Abstract
Gut microbiota colonization is a complex, dynamic, and step-wise process that is in constant development during the first years of life. This microbial settlement occurs in parallel with the maturation of the immune system, and alterations during this period, due to environmental and host factors, are considered to be potential determinants of health-outcomes later in life. Given that host–microbe interactions are mediated by the immune system response, it is important to understand the close relationship between immunity and the microbiota during birth, lactation, and early infancy. This work summarizes the evidence to date on early gut microbiota colonization, and how it influences the maturation of the infant immune system and health during the first 1000 days of life. This review will also address the influence of perinatal antibiotic intake and the importance of delivery mode and breastfeeding for an appropriate development of gut immunity.
Highlights
Epidemiological studies highlight the relevance of the period from conception to early life in the physiological and structural patterns of infant development, affecting their potential “health programming”
Filippo et al observed that children living in rural African areas have higher intestinal bacterial richness and diversity compared with European children, and several exclusive short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing bacteria, whose protective role against gut inflammation has been proven [59]
Soluble CD14. sCD14 is a pattern recognition receptor, which together with toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and LPS-binding protein forms the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-recognition complex that binds bacterial LPS. It participates in the signal transduction initiation of TLR-4, which results in a high secretion of IL-12, a pro-inflammatory cytokine. sCD14 has been suggested to be an important immune modulator for intestinal homeostasis and may play an important role in the infant’s intestinal defense [190]
Summary
Epidemiological studies highlight the relevance of the period from conception to early life in the physiological and structural patterns of infant development, affecting their potential “health programming”. The fetus adapts to the intrauterine environment, being able to alter its metabolism in response to external stimuli. The physiological and metabolic adaptations that the fetus undergoes in response to those stimuli could produce permanent changes in the host, which may lead to a higher risk of developing diseases and/or disorders, such as obesity, allergies, diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases, in adult life [1]. The physiological and immune development of the infant and the establishment of their microbiota occur in parallel throughout this short space of time. This microbiota plays a central role in health, intervening in key host metabolic and immunological functions. Microbiome: the total genomic repertoire of a microbial community (microbiota)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
