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Mostafa I, Hibberd MC, Hartman SJ, Hafizur Rahman MH, Mahfuz M, Hasan SMT, Ashorn P, Barratt MJ, Ahmed T, Gordon JI. A microbiota-directed complementary food intervention in 12-18-month-old Bangladeshi children improves linear growth. EBioMedicine 2024; 104:105166. [PMID: 38833839 PMCID: PMC11179573 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, stunting affects ∼150 million children under five, while wasting affects nearly 50 million. Current interventions have had limited effectiveness in ameliorating long-term sequelae of undernutrition including stunting, cognitive deficits and immune dysfunction. Disrupted development of the gut microbiota has been linked to the pathogenesis of undernutrition, providing potentially new treatment approaches. METHODS 124 Bangladeshi children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) enrolled (at 12-18 months) in a previously reported 3-month RCT of a microbiota-directed complementary food (MDCF-2) were followed for two years. Weight and length were monitored by anthropometry, the abundances of bacterial strains were assessed by quantifying metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) in serially collected fecal samples and levels of growth-associated proteins were measured in plasma. FINDINGS Children who had received MDCF-2 were significantly less stunted during follow-up than those who received a standard ready-to-use supplementary food (RUSF) [linear mixed-effects model, βtreatment group x study week (95% CI) = 0.002 (0.001, 0.003); P = 0.004]. They also had elevated fecal abundances of Agathobacter faecis, Blautia massiliensis, Lachnospira and Dialister, plus increased levels of a group of 37 plasma proteins (linear model; FDR-adjusted P < 0.1), including IGF-1, neurotrophin receptor NTRK2 and multiple proteins linked to musculoskeletal and CNS development, that persisted for 6-months post-intervention. INTERPRETATION MDCF-2 treatment of Bangladeshi children with MAM, which produced significant improvements in wasting during intervention, also reduced stunting during follow-up. These results suggest that the effectiveness of supplementary foods for undernutrition may be improved by including ingredients that sponsor healthy microbiota-host co-development. FUNDING This work was supported by the BMGF (Grants OPP1134649/INV-000247).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishita Mostafa
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh; Center for Child, Adolescent, and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Matthew C Hibberd
- Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; The Newman Center for Gut Microbiome and Nutrition Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Steven J Hartman
- Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; The Newman Center for Gut Microbiome and Nutrition Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Md Hasan Hafizur Rahman
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Mustafa Mahfuz
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh; Center for Child, Adolescent, and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - S M Tafsir Hasan
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Per Ashorn
- Center for Child, Adolescent, and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Michael J Barratt
- Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; The Newman Center for Gut Microbiome and Nutrition Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Tahmeed Ahmed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Jeffrey I Gordon
- Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; The Newman Center for Gut Microbiome and Nutrition Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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Chibuye M, Mende DR, Spijker R, Simuyandi M, Luchen CC, Bosomprah S, Chilengi R, Schultsz C, Harris VC. Systematic review of associations between gut microbiome composition and stunting in under-five children. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2024; 10:46. [PMID: 38782939 PMCID: PMC11116508 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-024-00517-5] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Childhood stunting is associated with impaired cognitive development and increased risk of infections, morbidity, and mortality. The composition of the enteric microbiota may contribute to the pathogenesis of stunting. We systematically reviewed and synthesized data from studies using high-throughput genomic sequencing methods to characterize the gut microbiome in stunted versus non-stunted children under 5 years in LMICs. We included 14 studies from Asia, Africa, and South America. Most studies did not report any significant differences in the alpha diversity, while a significantly higher beta diversity was observed in stunted children in four out of seven studies that reported beta diversity. At the phylum level, inconsistent associations with stunting were observed for Bacillota, Pseudomonadota, and Bacteroidota phyla. No single genus was associated with stunted children across all 14 studies, and some associations were incongruent by specific genera. Nonetheless, stunting was associated with an abundance of pathobionts that could drive inflammation, such as Escherichia/Shigella and Campylobacter, and a reduction of butyrate producers, including Faecalibacterium, Megasphera, Blautia, and increased Ruminoccoccus. An abundance of taxa thought to originate in the oropharynx was also reported in duodenal and fecal samples of stunted children, while metabolic pathways, including purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis, vitamin B biosynthesis, and carbohydrate and amino acid degradation pathways, predicted linear growth. Current studies show that stunted children can have distinct microbial patterns compared to non-stunted children, which could contribute to the pathogenesis of stunting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mwelwa Chibuye
- Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Research Division, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Amsterdam Institute of Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel R Mende
- Amsterdam Institute of Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rene Spijker
- Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michelo Simuyandi
- Research Division, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Chaluma C Luchen
- Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Research Division, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Samuel Bosomprah
- Research Division, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Roma Chilengi
- Research Division, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- The Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Constance Schultsz
- Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute of Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vanessa C Harris
- Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Institute of Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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3
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Qi C, Hu T, Zheng J, Li K, Zhou N, Zhou M, Chen Q. Artificial intelligence-based prediction model for the elemental occurrence form of tailings and mine wastes. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 249:118378. [PMID: 38311206 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
With the advent of the second industrial revolution, mining and metallurgical processes generate large volumes of tailings and mine wastes (TMW), which worsens global environmental pollution. Studying the occurrence of metal and metalloid elements in TMW is an effective approach to evaluating pollution linked to TMW. However, traditional laboratory-based measurements are complicated and time-consuming; thus, an empirical method is urgently needed that can rapidly and accurately determine elemental occurrence forms. In this study, a model combining Bayesian optimization and random forest (RF) approaches was proposed to predict TMW occurrence forms. To build the RF model, a dataset of 2376 samples was obtained, with mineral composition, elemental properties, and total concentration composition used as inputs and the percentage of occurrence forms as the model output. The correlation coefficient (R), coefficient of determination, mean absolute error, root mean squared error, and root mean squared logarithmic error metrics were used for model evaluation. After Bayesian optimization, the optimal RF model achieved accurate predictive performance, with R values of 0.99 and 0.965 on the training and test sets, respectively. The feature significance was analyzed using feature importance and Shapley additive explanatory values, which revealed that the electronegativity and total concentration of the elements were the two features with the greatest influence on the model output. As the electronegativity of an element increases, its corresponding residual fraction content gradually decreases. This is because the solubility typically increases with the solvent's polarity and electronegativity. Overall, this study proposes an RF model based on the nature of TMW that can rapidly and accurately predict the percentage values of metal and metalloid element occurrence forms in TMW. This method can minimize testing time requirements and help to assess TMW pollution risks, as well as further promote safe TMW management and recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongchong Qi
- School of Resources and Safety Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Tao Hu
- School of Resources and Safety Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Jiashuai Zheng
- School of Resources and Safety Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Kechao Li
- School of Resources and Safety Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Nana Zhou
- School of Resources and Safety Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Min Zhou
- School of Resources and Safety Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Qiusong Chen
- School of Resources and Safety Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
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Bogza A, King IL, Maurice CF. Worming into infancy: Exploring helminth-microbiome interactions in early life. Cell Host Microbe 2024; 32:639-650. [PMID: 38723604 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2024.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
There is rapidly growing awareness of microbiome assembly and function in early-life gut health. Although many factors, such as antibiotic use and highly processed diets, impinge on this process, most research has focused on people residing in high-income countries. However, much of the world's population lives in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where, in addition to erratic antibiotic use and suboptimal diets, these groups experience unique challenges. Indeed, many children in LMICs are infected with intestinal helminths. Although helminth infections are strongly associated with diverse developmental co-morbidities and induce profound microbiome changes, few studies have directly examined whether intersecting pathways between these components of the holobiont shape health outcomes in early life. Here, we summarize microbial colonization within the first years of human life, how helminth-mediated changes to the gut microbiome may affect postnatal growth, and why more research on this relationship may improve health across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Bogza
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; McGill Centre for Microbiome Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada; McGill University Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Irah L King
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; McGill Centre for Microbiome Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Corinne F Maurice
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; McGill Centre for Microbiome Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; McGill University Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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5
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Hardjo J, Selene NB. Stunting and Gut Microbiota: A Literature Review. Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr 2024; 27:137-145. [PMID: 38818278 PMCID: PMC11134181 DOI: 10.5223/pghn.2024.27.3.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Stunting, a condition characterized by impaired growth and development in children, remains a major public health concern worldwide. Over the past decade, emerging evidence has shed light on the potential role of gut microbiota modulation in stunting. Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been linked to impaired nutrient absorption, chronic inflammation, altered short-chain fatty acid production, and perturbed hormonal and signaling pathways, all of which may hinder optimal growth in children. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of existing research exploring the bidirectional relationship between stunting and the gut microbiota. Although stunting can alter the gut microbial community, microbiota dysbiosis may exacerbate it, forming a vicious cycle that sustains the condition. The need for effective preventive and therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiota to combat stunting is also discussed. Nutritional interventions, probiotics, and prebiotics are among the most promising approaches to modulate the gut microbiota and potentially ameliorate stunting outcomes. Ultimately, a better understanding of the gut microbiota-stunting nexus is vital for guiding evidence-based interventions that can improve the growth and development trajectory of children worldwide, making substantial strides toward reducing the burden of stunting in vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessy Hardjo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, General Hospital Ploso, East Java, Indonesia
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6
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Shealy NG, Baltagulov M, Byndloss MX. A long journey to the colon: The role of the small intestine microbiota in intestinal disease. Mol Microbiol 2024. [PMID: 38690771 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The small intestine represents a complex and understudied gut niche with significant implications for human health. Indeed, many infectious and non-infectious diseases center within the small intestine and present similar clinical manifestations to large intestinal disease, complicating non-invasive diagnosis and treatment. One major neglected aspect of small intestinal diseases is the feedback relationship with the resident collection of commensal organisms, the gut microbiota. Studies focused on microbiota-host interactions in the small intestine in the context of infectious and non-infectious diseases are required to identify potential therapeutic targets dissimilar from those used for large bowel diseases. While sparsely populated, the small intestine represents a stringent commensal bacterial microenvironment the host relies upon for nutrient acquisition and protection against invading pathogens (colonization resistance). Indeed, recent evidence suggests that disruptions to host-microbiota interactions in the small intestine impact enteric bacterial pathogenesis and susceptibility to non-infectious enteric diseases. In this review, we focus on the microbiota's impact on small intestine function and the pathogenesis of infectious and non-infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. We also discuss gaps in knowledge on the role of commensal microorganisms in proximal GI tract function during health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas G Shealy
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Madi Baltagulov
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mariana X Byndloss
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute of Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Microbiome Innovation Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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7
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Young A, Johnson MJ, Beattie RM. The use of machine learning in paediatric nutrition. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2024; 27:290-296. [PMID: 38294876 DOI: 10.1097/mco.0000000000001018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In recent years, there has been a burgeoning interest in using machine learning methods. This has been accompanied by an expansion in the availability and ease of use of machine learning tools and an increase in the number of large, complex datasets which are suited to machine learning approaches. This review summarizes recent work in the field and sets expectations for its impact in the future. RECENT FINDINGS Much work has focused on establishing good practices and ethical frameworks to guide the use of machine learning in research. Machine learning has an established role in identifying features in 'omics' research and is emerging as a tool to generate predictive models to identify people at risk of disease and patients at risk of complications. They have been used to identify risks for malnutrition and obesity. Machine learning techniques have also been used to develop smartphone apps to track behaviour and provide healthcare advice. SUMMARY Machine learning techniques are reaching maturity and their impact on observational data analysis and behaviour change will come to fruition in the next 5 years. A set of standards and best practices are emerging and should be implemented by researchers and publishers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneurin Young
- Southampton Children's Hospital, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
- University of Southampton
| | - Mark J Johnson
- Southampton Children's Hospital, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - R Mark Beattie
- Southampton Children's Hospital, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
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Lui JC. Gut microbiota in regulation of childhood bone growth. Exp Physiol 2024; 109:662-671. [PMID: 38156734 PMCID: PMC11061630 DOI: 10.1113/ep091620] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Childhood stunting and wasting, or decreased linear and ponderal growth associated with undernutrition, continue to be a major global public health challenge. Although many of the current therapeutic and dietary interventions have significantly reduced childhood mortality caused by undernutrition, there remain great inefficacies in improving childhood stunting. Longitudinal bone growth in children is governed by different genetic, nutritional and other environmental factors acting systemically on the endocrine system and locally at the growth plate. Recent studies have shown that this intricate interplay between nutritional and hormonal regulation of the growth plate could involve the gut microbiota, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach in tackling childhood undernutrition. In this review, I focus on the mechanistic insights provided by these recent advances in gut microbiota research and discuss ongoing development of microbiota-based therapeutics in humans, which could be the missing link in solving undernutrition and childhood stunting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian C. Lui
- Section on Growth and DevelopmentNational Institute of Child Health and Human DevelopmentBethesdaMarylandUSA
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Shennon I, Wilson BC, Behling AH, Portlock T, Haque R, Forrester T, Nelson CA, O'Sullivan JM. The infant gut microbiome and cognitive development in malnutrition. Clin Nutr 2024; 43:1181-1189. [PMID: 38608404 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Malnutrition affects 195 million children under the age of five worldwide with long term effects that include impaired cognitive development. Brain development occurs rapidly over the first 36 months of life. Whilst seemingly independent, changes to the brain and gut microbiome are linked by metabolites, hormones, and neurotransmitters as part of the gut-brain axis. In the context of severe malnutrition, the composition of the gut microbiome and the repertoire of biochemicals exchanged via the gut-brain axis vary when compared to healthy individuals. These effects are primarily due to the recognized interacting determinants, macro- and micronutrient deficiencies, infection, infestations and toxins related to poor sanitation, and a dearth of psycho-social stimulation. The standard of care for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition is focused on nutritional repletion and weight restoration through the provision of macro- and micronutrients, the latter usually in excess of recommended dietary allowances (RDA). However, existing formulations and supplements have not been designed to specifically address key recovery requirements for brain and gut microbiome development. Animal model studies indicate that treatments targeting the gut microbiome could improve brain development. Despite this, research on humans targeting the gut microbiome with the aim of restoring brain functionality are scarce. We conclude that there is a need for assessment of cognition and the use of various tools that permit visualization of the brain anatomy and function (e.g., Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), electroencephalogram (EEG)) to understand how interventions targeting the gut microbiome impact brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inoli Shennon
- The Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Brooke C Wilson
- The Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Anna H Behling
- The Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Theo Portlock
- The Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Rashidul Haque
- Infectious Disease Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | - Terrence Forrester
- UWI Solutions for Developing Countries, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - Charles A Nelson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Justin M O'Sullivan
- The Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; The Maurice Wilkins Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK; Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore.
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Surono IS, Popov I, Verbruggen S, Verhoeven J, Kusumo PD, Venema K. Gut microbiota differences in stunted and normal-lenght children aged 36-45 months in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299349. [PMID: 38551926 PMCID: PMC10980242 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of the gut microbiota in energy metabolism of the host has been established, both in overweight/obesity, as well as in undernutrition/stunting. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota may predispose to stunting. The aim of this study was to compare the gut microbiota composition of stunted Indonesian children and non-stunted children between 36 and 45 months from two sites on the East Nusa Tenggara (ENT) islands. Fecal samples were collected from 100 stunted children and 100 non-stunted children in Kupang and North Kodi. The gut microbiota composition was determined by sequencing amplicons of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Moreover, fecal SCFA concentrations were analyzed. The microbiota composition was correlated to anthropometric parameters and fecal metabolites. The phyla Bacteroidetes (Bacteroidota; q = 0.014) and Cyanobacteria (q = 0.049) were significantly higher in stunted children. Three taxa at genus levels were consistently significantly higher in stunted children at both sampling sites, namely Lachnoclostridium, Faecalibacterium and Veillonella (q < 7 * 10-4). These and 9 other taxa positively correlated to the z-score length-for-age (zlen), while 11 taxa negatively correlated with zlen. Several taxa also correlated with sanitary parameters, some of which were also significantly different between the two groups. All three fecal SCFA concentrations (acetate, propionate and butyrate) and their total were lower in stunted children compared to non-stunted children, although not significant for butyrate, indicating lower energy-extraction by the gut microbiota. Also, since SCFA have been shown to be involved in gut barrier function, barrier integrity may be affected in the stunted children. It remains to be seen if the three taxa are involved in stunting, or are changed due to e.g. differences in diet, hygiene status, or other factors. The observed differences in this study do not agree with our previous observations in children on Java, Indonesia. There are differences in infrastructure facilities such as clean water and sanitation on ENT and Java, which may contribute to the differences observed. The role of the gut microbiota in stunting therefore requires more in depth studies. Trial registration: the trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with identifier number NCT05119218.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid S. Surono
- Faculty of Engineering, Food Technology Department, Bina Nusantara University, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ilia Popov
- Faculty of Engineering, Food Technology Department, Bina Nusantara University, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Sanne Verbruggen
- Centre for Healthy Eating & Food Innovation, Maastricht University—Campus Venlo, Venlo, The Netherlands
| | - Jessica Verhoeven
- Centre for Healthy Eating & Food Innovation, Maastricht University—Campus Venlo, Venlo, The Netherlands
| | - Pratiwi D. Kusumo
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Koen Venema
- Centre for Healthy Eating & Food Innovation, Maastricht University—Campus Venlo, Venlo, The Netherlands
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Gough EK, Edens TJ, Carr L, Robertson RC, Mutasa K, Ntozini R, Chasekwa B, Geum HM, Baharmand I, Gill SK, Mutasa B, Mbuya MNN, Majo FD, Tavengwa N, Francis F, Tome J, Evans C, Kosek M, Prendergast AJ, Manges AR. Bifidobacterium longum modifies a nutritional intervention for stunting in Zimbabwean infants. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.01.18.24301438. [PMID: 38293149 PMCID: PMC10827232 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.18.24301438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Child stunting is an indicator of chronic undernutrition and reduced human capital. However, it remains a poorly understood public health problem. Small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) have been widely tested to reduce stunting, but have modest effects. The infant intestinal microbiome may contribute to stunting, and is partly shaped by mother and infant histo-blood group antigens (HBGA). We investigated whether mother-infant fucosyltransferase status, which governs HBGA, and the infant gut microbiome modified the impact of SQ-LNS on stunting at age 18 months among Zimbabwean infants in the SHINE Trial ( NCT01824940 ). We found that mother-infant fucosyltransferase discordance and Bifidobacterium longum reduced SQ-LNS efficacy. Infant age-related microbiome shifts in B. longum subspecies dominance from infantis , a proficient human milk oligosaccharide utilizer, to suis or longum , proficient plant-polysaccharide utilizers, were partly influenced by discordance in mother-infant FUT2+/FUT3- phenotype, suggesting that a "younger" microbiome at initiation of SQ-LNS reduces its benefits on stunting.
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Addae HY, Apprey C, Kwarteng A. Gut Microbiome-Targeted Nutrition Interventions and Growth among Children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Curr Dev Nutr 2024; 8:102085. [PMID: 38455707 PMCID: PMC10918490 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2024.102085] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Childhood malnutrition is a public health challenge of much interest and concern globally. However, a perturbed gut microbiome (GM) may limit some nutrition interventions' effects among healthy children with undernutrition. Objectives This review aimed to evaluate the effects of GM-targeted nutrition interventions on growth outcomes among children (0-59 mo) using published studies in low- and middle-income countries. Methods The methods were guided by the Cochrane methodology. The literature search was conducted to include articles published from inception to July 2023 in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Databases. We identified and included 35 studies among 11,047 children. The analysis was conducted considering various growth parameters in the qualitative synthesis and weight gain (kg) in the meta-analysis. Results In the qualitative synthesis, 55.6% of prebiotics, 66.7% of probiotics, 71.4% of synbiotics, and 28.6% of "microbiome complementary feed" studies had significant effects on growth outcomes. Also, prebiotics had more studies with significant effects among healthy children, whereas probiotics, synbiotics, and "microbiome complementary feeds" had more studies with significant effects among children with undernutrition. Nineteen studies were included in the meta-analyses, of which 7 (36.8%) measured GM outcomes. The meta-analysis showed that prebiotics exhibited heterogeneity but had significant effects on weight in the intervention as compared with the control (mean difference [MD]: 0.14 kg; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.25; I2 = 63%, P = 0.02; 4 studies, n = 932). Probiotics had significant effects on weight in the intervention (MD: 0.15 kg; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.25; I2 = 42%, P = 0.05; 8 studies, n = 2437) as compared to the control. However, synbiotics (MD: 0.26 kg; 95% CI: -0.04, 0.56; I2 = 41%, P = 0.17; 4 studies, n = 1896] and "microbiome complementary feed" (MD: -0.03 kg; 95% CI: -0.18, 0.11; I2 = 0%, P = 0.60; 3 studies, n = 733] had no significant effects on weight in the intervention as compared with control. Conclusions Although probiotics and synbiotics may be effective at enhancing growth among children, the selection of interventions should be contingent upon health status.This trial was registered at www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ as CRD42023434109.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hammond Yaw Addae
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
- Nursing Department, Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Kpembe, Ghana
| | - Charles Apprey
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Alexander Kwarteng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
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13
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Zhou T, Xiao L, Zuo Z, Zhao F. MAMI: a comprehensive database of mother-infant microbiome and probiotic resources. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:D738-D746. [PMID: 37819042 PMCID: PMC10767955 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive evidence has demonstrated that the human microbiome and probiotics confer great impacts on human health, particularly during critical developmental stages such as pregnancy and infancy when microbial communities undergo remarkable changes and maturation. However, a major challenge in understanding the microbial community structure and interactions between mothers and infants lies in the current lack of comprehensive microbiome databases specifically focused on maternal and infant health. To address this gap, we have developed an extensive database called MAMI (Microbiome Atlas of Mothers and Infants) that archives data on the maternal and neonatal microbiome, as well as abundant resources on edible probiotic strains. By leveraging this resource, we can gain profound insights into the dynamics of microbial communities, contributing to lifelong wellness for both mothers and infants through precise modulation of the developing microbiota. The functionalities incorporated into MAMI provide a unique perspective on the study of the mother-infant microbiome, which not only advance microbiome-based scientific research but also enhance clinical practice. MAMI is publicly available at https://bioinfo.biols.ac.cn/mami/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Liwen Xiao
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhenqiang Zuo
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Fangqing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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14
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Zhou DT, Mudhluli TE, Hall LJ, Manasa J, Munyati S. A Scoping Review of Gut Microbiome and Bifidobacterium Research in Zimbabwe: Implications for Future Studies. Pediatric Health Med Ther 2023; 14:483-496. [PMID: 38145055 PMCID: PMC10743709 DOI: 10.2147/phmt.s414766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gut microbiota play a key role in host health, with certain Bifidobacterium strains critical for immune development. The healthy gut of breastfed infants is dominated by these pioneer microbes, especially the strains that feed on human milk oligosaccharides. Objective This is a scoping review of gut microbiome research from Zimbabwe. It focuses on distribution and dynamic changes of bifidobacteria, and milk components that promote growth of microbes in infants, together with the distribution of associated gut microbes in adults. Design Online databases were searched for publications from 2000 to 2023. Results and Analysis Fourteen publications on microbiota of infants and adults were included in this scoping review. Most were cross-sectional, while three were clinical trials/cohort protocols. Publications focused on pediatrics (78.5%), pregnant women (14.3%), and men (7.2%). Zimbabwe has a high burden of HIV; hence 35.7% of study populations were delineated by HIV status. The laboratory methods used included shotgun metagenomics (62%) or 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Almost 85% of the studies focused on total microbiome profiles and rarely reported the distribution of different Bifidobacterium species and variants. None of the papers studied human breast milk composition. There were reports of reduced abundance of beneficial genera in pregnant women, children, and adolescents living with HIV. Additionally, gut microbiota was reported to be poorly predictive of child growth and vaccine response, though this was not conclusive. Conclusion There are few studies that characterize the gut microbiome by Zimbabwe-based researchers. However, studies on strain level diversity of Bifidobacterium and other key microbes, and their role in health during and beyond infancy, lag behind in Zimbabwe and other low- and middle-income countries. Such cohorts are needed to inform future mechanistic studies and downstream translational work such as next-generation probiotics and prebiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danai T Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Investigative Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Taona E Mudhluli
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Investigative Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Biochemistry, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
| | - Lindsay J Hall
- Gut Microbes & Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich, UK
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
- Intestinal Microbiome, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Justen Manasa
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Investigative Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Shungu Munyati
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
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15
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Zhang Y, Shen J, Cheng W, Roy B, Zhao R, Chai T, Sheng Y, Zhang Z, Chen X, Liang W, Hu W, Liao Q, Pan S, Zhuang W, Zhang Y, Chen R, Mei J, Wei H, Fang X. Microbiota-mediated shaping of mouse spleen structure and immune function characterized by scRNA-seq and Stereo-seq. J Genet Genomics 2023; 50:688-701. [PMID: 37156441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Gut microbes exhibit complex interactions with their hosts and shape an organism's immune system throughout its lifespan. As the largest secondary lymphoid organ, the spleen has a wide range of immunological functions. To explore the role of microbiota in regulating and shaping the spleen, we employ scRNA-seq and Stereo-seq technologies based on germ-free (GF) mice to detect differences in tissue size, anatomical structure, cell types, functions, and spatial molecular characteristics. We identify 18 cell types, 9 subtypes of T cells, and 7 subtypes of B cells. Gene differential expression analysis reveals that the absence of microorganisms results in alterations in erythropoiesis within the red pulp region and congenital immune deficiency in the white pulp region. Stereo-seq results demonstrate a clear hierarchy of immune cells in the spleen, including marginal zone (MZ) macrophages, MZ B cells, follicular B cells and T cells, distributed in a well-defined pattern from outside to inside. However, this hierarchical structure is disturbed in GF mice. Ccr7 and Cxcl13 chemokines are specifically expressed in the spatial locations of T cells and B cells, respectively. We speculate that the microbiota may mediate the structural composition or partitioning of spleen immune cells by modulating the expression levels of chemokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518083, China
| | - Juan Shen
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518083, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Bhaskar Roy
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518083, China
| | - Ruizhen Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518083, China
| | - Tailiang Chai
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518083, China
| | - Yifei Sheng
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518083, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518083, China
| | - Xueting Chen
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518083, China
| | | | - Weining Hu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518083, China
| | - Qijun Liao
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518083, China
| | - Shanshan Pan
- BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, Shandong 266555, China
| | - Wen Zhuang
- BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Qingdao, Shandong 266555, China
| | - Yangrui Zhang
- BGI-Sanya, BGI-Shenzhen, Sanya, Hainan 572025, China
| | - Rouxi Chen
- BGI-Sanya, BGI-Shenzhen, Sanya, Hainan 572025, China
| | - Junpu Mei
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518083, China; BGI-Sanya, BGI-Shenzhen, Sanya, Hainan 572025, China
| | - Hong Wei
- Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
| | - Xiaodong Fang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518083, China; BGI-Sanya, BGI-Shenzhen, Sanya, Hainan 572025, China.
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16
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Jones HJ, Bourke CD, Swann JR, Robertson RC. Malnourished Microbes: Host-Microbiome Interactions in Child Undernutrition. Annu Rev Nutr 2023; 43:327-353. [PMID: 37207356 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-061121-091234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Childhood undernutrition is a major global health burden that is only partially resolved by nutritional interventions. Both chronic and acute forms of child undernutrition are characterized by derangements in multiple biological systems including metabolism, immunity, and endocrine systems. A growing body of evidence supports a role of the gut microbiome in mediating these pathways influencing early life growth. Observational studies report alterations in the gut microbiome of undernourished children, while preclinical studies suggest that this can trigger intestinal enteropathy, alter host metabolism, and disrupt immune-mediated resistance against enteropathogens, each of which contribute to poor early life growth. Here, we compile evidence from preclinical and clinical studies and describe the emerging pathophysiological pathways by which the early life gut microbiome influences host metabolism, immunity, intestinal function, endocrine regulation, and other pathways contributing to child undernutrition. We discuss emerging microbiome-directed therapies and consider future research directions to identify and target microbiome-sensitive pathways in child undernutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen J Jones
- Centre for Genomics & Child Health, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom;
| | - Claire D Bourke
- Centre for Genomics & Child Health, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom;
| | - Jonathan R Swann
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ruairi C Robertson
- Centre for Genomics & Child Health, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom;
- Microenvironment and Immunity Unit, INSERM U1224, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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17
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Pheeha SM, Tamuzi JL, Chale-Matsau B, Manda S, Nyasulu PS. A Scoping Review Evaluating the Current State of Gut Microbiota Research in Africa. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2118. [PMID: 37630678 PMCID: PMC10458939 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota has emerged as a key human health and disease determinant. However, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding the composition, diversity, and function of the gut microbiota, specifically in the African population. This scoping review aims to examine the existing literature on gut microbiota research conducted in Africa, providing an overview of the current knowledge and identifying research gaps. A comprehensive search strategy was employed to identify relevant studies. Databases including MEDLINE (PubMed), African Index Medicus (AIM), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Science Citation index (Web of Science), Embase (Ovid), Scopus (Elsevier), WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), and Google Scholar were searched for relevant articles. Studies investigating the gut microbiota in African populations of all age groups were included. The initial screening included a total of 2136 articles, of which 154 were included in this scoping review. The current scoping review revealed a limited number of studies investigating diseases of public health significance in relation to the gut microbiota. Among these studies, HIV (14.3%), colorectal cancer (5.2%), and diabetes mellitus (3.9%) received the most attention. The top five countries that contributed to gut microbiota research were South Africa (16.2%), Malawi (10.4%), Egypt (9.7%), Kenya (7.1%), and Nigeria (6.5%). The high number (n = 66) of studies that did not study any specific disease in relation to the gut microbiota remains a gap that needs to be filled. This scoping review brings attention to the prevalent utilization of observational study types (38.3%) in the studies analysed and emphasizes the importance of conducting more experimental studies. Furthermore, the findings reflect the need for more disease-focused, comprehensive, and population-specific gut microbiota studies across diverse African regions and ethnic groups to better understand the factors shaping gut microbiota composition and its implications for health and disease. Such knowledge has the potential to inform targeted interventions and personalized approaches for improving health outcomes in African populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M. Pheeha
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7500, South Africa; (S.M.P.)
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
| | - Jacques L. Tamuzi
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7500, South Africa; (S.M.P.)
| | - Bettina Chale-Matsau
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| | - Samuel Manda
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Peter S. Nyasulu
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7500, South Africa; (S.M.P.)
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
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18
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Thahir AIA, Li M, Holmes A, Gordon A. Exploring Factors Associated with Stunting in 6-Month-Old Children: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Nutrients 2023; 15:3420. [PMID: 37571357 PMCID: PMC10421344 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153420] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Stunting in children under the age of two is a significant global concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Indonesia. Intervention efforts often come too late as many of the underlying causal factors have already occurred earlier. While antenatal multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) have demonstrated positive effects on pregnancy outcomes, their impact on infant growth in the first six months remains inadequately explored in epidemiological studies. This study aims to identify factors associated with stunting at six months in infants whose mothers received MMS. A population-based cohort study was conducted in four subdistricts of Banggai, Indonesia. Pregnant women were recruited in their third trimester and followed up until their children were six months of age. Validated questionnaires were employed to gather data on social determinants of health and diet, and standardised methods were utilised for anthropometric measurements. Stunting was determined based on the WHO child growth standards. The analysis comprised data from 152 mother-child pairs. The prevalence of stunting during early infancy (first two months) was 18.4%, which decreased to 15.8% in later infancy (at six months). Factors such as small-for-gestational-age (AOR = 11.29; 2.73-46.66), preterm birth (AOR = 6.33; 1.25-31.97), short birth length (AOR = 4.31; 1.11-16.78), maternal mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) below 23.5 cm, and female infants (AOR = 3.27; 95%CI: 1.04-10.27) were associated with stunting at six months. This study highlights that stunting in the first six months is present at birth, with small-for-gestational-age (SGA) as a strong predictor. In addition, there was a trend to improved growth (-0.30 [-0.79 to 0.18]) in infants born to mothers who received MMS supplementation pre-pregnancy rather than during pregnancy, although it was not statistically significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andi Imam Arundhana Thahir
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia;
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | - Mu Li
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia;
| | - Andrew Holmes
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia;
- Charles Perkins Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Adrienne Gordon
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia;
- Charles Perkins Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA), Newborn Care, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney 2050, Australia
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19
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Fontaine F, Turjeman S, Callens K, Koren O. The intersection of undernutrition, microbiome, and child development in the first years of life. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3554. [PMID: 37322020 PMCID: PMC10272168 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39285-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Undernutrition affects about one out of five children worldwide. It is associated with impaired growth, neurodevelopment deficits, and increased infectious morbidity and mortality. Undernutrition, however, cannot be solely attributed to a lack of food or nutrient deficiency but rather results from a complex mix of biological and environmental factors. Recent research has shown that the gut microbiome is intimately involved in the metabolism of dietary components, in growth, in the training of the immune system, and in healthy development. In this review, we look at these features in the first three years of life, which is a critical window for both microbiome establishment and maturation and child development. We also discuss the potential of the microbiome in undernutrition interventions, which could increase efficacy and improve child health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanette Fontaine
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
- Université Paris- Cité, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Sondra Turjeman
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Karel Callens
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
| | - Omry Koren
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel.
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Nam NN, Do HDK, Loan Trinh KT, Lee NY. Metagenomics: An Effective Approach for Exploring Microbial Diversity and Functions. Foods 2023; 12:foods12112140. [PMID: 37297385 DOI: 10.3390/foods12112140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Various fields have been identified in the "omics" era, such as genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, phenomics, and metagenomics. Among these, metagenomics has enabled a significant increase in discoveries related to the microbial world. Newly discovered microbiomes in different ecologies provide meaningful information on the diversity and functions of microorganisms on the Earth. Therefore, the results of metagenomic studies have enabled new microbe-based applications in human health, agriculture, and the food industry, among others. This review summarizes the fundamental procedures on recent advances in bioinformatic tools. It also explores up-to-date applications of metagenomics in human health, food study, plant research, environmental sciences, and other fields. Finally, metagenomics is a powerful tool for studying the microbial world, and it still has numerous applications that are currently hidden and awaiting discovery. Therefore, this review also discusses the future perspectives of metagenomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Nhat Nam
- Biotechnology Center, School of Agriculture and Aquaculture, Tra Vinh University, Tra Vinh City 87000, Vietnam
| | - Hoang Dang Khoa Do
- NTT Hi-Tech Institute, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ward 13, District 04, Ho Chi Minh City 72820, Vietnam
| | - Kieu The Loan Trinh
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Nae Yoon Lee
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 13120, Republic of Korea
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