Necrotizing Enterocolitis, Gut Microbiota, and Brain Development: Role of the Brain-Gut Axis

Abstract

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a relatively common disease in very-low-birth-weight infants and is associated with high mortality and morbidity. In survivors, neurodevelopmental impairment is frequently seen. The exact etiology remains largely to be elucidated, but microbiota are considered to play a major role in the development of NEC. Furthermore, emerging evidence exists that the microbiota is also of importance in brain function and development. Therefore, microbiota characterization has not only potential as a diagnostic or even preventive tool to predict NEC, but may also serve as a biomarker to monitor and possibly even as a target to manipulate brain development. Analysis of fecal volatile organic compounds, which shape the volatile metabolome and reflect microbiota function and host interaction, has been shown to be of interest in the diagnosis of NEC and late-onset sepsis. In this review, we discuss evidence of the role of the complex interplay between microbiota, NEC, and brain development, including the brain-gut axis in preterm infants.

The Interplay Between Reproductive Tract Microbiota and Immunological System in Human Reproduction

“…In the context of human reproduction, it is conceivable that microbial metabolites, directly (e.g., via SCFA) or indirectly (e.g., acidification, alkalization, inflammatory responses), can either support (healthy microbiota) or upset (unbalanced/harmful microbiota) local cell-cell communication and tissue physiology and adaptation. As such, all relevant reproductive processes, including fertilization, implantation, placentation, immune tolerance, embryonal development, infant and adult health and may be harmfully altered by dysbiosis (167). Such geneenvironment interactions are yet to be examined in detail in the context of reproductive health and disease.…”

The Potential of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell as Therapy in Neonatal Diseases

“…NEC is the most common devastating gastrointestinal disease affecting the neonate, with a mortality rate between 15 and 30 % ( 40 ). It may affect both full-term and preterm neonates with the latter group having an increased risk.…”

The Regulation of Host Intestinal Microbiota by Polyphenols in the Development and Prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease

“…Additionally, the early composition of microbiota in preterm infants has been shown to be an indicator of the future occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis (56). Animal studies have also demonstrated that the early microbiota composition is a key driver of the correct subsequent development of homeostasis, and of the host as a whole (5).…”