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Investigating Alterations in Caecum Microbiota After Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice
Published on: September 19, 2019
Impact of Early-Life Brain Injury on Gut Microbiota Composition in Rodents: Systematic Review with Implications for
Vanessa da Silva Souza1,2, Raul Manhães-de-Castro2, Sabrina da Conceição Pereira2
1Graduate Program in Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Medical Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, Pernambuco, Brazil.
Insights
Early-life brain injuries disrupt the gut microbiota, leading to increased intestinal permeability and inflammation. These gut-brain axis changes may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders and neuroinflammation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Early-life brain injuries are a significant cause of neurodevelopmental disorders like cerebral palsy.
- These injuries are increasingly linked to alterations in the gut microbiota, intestinal barrier function, and neuroinflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the impact of early-life brain injuries on the gut microbiota in rodent models.
- To synthesize findings on gut-brain axis alterations following neonatal or post-weaning brain injury.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across major scientific databases (Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase).
- Inclusion of 21 eligible studies evaluating microbiota and gut-brain axis markers.
- Data extraction and synthesis adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
Main Results:
- Consistent reports of gut dysbiosis, with reduced Bacteroidetes and Lactobacillus abundance.
- Associated increases in gut permeability, decreased tight junction proteins, and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- Observed reductions in short-chain fatty acids, metabolic disruptions, neuroinflammation, and white matter injury.
Conclusions:
- Early-life brain injury induces significant gut microbiota and metabolic alterations.
- These changes contribute to systemic inflammation and neuroinflammatory processes.
- The gut-brain axis represents a potential therapeutic target for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Abstract:
Early-life brain injuries are major causes of long-term neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy. Emerging evidence suggests these injuries can alter the gut microbiota composition, intestinal integrity, and neuroinflammatory responses. This systematic review evaluated the impact of early-life brain injuries on the gut microbiota in rodent models. A scientific literature search was conducted across Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase. Initially, 7419 records were identified, and 21 eligible studies were included. Eligible studies focused on evaluating the microbiota alterations and related gut-brain axis markers at the neonatal or post-weaning stages. The data extraction and synthesis followed PRISMA guidelines. Most studies reported gut dysbiosis characterized by a decreased abundance of Bacteroidetes, and Lactobacillus. Alterations were associated with an increased gut permeability, reduced tight junction proteins, and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines. Several studies showed reduced levels of short-chain fatty acids and metabolic pathway disruptions. Brain outcomes included neuroinflammation, white matter injury, altered gene expression, and impaired structural integrity. These results suggest that early-life brain injury induces complex alterations in the gut microbiota and its metabolic products, which may contribute to systemic and neuroinflammatory processes. Understanding these interactions offers insights into the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders and highlights the gut-brain axis as a potential target for early interventions.
