Effects of Maternal Pre-Pregnancy BMI on Preterm Infant Microbiome and Fecal Fermentation Profile-A Preliminary...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Neonatal Health
• Maternal Health

Background:

• Maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) is a critical factor in pregnancy outcomes.
• The gut microbiome of preterm infants is underdeveloped and susceptible to external influences.
• Understanding factors affecting the preterm infant gut microbiome is crucial for improving health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of maternal pre-pregnancy BMI on the fecal microbiome and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles of preterm infants.
• To explore potential links between maternal BMI categories and infant gut bacterial composition and fermentation patterns.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study of 54 preterm infants in the NICU, grouped by maternal pre-pregnancy BMI (normal, overweight, obese).
• Analysis of fecal samples using 16S rRNA sequencing for microbiome composition.
• Extraction and analysis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from infant fecal samples.

Main Results:

• Preterm infants born to overweight and obese mothers showed different bacterial taxonomic composition and lower overall taxa abundance compared to those born to normal-weight mothers.
• No significant differences in microbial diversity were observed across BMI groups.
• Higher levels of the SCFA propionic acid were found in infants of mothers with higher pre-pregnancy BMI, even after controlling for covariates.

Conclusions:

• Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI influences the preterm infant gut microbiome and SCFA production.
• The preterm infant gut generally exhibits lower microbial diversity, which can have implications for health.
• Further research into modulating the preterm infant microbiome is essential for improving health outcomes.