Microbial regulation of offspring diseases mediated by maternal-associated microbial metabolites

The Role of Diet and Nutritional Interventions for the Infant Gut Microbiome

The infant gut microbiome plays a key role in the healthy development of the human organism and appears to be influenced by dietary practices through multiple pathways. First, maternal diet during pregnancy and infant nutrition significantly influence the infant gut microbiota. Moreover, breastfeeding fosters the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, while formula feeding increases microbial diversity. The timing of introducing solid foods also influences gut microbiota composition. In preterm infants the gut microbiota development is influenced by multiple factors, including the time since birth and the intake of breast milk, and interventions such as probiotics and prebiotics supplementation show promising results in reducing morbidity and mortality in this population. These findings underscore the need for future research to understand the long-term health impacts of these interventions and for further strategies to enrich the gut microbiome of formula-fed and preterm infants.

Gut microbiome derived short chain fatty acids: Promising strategies in necrotising enterocolitis

Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating condition that poses a significant risk of morbidity and mortality, particularly among preterm babies. Extensive research efforts have been directed at identifying optimal treatment and diagnostic strategies but results from such studies remain unclear and controversial. Among the most promising candidates are prebiotics, probiotics and their metabolites, including short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Such metabolites have been widely explored as possible biomarkers of gut health for different clinical conditions, with overall positive effects on the host observed. This review aims to describe the role of gut microbiome derived SCFAs in necrotising enterocolitis. Until now, information has been conflicting, with the primary focus on the main three SCFAs (acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid). While numerous studies have indicated the relationship between SCFAs and NEC, the current evidence is insufficient to draw definitive conclusions about the use of these metabolites as NEC biomarkers or their potential in treatment strategies. Ongoing research in this area will help enhance both our understanding of SCFAs as valuable indicators of NEC and their practical application in clinical settings.

Microbiota during pregnancy and early life: role in maternal-neonatal outcomes based on human evidence

Here, we explored the vast potential of microbiome-based interventions in preventing and managing non-communicable diseases including obesity, diabetes, allergies, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, malnutrition, and cardiovascular diseases across different life stages. We discuss the intricate relationship between microbiome and non-communicable diseases, emphasizing on the "window of opportunity" for microbe-host interactions during the first years after birth. Specific biotics and also live biotherapeutics including fecal microbiota transplantation emerge as pivotal tools for precision medicine, acknowledging the "one size doesn't' fit all" aspect. Challenges in implementation underscore the need for advanced technologies, scientific transparency, and public engagement. Future perspectives advocate for understanding maternal-neonatal microbiome, exploring the maternal exposome and delving into human milk's role in the establishment and restoration of the infant microbiome and its influence over health and disease. An integrated scientific approach, employing multi-omics and accounting for inter-individual variance in microbiome composition and function appears central to unleash the full potential of early-life microbiome interventions in revolutionizing healthcare.

Low-dose perinatal supplementation with Enterococcus faecalis increases concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in the offspring but does not protect against allergic asthma

Childhood allergic asthma is associated with a dysbiotic gut microbiome in early life, and maternal perinatal treatment with probiotics is a potential way alter the infant microbiome, which may improve asthma outcomes. This study used a mouse model to examine the effect of maternal supplementation with the probiotic Enterococcus faecalis on faecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations and asthma risk in the offspring. Pregnant/lactating mice were treated daily, from gestation day 6 to postnatal day 21, with an oral suspension of 106, 107 or 108 colony-forming units of a live preparation of the probiotic E. faecalis (Symbioflor®1). At weaning, offspring were subjected to an ovalbumin-induced experimental asthma protocol. Faeces were collected from the mothers and offspring at several different time points to determine SCFA concentrations. It was found that maternal supplementation with E. faecalis did not alter litter size, sex ratio or offspring weight, and was associated with an increase in SCFAs in offspring faeces at weaning and after allergy induction. However, allergic offspring from E. faecalis supplemented mothers showed no difference in asthma severity when compared with allergic offspring from control mothers. In conclusion, although maternal perinatal supplementation with low-dose E. faecalis was associated with increased faecal SCFAs in the offspring, it did not protect against offspring asthma. This is may be because SCFA concentrations were not increased to an immunoprotective level. We recommend that future studies concentrate on probiotic supplementation in high-risk cases, for instance, to repair gut dysbiosis resulting from antibiotic use in pregnant mothers or their infants.