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Published on: November 20, 2015
Brain injury in premature infants may be related to abnormal colonization of early gut microbiome
Li Hou1, Jing Zhao2, Linlin Yin1
1Department of Neonatology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No.1, Mao Yuan South Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong, 637000, Sichuan, China.
Insights
Premature infants with brain injuries exhibit distinct gut microbiota compared to typical infants. This difference highlights a significant correlation between brain injury and gut microbiome composition in neonates.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neuroscience
- Microbiome research
- Pediatric neurology
Background:
- Premature infants face heightened risks of brain injury due to underdeveloped nervous systems.
- Brain injuries in premature infants can lead to long-term intellectual disabilities, imposing societal and familial burdens.
- The gut microbiome and nervous system share a bidirectional relationship, influencing each other's development and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gut microbiota alterations in premature infants with and without brain injuries.
- To compare the gut microbiome composition on the third and seventh days post-birth.
- To utilize 16S rRNA sequencing for detailed microbial analysis.
Main Methods:
- Collected fecal samples from premature infants with (n=21) and without (n=17) brain injuries on days 1, 3, and 7 post-birth.
- Employed 16S rRNA sequencing for gut microbiome profiling.
- Utilized alpha diversity metrics (Shannon, Simpson indices) and differential abundance analysis (LEfSe, DESeq2).
Main Results:
- Dominant phyla included Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria in both groups.
- Enterococcus proportions were higher in the brain injury group on day 3 but lower on day 7.
- Rothia and Lactobacillales characterized the non-brain injury group, while Enterococcus and Bifidobacteria were characteristic of the brain injury group.
Conclusions:
- Premature infants with brain injuries possess a unique gut microbiota profile.
- Significant differences in gut microbial composition correlate with brain injury status in premature infants.
- Findings suggest a strong link between the gut microbiome and the development of brain injuries in neonates.
Background:
Premature infants are more prone to brain injuries owing to incomplete nervous system development and poor adaptation outside the mother's body. Without timely intervention, premature infants with brain injuries often develop intellectual disabilities, causing significant burdens on families and the society. Multiple studies have shown that gut dysbiosis can affect the nervous system, and vice versa. This study aimed to explore the changes in gut microbiota of typical premature infants and those with brain injuries on the third and seventh days after birth using 16 S rRNA technology.
Methods:
Fecal samples from typical premature infants (non-brain injury group, n = 17) and those with brain injuries (brain injury group, n = 21) were collected on days 1, 3, and 7 after birth for 16 S rRNA sequencing. Alpha diversity analysis was used to evaluate the diversity of gut microbiome. LEfSe and DESeq2 were used to analyze of the microorganisms' characteristics and differentiate the microorganisms between the two groups.
Results:
At the phylum level, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria were the dominant flora in both groups. At the genus level, the proportion of Enterococcus in fecal samples of the brain injury group was higher than that of the non-brain injury group on day three after birth; however, the opposite was observed on day seven. Rothia and Lactobacillales were characteristic bacteria of the non-brain injury group on days three and seven after birth, whereas Enterococcus and Bifidobacteria were characteristic bacteria of the brain injury group on days three and seven after birth, respectively. Three days after birth, the Shannon and Simpson indices of the non-brain injury group were significantly higher than those of the brain injury group.
Conclusion:
Premature infants with brain injuries have a unique gut microbiota that is different from that of typical premature infants, indicating correlation between brain injuries and gut microbiota.
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