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A pilot study to disentangle the infant gut microbiota composition and identification of bacteria correlates with
Leonardo Mancabelli1,2, Christian Milani2,3, Federico Fontana3
1Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma 43125, Italy.
Insights
The infant gut microbiome composition is linked to body fat percentage in newborns. Specific bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Veillonella correlate with increased fat mass, suggesting a functional impact on infant physiology.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Human Physiology
- Infant Health
Background:
- The human intestine harbors a complex gut microbiota at birth, crucial for physiological homeostasis.
- Early-life gut colonization is fundamental for infant health.
- Alterations in infant microbiota are linked to inflammatory diseases and disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between infant gut microbiota composition and body composition, specifically fat mass percentage (FM%).
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 41 Italian newborns.
- Utilized 16S rRNA gene profiling and metagenomic approaches.
- Analyzed repeatedly measured data over time.
Main Results:
- Identified a specific correlation between intestinal bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Veillonella) and increased FM% in infants.
- Metagenomic analysis indicated that the infant microbiome possesses metabolic capabilities influencing host physiology.
Conclusions:
- Infant gut microbiota composition is associated with body fat mass.
- The infant microbiome plays a functional role in host physiology, potentially influencing body composition.
Abstract:
Background: At birth, the human intestine is colonized by a complex community of microorganisms known as gut microbiota. These complex microbial communities that inhabit the gut microbiota are thought to play a key role in maintaining host physiological homeostasis. For this reason, correct colonization of the gastrointestinal tract in the early stages of life could be fundamental for human health. Furthermore, alterations of the infant microbiota are correlated with the development of human inflammatory diseases and disorders. In this context, the possible relationships between intestinal microbiota and body composition during infancy are of great interest. Methods: In this study, we have performed a pilot study based on 16S rRNA gene profiling and metagenomic approaches on repeatedly measured data on time involving a cohort of 41 Italian newborns, which is aimed to investigate the possible correlation between body fat mass percentage (FM%) and the infant gut microbiota composition. Results and conclusion: The taxonomical analysis of the stool microbiota of each infant included in the cohort allowed the identification of a specific correlation between intestinal bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Veillonella, and the increase in FM%. Moreover, the analysis of the infant microbiome's metabolic capabilities suggested that the intestinal microbiome functionally impacts the human host and its possible influence on host physiology.
