Matharu D, Ponsero AJ, Lengyel M, Meszaros-Matwiejuk A, Kolho KL, de Vos WM, Molnar-Gabor D, Salonen A. Human milk oligosaccharide composition is affected by season and parity and associates with infant gut microbiota in a birth mode dependent manner in a Finnish birth cohort.
EBioMedicine 2024;
104:105182. [PMID:
38838470 PMCID:
PMC11215963 DOI:
10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105182]
[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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), their determinants, infant gut microbiota and health are under extensive research; however, seldom jointly addressed. Leveraging data from the HELMi birth cohort, we investigated them collectively, considering maternal and infant secretor status.
METHODS
HMO composition in breastmilk collected 3 months postpartum (n = 350 mothers) was profiled using high-performance liquid chromatography. Infant gut microbiota taxonomic and functional development was studied at 3, 6, and 12 months (n = 823 stool samples) via shotgun metagenomic sequencing, focusing on HMO metabolism via glycoside hydrolase (GH) analysis. Maternal and infant secretor statuses were identified through phenotyping and genotyping, respectively. Child health, emphasizing allergies and antibiotics as proxies for infectious diseases, was recorded until 2 years.
FINDINGS
Mother's parity, irritable bowel syndrome, gestational diabetes, and season of milk collection associated with HMO composition. Neither maternal nor infant secretor status associated with infant gut microbiota, except for a few taxa linked to individual HMOs. Analysis stratified for birth mode revealed distinct patterns between the infant gut microbiota and HMOs. Child health parameters were not associated to infant or maternal secretor status.
INTERPRETATION
This comprehensive exploration unveils intricate links between secretor genotype, maternal factors, HMO composition, infant microbiota, and child health. Understanding these nuanced relationships is paramount for refining strategies to optimize early life nutrition and its enduring impact on long-term health.
FUNDING
Sweet Crosstalk EU H2020 MSCA ITN, Academy of Finland, Mary and Georg C. Ehrnrooth Foundation, Päivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation, and Tekes.
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