Abstract
BackgroundTo reveal the changes of intestinal microbial abundance and composition, as well as the microbiota metabolic levels of bile acids and short chain fatty acids of healthy preschool children during their growth.MethodsFeces of 120 healthy newborns and 150 healthy children aged 6 months to 6 years were collected. Then the composition of intestinal flora was analyzed by 16S rRNA, and the contents of bile acids and short chain fatty acids in feces were detected by LC-MS and GS methods, respectively.ResultsThe composition and function of intestinal microflora were not stable in neonatal period but significantly improved at 6 months after birth, and gradually stabilized and tended to adult-like formation after 2–3 years old. The levels of short chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids were consistent with the development of gut microbiota.ConclusionThe age of 6 months may be a critical period for the development of intestinal microflora in children.
Highlights
To reveal the changes of intestinal microbial abundance and composition, as well as the microbiota metabolic levels of bile acids and short chain fatty acids of healthy preschool children during their growth
The results showed that there was no significant difference in fecal concentrations of primary bile acids (PBAs), including cholic acid (CA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), among the nine groups (Fig. 5a, b)
Intestinal microbes play an important role in mammalian homeostasis and health [22], including providing essential nutrients [23], metabolizing dietary fiber into short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) [24], and ensuring the normal development of the immune system [25]
Summary
To reveal the changes of intestinal microbial abundance and composition, as well as the microbiota metabolic levels of bile acids and short chain fatty acids of healthy preschool children during their growth. Studies on humans and other mammals have shown that gut microbes are involved in a series of physiological processes that are critical to host health, including energy homeostasis, metabolism, intestinal epithelial health, immune activity, and neurobehavioral development [1, 2]. Changes in gastrointestinal microbiota are reported to associate with the occurrences and developments of multisystem diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, immune system disease and neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorders [3,4,5,6]. A study on human microbiota in the first 1000 days (from pregnancy to 2 years old) showed that intestinal microbial succession has an important impact on the growth and development of children [9]. From infant to pre-school age (0–6 years old) is a critical period for the growth and development of children’s various systems, but the development and
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