual traits. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 322:C1223-C1229. [PMID: 35508190 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00116.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The human gut microbiota is known to be shaped by a variety of environmental factors (diet, drugs, geography, and sanitation) and host intrinsic factors (age and sexual development). The differences in gut microbiota between sexes are minimal before adulthood and late adulthood, and marked during adulthood. For instance, consistent higher relative abundances of Akkermansia and Ruminococcus have been observed in adult women compared with men and most studies have found higher relative abundances of Prevotella and Fusobacterium (linked to a diet rich in animal proteins) in adult men compared with women. The gut microbiota taxonomy and functionality present in women is more similar to men once reached the menopause. In fact, specific taxa have been associated with the levels of different sexual hormones and their precursors in blood. The gut microbiota composition and circulating testosterone levels are also tightly linked to the extent that microbial signatures can predict its levels in blood. At the same time, the gut microbiota participates in the metabolism of sexual hormones, with some bacteria being able to metabolize gonadal steroid hormones (one example is 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, a testosterone degrading enzyme). In summary, the relationships between the gut microbiome and sexual traits are bidirectional. In addition, other phenotypes and cultural gender-related factors could drive sex-related differences. It is important to note that other members of the microbiome (Archaea, viruses, and fungi) have been largely unexplored in relation to this sexual dimorphism. More research is needed on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángela Del Castillo-Izquierdo
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital, Girona, Spain
- Nutrition, Eumetabolism and Health Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Girona, Spain
- CIBERobn Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Jordi Mayneris-Perxachs
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital, Girona, Spain
- Nutrition, Eumetabolism and Health Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Girona, Spain
- CIBERobn Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - José Manuel Fernández-Real
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital, Girona, Spain
- Nutrition, Eumetabolism and Health Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Girona, Spain
- CIBERobn Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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Abstract
Healthy development and function of essentially all physiological systems and organs, including the brain, require exposure to the microbiota of our mothers and of the natural environment, especially in early life. We also know that some infections, if we survive them, modulate the immune system in relevant ways. If we study the evolution of the immune and metabolic systems, we can understand how these requirements developed and the nature of the organisms that we need to encounter. We can then begin to identify the mechanisms of the beneficial effects of these exposures. Against this evolutionary background, we can analyze the ways in which the modern urban lifestyle, particularly for individuals experiencing low socioeconomic status (SES), results in deficient or distorted microbial exposures and microbiomes. Thus, an evolutionary approach facilitates the identification of practical solutions to the growing scandal of health disparities linked to inequality.
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18
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McDonald CR, Weckman AM, Wright JK, Conroy AL, Kain KC. Developmental origins of disease highlight the immediate need for expanded access to comprehensive prenatal care. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1021901. [PMID: 36504964 PMCID: PMC9730730 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1021901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The prenatal environment plays a critical role in shaping fetal development and ultimately the long-term health of the child. Here, we present data linking prenatal health, via maternal nutrition, comorbidities in pregnancy (e.g., diabetes, hypertension), and infectious and inflammatory exposures, to lifelong health through the developmental origins of disease framework. It is well-established that poor maternal health puts a child at risk for adverse outcomes in the first 1,000 days of life, yet the full health impact of the in utero environment is not confined to this narrow window. The developmental origins of disease framework identifies cognitive, neuropsychiatric, metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, and chronic diseases in childhood and adulthood that have their genesis in prenatal life. This perspective highlights the enormous public health implications for millions of pregnancies where maternal care, and therefore maternal health and fetal health, is lacking. Despite near universal agreement that access to antenatal care is a priority to protect the health of women and children in the first 1,000 days of life, insufficient progress has been achieved. Instead, in some regions there has been a political shift toward deprioritizing maternal health, which will further negatively impact the health and safety of pregnant people and their children across the lifespan. In this article we argue that the lifelong health impact attributed to the perinatal environment justifies policies aimed at improving access to comprehensive antenatal care globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe R McDonald
- Sandra A. Rotman (SAR) Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea M Weckman
- Sandra A. Rotman (SAR) Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Julie K Wright
- Sandra A. Rotman (SAR) Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea L Conroy
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Kevin C Kain
- Sandra A. Rotman (SAR) Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Tropical Disease Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Tracy DK, Joyce DW, Albertson DN, Shergill SS. Kaleidoscope. Br J Psychiatry 2022; 220:47-48. [PMID: 35045902 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2021.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Laue HE, Coker MO, Madan JC. The Developing Microbiome From Birth to 3 Years: The Gut-Brain Axis and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:815885. [PMID: 35321011 PMCID: PMC8936143 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.815885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The volume and breadth of research on the role of the microbiome in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders has expanded greatly over the last decade, opening doors to new models of mechanisms of the gut-brain axis and therapeutic interventions to reduce the burden of these outcomes. Studies have highlighted the window of birth to 3 years as an especially sensitive window when interventions may be the most effective. Harnessing the powerful gut-brain axis during this critical developmental window clarifies important investigations into the microbe-human connection and the developing brain, affording opportunities to prevent rather than treat neurodevelopmental disorders and neuropsychiatric illness. In this review, we present an overview of the developing intestinal microbiome in the critical window of birth to age 3; and its prospective relationship with neurodevelopment, with particular emphasis on immunological mechanisms. Next, the role of the microbiome in neurobehavioral outcomes (such as autism, anxiety, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) as well as cognitive development are described. In these sections, we highlight the importance of pairing mechanistic studies in murine models with large scale epidemiological studies that aim to clarify the typical health promoting microbiome in early life across varied populations in comparison to dysbiosis. The microbiome is an important focus in human studies because it is so readily alterable with simple interventions, and we briefly outline what is known about microbiome targeted interventions in neurodevelopmental outcomes. More novel examinations of known environmental chemicals that adversely impact neurodevelopmental outcomes and the potential role of the microbiome as a mediator or modifier are discussed. Finally, we look to the future and emphasize the need for additional research to identify populations that are sensitive to alterations in their gut microbiome and clarify how interventions might correct and optimize neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E Laue
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Modupe O Coker
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States.,Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Juliette C Madan
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States.,Department of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Children's Hospital at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
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