Maternal synbiotic supplementation during gestation and lactation: effects on the mother–infant immune system and on the prevention of rotavirus infection in a preclinical model

Abstract

[eng] The first 1000 days of a baby's life are crucial for their development and long-term health. This period encompasses pregnancy through the second year of life, emphasizing the importance of the maternal nutrition during both gestation and lactation for the child's growth. Maternal supplementation with synbiotics during pregnancy and lactation could potentially improve the immune functions and intestinal health of both the mother and the baby. This thesis examines the effects of maternal supplementation with Bifidobacterium breve M-16V and short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides (scGOS) / long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (lcFOS) during pregnancy and lactation on the maternal and offspring immune systema and microbiota composition in a preclinical model. Additionally, this thesis analyzed the potential effect of the maternal synbiotic supplementation to counteract early life infections. Firstly, the analysis of the effects of the maternal synbiotic supplementation on the mother indicated that synbiotic supplementation during pregnancy and lactation positively affects the colonization of the maternal microbiota and modulates the maternal immune system, enhancing the immunoglobulin profile at the end of lactation. Furthermore, the maternal synbiotic supplementation also modulates the bioactive components and microbiota composition of the breast milk. Secondly, the analysis of the maternal supplementation on the offspring during the rotavirus (RV) infection in early life suggested that maternal synbiotic supplementation ameliorates the infectious process. Bifidobacterium breve M-16V and scGS/lcFOS reduced the incidence and severity of the viral process. Furthermore, the maternal supplementation modulates the newborn immune system and the microbiota colonization process. Thirdly, the effects of the maternal supplementation on the offspring were tested at the end of the suckling period. Herein, it was observed that maternal supplementation influences positively the intestinal immune system and the microbiota colonization of the infant. In particular, the supplementation leads into increased proportions of Bifidobacterium and improves the intestinal structures and functionality of the intestine at the end of the suckling period. Finally, it was evaluated the effects of the maternal supplementation until weaning and after one week of direct supplementation post-weaning. This approach confirmed that synbiotics in early life contribute to the maturation of the infant, with highlighted benefits on the gut. Specifically, synbiotics improve the integrity, defense and functionality of the gastrointestinal tract and enhances the gut microbiota colonization, increasing the presence of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium. Taking together the principal findings of this thesis, it can be concluded that there is a vertical transmission of bioactive component like immunoglobulins and microbiota from the mother to the infant. Overall, this thesis shed light on the maternal supplementation with Bifidobacterium breve M-16V and scGOS/lcFOS during pregnancy and lactation shows great promise in improving the immune and gastrointestinal health of offspring. These studies collectively suggest that synbiotics can enhance immune system development, reduce infection severity, and promote a healthier gut microbiota in developing infants. These findings underscore the importance of maternal nutrition in shaping infant health outcomes and highlight the potential for synbiotics as a preventive strategy against early-life infections and for promoting long-term health.

[spa] Los primeros 1000 días de vida de un bebé son fundamentales para su desarrollo y salud a largo plazo. Este periodo engloba desde el embarazo hasta el segundo año de vida, por lo que la nutrición materna durante la gestación y la lactancia es crucial para el desarrollo del niño. La suplementación materna con sinbióticos durante la gestación y la lactancia podría mejorar la capacidad defensiva tanto de la madre como del bebé. Esta tesis examina los efectos de la suplementación materna con Bifidobacterium breve M-16V y galacto-oligosacáridos de cadena corta (scGOS) / fructo-oligosacáridos de cadena larga (lcFOS) (9:1) durante el embarazo y la lactancia sobre el sistema inmunitario, la función de barrera intestinal y la composición de la microbiota de la madre y el bebé en un modelo preclínico. Además, evalúa el efecto de la suplementación sinbiótica materna para contrarrestar la infección por rotavirus en las primeras etapas de vida del neonato. Los primeros resultados preclínicos mostraron que la suplementación sinbiótica materna durante la gestación y la lactancia modula positivamente el sistema inmunitario y la composición de la microbiota materna. La suplementación materna también afecta a los componentes bioactivos y a la microbiota de la leche materna. Los análisis realizados sobre el efecto de la suplementación materna en la descendencia confirmaron que la ingesta de este sinbiótico durante el embarazo y la lactancia mejora la colonización de la microbiota de la cría. Además, durante las primeras etapas de la vida, la suplementación materna fortalece el sistema inmunitario y la función de barrera intestinal, contribuyendo a reducir la incidencia y la gravedad de la infección por rotavirus. En general, esta tesis doctoral aporta evidencias sobre el impacto de la suplementación materna en su propio sistema inmunitario y en el de su descendencia, ayudándo a protegerlo de infecciones en las primeras etapas de la vida.