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Prebiotic Supplementation during Lactation Affects Microbial Colonization in Postnatal-Growth-Restricted Mice
Lucie Marousez1, Léa Chantal Tran1,2, Edwina Micours1
1Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, F-59000 Lille, France.
Nutrients
|June 28, 2023
Summary
Early prebiotic fiber (PF) supplementation may improve gut microbiota establishment in growth-restricted mice. This intervention impacts microbial composition, potentially mitigating long-term health issues linked to poor perinatal nutrition.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Nutrition Science
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Inadequate perinatal nutrition can impair intestinal barrier maturation, leading to chronic diseases.
- The gut microbiota plays a critical role in intestinal barrier development.
- Early life nutrition significantly influences long-term health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of early postnatal prebiotic fiber (PF) supplementation on growth, intestinal morphology, and microbiota in postnatal-growth-restricted (PNGR) mice.
- To understand how PF influences gut microbial colonization and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production in PNGR mice.
Main Methods:
- Postnatal growth restriction (PNGR) was induced in mice by creating large litters.
- PNGR and control (CTRL) pups received daily oral administration of prebiotic fiber (PF) or water from postnatal day 8 to 20.
- Intestinal morphology, microbial composition, and SCFA production were assessed at weaning (postnatal day 21).
Main Results:
- PNGR mice exhibited reduced body weight and ileal crypt depth at weaning.
- PNGR was associated with altered gut microbiota, including decreased Lachnospiraceae and Oscillospiraceae, and increased Akkermansia and Enterococcus.
- PF supplementation in PNGR mice enriched Bacteroides and Parabacteroides genera while reducing Proteobacteria; in control mice, PF increased Akkermansia presence.
Conclusions:
- Postnatal growth restriction negatively impacts ileal crypt maturation and gut microbiota colonization at weaning.
- Prebiotic fiber supplementation shows potential in improving gut microbiota establishment during the critical early postnatal period.
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