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Published on: August 7, 2017
Multi-Omics Profiling of the 42-Day Infant Gut as a Pilot Predictor of Atopic Dermatitis at One Year: A Birth Cohort
Mutong Zhao1, Xu Li2, Yan Li3
1Department of Dermatology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, People's Republic of China.
Insights
Early infant gut microbiome and metabolite profiles can predict atopic dermatitis (AD) risk. Specific microbial and metabolic signatures at 42 days are linked to AD development by one year.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Metabolomics
- Immunology
- Pediatric dermatology
Background:
- Early-life gut microbiota and metabolism are crucial for immune system development and are linked to atopic diseases.
- Predictive microbial and metabolic markers in neonates for later atopic dermatitis (AD) are not well-defined.
- This study aimed to identify early-life gut microbiome and metabolite signatures associated with AD development by age one.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify early-life gut microbiome and metabolite signatures associated with atopic dermatitis (AD) development.
- To explore the relationship between microbial and metabolic profiles in early infancy and the subsequent development of AD.
- To investigate potential biomarkers for predicting AD risk in infants.
Main Methods:
- Prospective birth cohort study in Beijing, China.
- Fecal samples collected from 18 infants at 42 days of age.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomic profiling of fecal samples.
- Multi-omics correlation analysis to integrate microbial and metabolic data.
Main Results:
- While overall microbial diversity was similar, *Staphylococcus* was less abundant in the AD group.
- Reduced levels of linoleic acid and choline phosphate were observed in infants who developed AD.
- Key microbial taxa (*Bifidobacterium*, *Lactobacillus*) correlated with specific lipid and amino acid metabolites, including linoleic acid and N2-acetyl-L-ornithine.
- Enrichment in linoleic acid metabolism, sphingolipid signaling, and AGE-RAGE signaling pathways was noted in AD infants.
Conclusions:
- Multi-omics profiling at 42 days identified microbial and metabolic features associated with later AD development.
- Findings support the gut-skin axis and suggest potential early-life biomarkers for AD risk prediction.
- These insights can inform targeted prevention strategies for atopic dermatitis.
Background:
Early-life gut microbiota and metabolism are increasingly linked to immune development and atopic diseases. However, predictive microbial and metabolic markers present during the neonatal period for later atopic dermatitis (AD) remain poorly defined. This study aimed to identify early-life gut microbiome and metabolite signatures associated with the development of AD by one year of age.
Methods:
We conducted a prospective birth cohort study in Beijing, China, enrolling 18 infants with fecal samples collected at 42 days of age. Infants were followed for one year and classified into AD (n = 6) or non-AD (n = 12) groups. Fecal samples underwent 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomic profiling. Key microbial taxa, differential metabolites, and functional pathways were identified and integrated via multi-omics correlation analysis.
Results:
While overall microbial diversity was similar between groups, Staphylococcus was significantly less abundant in the AD group. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus showed strong correlations with lipid- and amino acid-related metabolites, including linoleic acid and N2-acetyl-L-ornithine. AD infants exhibited reduced levels of linoleic acid and choline phosphate. KEGG analysis revealed enrichment in linoleic acid metabolism, sphingolipid signaling, and AGE-RAGE signaling pathways. Integrated network analysis identified microbial-metabolite modules potentially involved in immune and barrier regulation.
Conclusion:
Multi-omics profiling of the infant gut at 42 days identified microbial and metabolic features associated with later AD development. These findings support the gut-skin axis and suggest potential early-life biomarkers for predicting AD risk and informing targeted prevention strategies.
