Early-life gut microbiota and neurodevelopment in preterm infants: a narrative review

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Neuroscience
• Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Preterm infants face high risks of gut microbiota (GM) dysbiosis and neurodevelopmental issues.
• Early GM dysbiosis impacts short-term outcomes, with growing interest in its long-term effects on infant health.
• The early life periods for GM and nervous system development significantly overlap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the developing GM in early life and its relationship with neurodevelopment in preterm infants.
• To synthesize evidence from animal models and human studies on the GM-neurodevelopment connection.
• To highlight potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for neurodevelopment in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature.
• Analysis of findings from animal models on GM-brain development pathways.
• Examination of studies linking GM patterns in preterm infants to brain maturation and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Main Results:

• Animal models show pathways linking early GM to brain development.
• GM patterns (dynamic and static) in preterm infants correlate with brain maturation.
• GM features in early life are associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes in early childhood.

Conclusions:

• The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the neurodevelopment of preterm infants.
• Further research integrating human and animal studies is needed to identify predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
• Understanding the GM-brain axis is vital for improving long-term health outcomes in preterm infants.