Intervention strategies for cesarean section–induced alterations in the microbiota-gut-brain axis

Abstract

Microbial colonization of the gastrointestinal tract is an essential process that modulates host physiology and immunity. Recently, researchers have begun to understand how and when these microorganisms colonize the gut and the early-life factors that impact their natural ecological establishment. The vertical transmission of maternal microbes to the offspring is a critical factor for host immune and metabolic development. Increasing evidence also points to a role in the wiring of the gut-brain axis. This process may be altered by various factors such as mode of delivery, gestational age at birth, the use of antibiotics in early life, infant feeding, and hygiene practices. In fact, these early exposures that impact the intestinal microbiota have been associated with the development of diseases such as obesity, type 1 diabetes, asthma, allergies, and even neurodevelopmental disorders. The present review summarizes the impact of cesarean birth on the gut microbiome and the health status of the developing infant and discusses possible preventative and restorative strategies to compensate for early-life microbial perturbations.

C-section and the Neonatal Gut Microbiome Acquisition: Consequences for Future Health

“…Nutritional intervention strategies aimed at gut microbiota modulation in dysbiosis states -such as the use of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics or long chain fatty acids -should be directed not only to restoring gut microbiota composition and function after CS but also on the correct brain development, as recently pointed out by MoyaPérez et al [36]. The Microbiota-Gut-Brain-Axis concept is gaining relevance and recent scientific evidences suggest an important role of the gut microbiota in brain processes.…”

“…The Microbiota-Gut-Brain-Axis concept is gaining relevance and recent scientific evidences suggest an important role of the gut microbiota in brain processes. In this way, some works have linked the effect of CS with the incidence of neuropsychiatric disorders [36] or risk of behavioural problems [37]. More investigations are needed to confirm the relationship between CS, gut microbiota and brain function, in order to design nutritional strategies helping at the establishment of a correct microbiota-gut-brain axis connection in early life.…”

The Evolving Microbiome from Pregnancy to Early Infancy: A Comprehensive Review

“…Finally, there are several potential preventive intervention strategies to restore the gut microbiota after C-section [72]. The intervention could be focused on maternal administration of probiotics and prebiotics during gestation.…”

Microbiota and Neurodevelopmental Trajectories: Role of Maternal and Early-Life Nutrition

“…Various strategies have been designed to restore the normal trajectory of the microbiota [113]. Although controversial, artificial vaginal microbiota transference was performed to C-section-born infants to mimic vertical transmission [114].…”