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In recent decades, the consumption of fructose in Western societies has surged to unprecedented levels, primarily driven by agricultural and industrial advancements in the production of sweeteners such as sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). This increased fructose intake has contributed significantly to the escalating prevalence of obesity and associated metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

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Maternal gut Bifidobacterium breve modifies fetal brain metabolism in germ-free mice

Jorge Lopez-Tello, Raymond Kiu, Zoe Schofield, Cindy X.W. Zhang, ... Amanda N. Sferruzzi-Perri

Maternal gut Bifidobacterium breve modifies fetal brain metabolism in germ-free mice

 

Background

Recent advances have significantly expanded our understanding of the gut microbiome's influence on host physiology and metabolism. However, the specific role of certain microorganisms in gestational health and fetal development remains underexplored.

Objective

This study investigates the impact of Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 on fetal brain metabolism when colonized in the maternal gut during pregnancy.

Methods

Germ-free pregnant mice were colonized with or without B. breve UCC2003 during pregnancy. The metabolic profiles of fetal brains were analyzed, focusing on the presence of key metabolites and the expression of critical metabolic and cellular pathways.

Results

Maternal colonization with B. breve resulted in significant metabolic changes in the fetal brain. Specifically, ten metabolites, including citrate, 3-hydroxyisobutyrate, and carnitine, were reduced in the fetal brain. These alterations were accompanied by increased abundance of transporters involved in glucose and branched-chain amino acid uptake. Furthermore, supplementation with this bacterium was associated with elevated expression of critical metabolic pathways such as PI3K-AKT, AMPK, STAT5, and Wnt-β-catenin signaling, including its receptor Frizzled-7. Additionally, there was stabilization of HIF-2 protein and modifications in genes and proteins related to cellular growth, axogenesis, and mitochondrial function.

Conclusions

The presence of maternal B. breve during pregnancy plays a crucial role in modulating fetal brain metabolism and growth. These findings suggest that Bifidobacterium could modify fetal brain development, potentially offering new avenues for enhancing gestational health and fetal development through microbiota-targeted interventions.

 

    Articles in Press

    Maternal gut Bifidobacterium breve modifies fetal brain metabolism in germ-free mice

    Jorge Lopez-Tello, Raymond Kiu, Zoe Schofield, Cindy X.W. Zhang, ... Amanda N. Sferruzzi-Perri

    Maternal gut Bifidobacterium breve modifies fetal brain metabolism in germ-free mice

     

    Background

    Recent advances have significantly expanded our understanding of the gut microbiome's influence on host physiology and metabolism. However, the specific role of certain microorganisms in gestational health and fetal development remains underexplored.

    Objective

    This study investigates the impact of Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 on fetal brain metabolism when colonized in the maternal gut during pregnancy.

    Methods

    Germ-free pregnant mice were colonized with or without B. breve UCC2003 during pregnancy. The metabolic profiles of fetal brains were analyzed, focusing on the presence of key metabolites and the expression of critical metabolic and cellular pathways.

    Results

    Maternal colonization with B. breve resulted in significant metabolic changes in the fetal brain. Specifically, ten metabolites, including citrate, 3-hydroxyisobutyrate, and carnitine, were reduced in the fetal brain. These alterations were accompanied by increased abundance of transporters involved in glucose and branched-chain amino acid uptake. Furthermore, supplementation with this bacterium was associated with elevated expression of critical metabolic pathways such as PI3K-AKT, AMPK, STAT5, and Wnt-β-catenin signaling, including its receptor Frizzled-7. Additionally, there was stabilization of HIF-2 protein and modifications in genes and proteins related to cellular growth, axogenesis, and mitochondrial function.

    Conclusions

    The presence of maternal B. breve during pregnancy plays a crucial role in modulating fetal brain metabolism and growth. These findings suggest that Bifidobacterium could modify fetal brain development, potentially offering new avenues for enhancing gestational health and fetal development through microbiota-targeted interventions.

     

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