The Stool Volatile Metabolome of Pre-Term Babies.

Alessandra Frau,Rachael Slater,Gregory R Young,Chris Probert,David M Hughes,Nicholas Embleton,Christopher J Stewart,Janet Berrington,Lauren Lett

doi:10.3390/molecules26113341

Abstract

The fecal metabolome in early life has seldom been studied. We investigated its evolution in pre-term babies during their first weeks of life. Multiple (n = 152) stool samples were studied from 51 babies, all <32 weeks gestation. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analyzed by headspace solid phase microextraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Data were interpreted using Automated Mass Spectral Deconvolution System (AMDIS) with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) reference library. Statistical analysis was based on linear mixed modelling, the number of VOCs increased over time; a rise was mainly observed between day 5 and day 10. The shift at day 5 was associated with products of branched-chain fatty acids. Prior to this, the metabolome was dominated by aldehydes and acetic acid. Caesarean delivery showed a modest association with molecules of fungal origin. This study shows how the metabolome changes in early life in pre-term babies. The shift in the metabolome 5 days after delivery coincides with the establishment of enteral feeding and the transition from meconium to feces. Great diversity of metabolites was associated with being fed greater volumes of milk.

Highlights

The intestinal metabolome is shaped by the interactions between the microbiota and diet
Fifty-one healthy infants, all
Studies on the fermentation of taurine have shown that acetic acid is the most common short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) derived from this amino acid [13]: it is plausible that the taurine-rich amniotic fluid is responsible for this pattern of SCFA in the meconium

Summary

Introduction

The intestinal metabolome is shaped by the interactions between the microbiota and diet. Mammals ingest amniotic fluid which contains amino acids (notably taurine), some proteins (including growth factors and hormones), phospholipids [1], and, potentially, bacteria [2] and volatile organic compounds, from the mother [3]. Bacteria and other microbes that will eventually form the microbiota begin to colonize the intestine. There is a huge switch in the enteral intake from amniotic fluid, to colostrum and milk, in the majority of babies. Colostrum and milk contain microbes which may seed to the baby [4,5]. Babies that are born significantly pre-term are cared for in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) where they receive expressed colostrum and breast milk, if possible

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Conclusion