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Preterm Birth Has Effects on Gut Colonization in Piglets Within the First 4 Weeks of Life

Shamrulazhar Shamzir Kamal1, Anders Daniel Andersen2, Lukasz Krych1

  • 1Department of Food Science.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|January 12, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Preterm birth impacts gut microbiota development, with gestational age influencing composition long-term. Early feeding also affects the gut microbiome in preterm and term piglets.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Neonatal Physiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Preterm neonates exhibit immature gastrointestinal tracts and altered gut bacterial colonization.
  • The specific factors inducing immature gut microbiota (GM) colonization in preterm infants remain unclear.
  • Piglets serve as a relevant model for studying infant gut development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of shortened gestational age (GA) and early enteral feeding (EEF) on gut microbiota composition in preterm and term piglets.
  • To understand the long-term impact of GA and EEF on gut microbial colonization.
  • To explore potential links between gut microbiota differences and gut dysfunction in preterm birth.

Main Methods:

  • Caesarean-delivered preterm and term piglets were reared in controlled environments.
  • Pigs received either total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or early enteral feeding (EEF).
  • Gut microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were measured by GC-MS.

Main Results:

  • Both GA and EEF influenced GM composition at day 5, but only GA effects persisted until day 26.
  • Enterobacteriaceae were dominant in preterm piglets, while term piglets showed higher relative abundance of Akkermansia at day 26.
  • Term piglets had higher colonic acetate and propionate concentrations and lower formate levels compared to preterm piglets on day 26.

Conclusions:

  • Significant differences in gut microbiota colonization exist between preterm and term piglets within the first four weeks of life.
  • These microbial differences, influenced by gestational age, may contribute to early and later gut dysfunction associated with preterm birth.
  • Gestational age is a critical factor shaping the developing gut microbiome in early life.
Abstract

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