Human Microbiome in Children, at the Crossroad of Social Determinants of Health and Personalized Medicine

Abstract

The evolving field of microbiome research offers an excellent opportunity for biomarker identification, understanding drug metabolization disparities, and improving personalized medicine. However, the complexities of host–microbe ecological interactions hinder clinical transferability. Among other factors, the microbiome is deeply influenced by age and social determinants of health, including environmental factors such as diet and lifestyle conditions. In this article, the bidirectionality of social and host–microorganism interactions in health will be discussed. While the field of microbiome-related personalized medicine evolves, it is clear that social determinants of health should be mitigated. Furthermore, microbiome research exemplifies the need for specific pediatric investigation plans to improve children’s health.

Role of Effective Policy and Screening in Managing Pediatric Nutritional Insecurity as the Most Important Social Determinant of Health Influencing Health Outcomes

“…However, the significance of SDOH is notably pronounced for children and young individuals. This is because the foundational elements for lifelong health and well-being, encompassing physical, social, and emotional capacities, are established during the early stages of life [ 16 ].…”

“…The human microbiome, which is being studied as a factor influencing health, is shaped by social and geographical circumstances. Children living in resource-constrained environments are underrepresented in microbiome research, highlighting the impact of social disparities on health from an early age [ 16 ]. The effect of environmental and socioeconomic factors on the gut microbiome of healthy school-age children was studied.…”

“…Socioeconomic factors may more significantly influence microbiome composition in children than adults, as a person’s microbiota is mainly established within the first three years of life, that is from birth until the incorporation of the adult diet. Aside from potential therapeutic implications, modifying the microbiota during childhood could be crucial in protecting against infections, allergies, asthma, and childhood cancers [ 16 ].…”

Axis “microbiota - muscle”

“…Отличается микробиом детей разных возрастов, и взрослых [5,7]. Изменения микробиома отмечены при различных заболеваниях [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. В настоящее время исследователи еще определяются в первичности изменений микробиома в формировании здоровья человека.…”

“…Выделили несколько осей микробиомкожа, микробиом -легкие, микробиом -почки, микробиом -центральная нервная система [12,13,16]. Наиболее изучен микробиом кожи и слизистых, и желудочно-кишечного тракта [7,8,9,14,17,18,19].…”