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Updated: Jun 3, 2025
Intracerebroventricular Delivery of Gut-Derived Microbial Metabolites in Freely Moving Mice
Published on: June 2, 2022
Interconnected pathways link faecal microbiota plasma lipids and brain activity to childhood malnutrition related
T Portlock1, T Shama2, S H Kakon2
1The Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Insights
Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) in children is linked to gut bacteria changes, impacting brain development and vocalization. This study reveals potential pathways from gut health to neurocognitive outcomes in malnourished children.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric nutrition
Background:
- Malnutrition affects millions of children, causing lasting neurocognitive deficits.
- The mechanisms linking malnutrition to these long-term consequences are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the gut microbiome alterations associated with Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM).
- To explore the relationship between gut microbiome changes, metabolic markers, and neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of fecal microbiome composition in a cohort of one-year-old children in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- Application of multi-system SHAP interpreted random forest models and network analysis.
- Assessment of plasma odd-chain fatty acid levels and electroencephalogram (EEG) power in brain regions.
Main Results:
- Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) was associated with increased Rothia mucilaginosa and Streptococcus salivarius, and decreased Bacteroides fragilis.
- These microbiome shifts correlated with reduced plasma odd-chain fatty acids, decreased temporal and frontal EEG activity (gamma and beta power), and impaired vocalization.
- Findings suggest a pathway where oral commensal species colonization may delay gut microbiome and brain development.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiome alterations in MAM may contribute to neurodevelopmental deficits.
- The study provides insights into the complex interplay between gut health, metabolism, and brain function in early childhood malnutrition.
- Further research is needed to establish causal links and develop targeted interventions for MAM-associated neurodevelopmental issues.
Abstract:
Malnutrition affects over 30 million children annually and has profound immediate and enduring repercussions. Survivors often suffer lasting neurocognitive consequences that impact academic performance and socioeconomic outcomes. Mechanistic understanding of the emergence of these consequences is poorly understood. Using multi-system SHAP interpreted random forest models and network analysis, we show that Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) associates with enrichment of faecal Rothia mucilaginosa, Streptococcus salivarius and depletion of Bacteroides fragilis in a cohort of one-year-old children in Dhaka, Bangladesh. These microbiome changes form interconnected pathways that involve reduced plasma odd-chain fatty acid levels, decreased gamma and beta electroencephalogram power in temporal and frontal brain regions, and reduced vocalization. These findings support the hypothesis that prolonged colonization by oral commensal species delay gut microbiome and brain development. While causal links require empirical validation, this study provides insights to improve interventions targeting MAM-associated neurodevelopmental deficits.
