Could Alterations in the Infant Gut Microbiota Explain the Development of Noncommunicable Diseases from the DOHaD Perspective?

Abstract

Obesity and its complications are a global public health problem with increasing childhood prevalence. The developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) theory explain the maintenance of health or disease development throughout life, related to early life exposures. Although it arises from epidemiological observations, its support for epigenetics is strong. In this chapter, we address the importance of maternal diet in prenatal development, as well as the establishment of the infant microbiota and its postnatal regulating factors. According to the DOHaD theory, breastfeeding and other environmental factors are modulators or enhancers of the epigenetic mechanisms, which explain the increased incidence of noncommunicable diseases. We will discuss the molecular mechanisms related to the microbiota products, their effects on gene expression, and the pathophysiology of the disease. Finally, we will raise the areas of opportunity in childhood for preventive purposes, including the potential role of the use of prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics in early life.

Gut Microbiota Composition in Indian and Western Infants (0–24 Months): A Systematic Review

“…60 Gut dysbiosis has been linked to increased risk for allergic disease, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), autoimmune disorders, obesity, and associated noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. [61][62][63] The epigenetic link between gut dysbiosis and diseases can be explained through the perspective of the "Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD)". 62 The DOHaD theory gives importance to nutrition and environmental exposures and notes that proper probiotic supplementation from birth through the infancy and early childhood can favourably modulate the gut microbiota and its products and thereby reduce the risk of diseases like IBD and NCDs.…”

“…[61][62][63] The epigenetic link between gut dysbiosis and diseases can be explained through the perspective of the "Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD)". 62 The DOHaD theory gives importance to nutrition and environmental exposures and notes that proper probiotic supplementation from birth through the infancy and early childhood can favourably modulate the gut microbiota and its products and thereby reduce the risk of diseases like IBD and NCDs. [61][62][63] Early probiotic supplementation is associated with persistent eubiosis at one year and beyond.…”

“…62 The DOHaD theory gives importance to nutrition and environmental exposures and notes that proper probiotic supplementation from birth through the infancy and early childhood can favourably modulate the gut microbiota and its products and thereby reduce the risk of diseases like IBD and NCDs. [61][62][63] Early probiotic supplementation is associated with persistent eubiosis at one year and beyond. 60 Hence, since the gut microbial profile of the Indian and Western infants is largely similar with respect to clinical implications, it can be inferred that they can be supplemented with similar probiotics during infancy (0-24 months).…”