Relevance of pre- and postnatal nutrition to development and interplay between the microbiota and metabolic and immune systems

Abstract

Early-life programming is becoming an established concept that states that the environment during early development affects health and disease in adulthood, probably via epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, RNA silencing, or a combination. Accumulating evidence suggests that nutrition during pregnancy and early postnatal life is one of the most important environmental cues that programs microbiological, metabolic, and immunologic development. The neonatal period is crucial for the early microbial colonization of the almost sterile gastrointestinal tract of the newborn infant. These first colonizers play an important role in host health because they are involved in nutritional, immunologic, and physiologic functions. Evidence from animal and human studies indicates that the composition of the gut microbiota has an effect on body composition, digestion, and metabolic homeostasis. Furthermore, the functionality of the metabolism develops after birth when the newborn is first exposed to nutrition via the gastrointestinal tract. Exposure to environmental microbial components is also suggested to have a key role in the maturation process of the immune system, and in turn the immune system shapes the composition of the microbiota. Therefore, the use of nutritional strategies to program the microbiota composition to favor a more beneficial bacterial population and to support the development of the metabolic and immune systems may provide a good opportunity to prevent later health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and allergy.

Fatty acid status in infancy is associated with the risk of type 1 diabetes-associated autoimmunity

“…Fatty acids may play a role in the development of type 1 diabetes-associated autoimmunity, as they have been shown to modulate the immune system and inflammatory reactions [4,5]. Furthermore, early fatty acid status may be important because it can affect programming and development of an infant's immune system, as well as the maturation of the gut, with long-term consequences [6,7]. Other lipids could also play a role.…”

Role of secretory IgA in the mucosal sensing of commensal bacteria

“…55 This colonization process and its interplay with the host is now commonly seen as a key factor to ensure proper post-natal maturation of the gut epithelium barrier and early programming of physiological processes, 2 features which positively influence health throughout life. [56][57][58] It is now generally accepted that induction/completion of immune maturation relies on the presence of newly established commensal intestinal microbes, and that such a process will lead to production of endogenous SIgA, which in turn shapes the composition of the microbiota. 59 This is illustrated by the virtually complete absence of IgA in neonates, as well as by its drastic reduction in germ-free animals, a status that returns to normality following colonization with a commensal microbiota.…”

Factors influencing gastrointestinal tract and microbiota immune interaction in preterm infants

“…Postnatal diet mainly breastfeeding practices are therefore critical for the ongoing developmental maturation of many organ systems and optimal physiological functions The effects of early programming extend into adulthood and are linked to the risk of acquiring specific diseases in adult life (3)(4)(5).…”