Abstract
BackgroundFetal programming during in utero life defines the set point of physiological and metabolic responses that lead into adulthood; events happening in “the first 1,000 days” (from conception to 2-years of age), play a role in the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The infant gut microbiome is a highly dynamic organ, which is sensitive to maternal and environmental factors and is one of the elements driving intergenerational NCDs’ transmission.The A.MA.MI (Alimentazione MAmma e bambino nei primi MIlle giorni) project aims at investigating the correlation between several factors, from conception to the first year of life, and infant gut microbiome composition. We described the study design of the A.MA.MI study and presented some preliminary results.MethodsA.MA.MI is a longitudinal, prospective, observational study conducted on a group of mother-infant pairs (n = 60) attending the Neonatal Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia (Italy). The study was planned to provide data collected at T0, T1, T2 and T3, respectively before discharge, 1,6 and 12 months after birth.Maternal and infant anthropometric measurements were assessed at each time. Other variables evaluated were: pre-pregnancy/gestational weight status (T0), maternal dietary habits/physical activity (T1-T3); infant medical history, type of feeding, antibiotics/probiotics/supplements use, environment exposures (e.g cigarette smoking, pets, environmental temperature) (T1-T3). Infant stool samples were planned to be collected at each time and analyzed using metagenomics 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence-based methods.ResultsBirth mode (cesarean section vs. vaginal delivery) and maternal pre pregnancy BMI (BMI < 25 Kg/m2 vs. BMI ≥ 25 Kg/m2), significant differences were found at genera and species levels (T0). Concerning type of feeding (breastfed vs. formula-fed), gut microbiota composition differed significantly at genus and species level (T1).ConclusionThese preliminary and explorative results confirmed that pre-pregnancy, mode of delivery and infant factors likely impact infant microbiota composition at different levels.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04122612.
Highlights
Fetal programming during in utero life defines the set point of physiological and metabolic responses that lead into adulthood; events happening in “the first 1,000 days”, play a role in the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
The enrolment started in October 2018 data and samples at T0, T1 and T2 were collected
Our results showed that at T0, the meconium was characterized by a greater predominance of Proteobacteria, especially species belonging to the genus Escherichia
Summary
Fetal programming during in utero life defines the set point of physiological and metabolic responses that lead into adulthood; events happening in “the first 1,000 days” (from conception to 2-years of age), play a role in the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Scientific evidence confirms that the events occurring in the early stages of life play a critical role in fostering the development of chronic diseases throughout the life-course, indicating the high relevance of “the maternal environment” impact on the life of the future child [4, 5] This critical period for offspring’s future health, known as “the first 1000 days”, begins at conception and continues until two years of life. One of the key elements driving NCDs intergenerational nature and playing a pivotal role in “the first 1000 days”, is the gut microbiome, a highly dynamic organ which is sensitive to environmental factors and that modifies its composition over the host’s lifespan [6]. Most gut microbes are either harmless or have beneficial properties for the host and protect against invading pathogens; disruption of the normal balance within the gut microbiome ( called dysbiosis) has been associated with NCDs development [10]
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