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Effects of early life NICU stress on the developing gut microbiome
Amy L D'Agata1,2, Jing Wu3, Manushi K V Welandawe3
1College of Nursing, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island.
Insights
Early life stress in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) significantly impacts the developing gut microbiome of preterm infants. NICU stress exposure affects specific bacteria like Proteus and Veillonella, influencing microbial community structure.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neonatal Research
- Gut Microbiome Studies
Background:
- Gut microbial community structure in newborns is shaped by early life factors.
- Preterm infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience significant stressors, including parent-infant separation and medical procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of early life stress on the gut microbial structure trajectory in very preterm infants.
- To identify specific microbial taxa affected by NICU stress exposure.
Main Methods:
- Weekly stool sample collection from very preterm infants for 6 weeks.
- Daily collection of NICU stress exposure data over 6 weeks.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing and zero-inflated beta regression analysis to assess stress impact on microbiome trajectories.
Main Results:
- Microbial composition varied significantly by week of sampling, antibiotic usage, and gender.
- NICU stress exposure 1-2 weeks prior to sampling significantly affected Proteus and Veillonella abundance.
- A dominance of Gammaproteobacteria was observed in the gut microbiome.
Conclusions:
- Early life stress in the NICU environment can significantly influence the developing gut microbiome of preterm infants.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering NICU stress in clinical practice and future microbiome research.
Abstract:
Succession of gut microbial community structure for newborns is highly influenced by early life factors. Many preterm infants cared for in the NICU are exposed to parent-infant separation, stress, and pain from medical care procedures. The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of early life stress on the trajectory of gut microbial structure. Stool samples from very preterm infants were collected weekly for 6 weeks. NICU stress exposure data were collected daily for 6 weeks. V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified by PCR and sequenced. Zero-inflated beta regression model with random effects was used to assess the impact of stress on gut microbiome trajectories. Week of sampling was significant for Escherichia, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium, Proteus, Streptococcus, Clostridium butyricum, and Clostridium perfringens. Antibiotic usage was significant for Proteus, Citrobacter, and C. perfringens. Gender was significant for Proteus. Stress exposure occurring 1 and 2 weeks prior to sampling had a significant effect on Proteus and Veillonella. NICU stress exposure had a significant effect on Proteus and Veillonella. An overall dominance of Gammaproteobacteria was found. Findings suggest early life NICU stress may significantly influence the developing gut microbiome, which is important to NICU practice and future microbiome research.
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