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The microbiome during pregnancy and early postnatal life
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainsville, FL, USA.
Seminars in Fetal & Neonatal Medicine
|June 12, 2016
Summary
The newborn infant is not born sterile; in-utero microbial colonization influences immunity and metabolism, impacting future health. Postnatal microbial acquisition, affected by delivery and feeding, also plays a critical role in health and disease.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The traditional view of newborns emerging from a sterile environment is being challenged.
- In-utero microbial colonization may significantly influence the development of the mammalian immune system and metabolism.
- Epigenetic modifications linked to early microbial exposure can predispose individuals to diseases later in life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the critical role of the maternal-fetal microbiome in early development.
- To elucidate the impact of postnatal microbial acquisition on infant health and disease.
- To highlight how environmental factors shape the developing microbiome.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on maternal-fetal and neonatal microbiomes.
- Analysis of factors influencing microbial colonization, including mode of delivery and feeding type.
- Discussion of emerging multi-omic and systems biology approaches.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests microbial colonization begins before birth, impacting fetal development.
- Postnatal microbial profiles are dynamically shaped by delivery mode, diet (human milk vs. formula), and environmental exposures.
- The early-life microbiome is intrinsically linked to long-term health trajectories.
Conclusions:
- The maternal-fetal microbiome and early postnatal microbial colonization are crucial determinants of health and disease.
- Understanding these microbial dynamics is essential for advancing pediatric medicine and disease prevention.
- Emerging technologies are revolutionizing our comprehension of the microbiome's role in early life.
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