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An automated system for picking bacterial colonies is used to create a biobank of personalized microbiomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to analyze the nasopharyngeal microbiota profiles in pregnant women with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection, considered a vulnerable population during COVID-19 pandemic. Pregnant women were enrolled from a multicenter prospective population-based cohort during the first SARS-CoV-2 wave in Spain (March-June 2020 in Barcelona, Spain) in which the status of SARS-CoV-2 infection was determined by nasopharyngeal RT–PCR and antibodies in peripheral blood. Women were randomly selected for this cross-sectional study on microbiota. DNA was extracted from nasopharyngeal swab samples, and the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA of bacteria was amplified using region-specific primers. The differential abundance of taxa was tested, and alpha/beta diversity was evaluated. Among 76 women, 38 were classified as positive and 38 as negative for SARS-CoV-2 infection. All positive women were diagnosed by SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM/IgA antibodies, and 14 (37%) also had a positive RT–PCR. The overall composition of the nasopharyngeal microbiota differ in pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection (positive SARS-CoV-2 antibodies), compared to those without the infection (negative SARS-CoV-2 antibodies) (p = 0.001), with a higher relative abundance of the Tenericutes and Bacteroidetes phyla and a higher abundance of the Prevotellaceae family. Infected women presented a different pattern of microbiota profiling due to beta diversity and higher richness (observed ASV < 0.001) and evenness (Shannon index < 0.001) at alpha diversity. These changes were also present in women after acute infection, as revealed by negative RT–PCR but positive SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, suggesting a potential association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and long-lasting shift in the nasopharyngeal microbiota. No significant differences were reported in mild vs. severe cases. This is the first study on nasopharyngeal microbiota during pregnancy. Pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection had a different nasopharyngeal microbiota profile compared to negative cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast milk is a vehicle to transfer protective antibodies from the lactating mother to the neonate. After SARS-CoV-2 infection, virus-specific IgA and IgG have been identified in breast milk, however, there are limited data on the impact of different COVID-19 vaccine types in lactating women. This study is aimed to evaluate the time course of induction of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgA and IgG in breast milk after vaccination. Methods: In this prospective observational study in Spain, 86 lactating women from priority groups receiving the vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 were included. Breast milk samples were collected longitudinally at seven or eight-time points (depending on vaccine type). A group with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (n=19) and a group of women from pre-pandemic time (n=20) were included for comparison. Results: Eighty-six vaccinated lactating women [mean age, 34.6 ± 3.7 years] of whom 96% were Caucasian and 92% were healthcare workers. A total number of 582 milk samples were included, and vaccine distribution was BioNTech/Pfizer (BNT162b2, n=34), Moderna (mRNA-1273, n=20), and AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, n=32). For each vaccine, 7 and 8 longitudinal time points were collected from baseline up to 30 days after the second dose for mRNA vaccines and adenovirus-vectored vaccines, respectively. A strong reactivity was observed for IgG and IgA after vaccination mainly after the 2nd dose. The presence and persistence of specific SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in breast milk were dependent on the vaccine type, with higher IgG and IgA levels in mRNA-based vaccines when compared to AstraZeneca, and on previous virus exposure. High intra- and inter-variability were observed, being relevant for IgA antibodies. In milk from vaccinated women, anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG was significantly higher while IgA levels were lower than in milk from COVID-19-infected women. Women with previous COVID-19 increased their IgG antibodies levels after the first dose to a similar level observed in vaccinated women after the second dose. Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination induced anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA and IgG in breast milk with higher levels after the 2nd dose. Levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA and IgG are dependent on the vaccine type. Further studies are warranted to demonstrate the protective antibody effect against COVID-19 in infants from vaccinated and infected mothers. Trial registration: NCT04751734 (date of registration is on February 12, 2021) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium is a well-known essential element with important roles in human reproductive health mainly due to its antioxidant character. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of selenoproteins on gut microbiota and male reproductive health. A new assay for the absolute quantification of selenoproteins in testicular tissue based on two dimensional chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was performed for the first time. The gut microbiota profile was obtained by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Numerous associations were found between testicular selenoproteins and gut microbiota (e.g. Mucispirillum, related with sperm activity and testosterone, was associated with glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and selenoalbumin (SeAlb), while Escherichia/Shigella, related to sex hormones, correlated with GPx, selenoprotein P (SelP) and SeAlb). The effects of Se-supplementation on testicular selenoproteins only occur in conventional mice, suggesting a potential selenoproteins-microbiota interplay that underlies testicular function. The selenoproteins GPx and SelP have been quantified for the first time in the testicles, and the novel identification of SeAlb, a protein with nonspecifically incorporated Se, is also reported. These findings demonstrate the significant impact of Se-supplementation on gut microbiota and male reproductive health. In addition, the analytical methodology applied here in selenoprotein quantification in testicular tissue opens new possibilities to evaluate their role in gut microbiota and reproductive health axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of intrapartum antibiotic treatment (IAT) on the compositional development of gut microbiota in healthy term infants. Study Design: A case-control study of 24 infants exposed to and 24 matched infants not exposed to IAT was conducted. All subjects were born by vaginal delivery at term and breastfed. None of the infants received antibiotics during the immediate neonatal period. Fecal samples were obtained at the ages of 1 and 6 months. The composition of the intestinal microbiota was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: IAT was associated with reduced microbial richness but not diversity at 1 month of age. Furthermore, the relative abundances of Clostridiaceae and Erysipelotrichaceae were significantly altered in infants exposed to IAT as compared to nonexposed infants at 1 month of age. The observed deviations in gut microbiota composition between infants exposed and not exposed to IAT diminished by the age of 6 months. Conclusions: IAT is associated with short-term perturbations in the gut microbiota development in healthy term, vaginally delivered, breastfed infants. The composition of the gut microbiota is mostly restored by the age of 6 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast milk is a complex biofluid that provides nutrients and bioactive agents, including bacteria, for the development of the infant gut microbiota. However, the impact of maternal diet and other factors, such as mode of delivery and antibiotic exposure, on the breast milk microbiota has yet to be understood.Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association between maternal diet and breast milk microbiota and to ascertain the potential role of mode of delivery and antibiotic exposure.Methods: In a cross-sectional study of the MAMI cohort, breast milk microbiota profiling was assessed in 120 samples from healthy mothers by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Maternal dietary information was recorded through an FFQ, and clinical characteristics, including mode of delivery, antibiotic exposure, and exclusive breastfeeding, were collected.Results: Maternal diet was grouped into 2 clusters: Cluster I (high intake of plant protein, fiber, and carbohydrates), and Cluster II (high intake of animal protein and lipids). Breast milk microbiota was shaped by maternal dietary clusters. Staphylococcus and Bifidobacterium were associated with carbohydrate intake whereas the Streptococcus genus was associated with intakes of the n-3 PUFAs [EPA and docosapentaenoic acid (22:5ω-3)]. Mode of delivery and antibiotic exposure influenced breast milk microbiota in a diet cluster-dependent manner. Differences between/among the maternal dietary clusters were found in the milk microbiota of the cesarean-section (C-section)/antibiotic group, whereas no differences were observed in vaginal births. Lower abundances of Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and Sediminibacterium genera were observed in Cluster II/C-section/antibiotic exposure compared with the other groups.Conclusions: Maternal diet shapes the composition and diversity of breast milk microbiota, with the most important contributions coming from dietary fiber and both plant and animal protein intakes. The relation between the maternal diet and the milk microbiota needs further research because it has a key impact on infant microbiota development and contributes to infant health outcomes in the short and long term.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03552939. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human microbiome seeding starts at birth, when pioneer microbes are acquired mainly from the mother. Mode of delivery, antibiotic prophylaxis, and feeding method have been studied as modulators of mother-to-infant microbiome transmission, but other key influencing factors like modern westernized lifestyles with high hygienization, high-calorie diets, and urban settings, compared with non-westernized lifestyles have not been investigated yet. In this study, we explored the mother-infant sharing of characterized and uncharacterized microbiome members via strain-resolved metagenomics in a cohort of Ethiopian mothers and infants, and we compared them with four other cohorts with different lifestyles. The westernized and non-westernized newborns' microbiomes composition overlapped during the first months of life more than later in life, likely reflecting similar initial breast-milk-based diets. Ethiopian and other non-westernized infants shared a smaller fraction of the microbiome with their mothers than did most westernized populations, despite showing a higher microbiome diversity, and uncharacterized species represented a substantial fraction of those shared in the Ethiopian cohort. Moreover, we identified uncharacterized species belonging to the Selenomonadaceae and Prevotellaceae families specifically present and shared only in the Ethiopian cohort, and we showed that a locally produced fermented food, injera, can contribute to the higher diversity observed in the Ethiopian infants' gut with bacteria that are not part of the human microbiome but are acquired through fermented food consumption. Taken together, these findings highlight the fact that lifestyle can impact the gut microbiome composition not only through differences in diet, drug consumption, and environmental factors but also through its effect on mother-infant strain-sharing patterns. • Microbiome sharing is reduced in Ethiopian and non-westernized mother-infant pairs • Some uncharacterized species are present and shared only in the Ethiopian cohort • Locally produced fermented food provides some of these unusual microbiome species • The microbiome is impacted by lifestyle and also through mother-infant strain-sharing patterns Manara et al. investigate how lifestyle affects mother-infant microbiome sharing. Manara et al. show that Ethiopian and other non-westernized infants share a smaller microbiome fraction (mainly uncharacterized species) with their mothers and identify some unusual mother-infant shared species present in locally produced fermented food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human gut microbiota dysbiosis has been linked to a higher risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such us inflammatory disorders, allergy and obesity. Specific dietary strategies, including the use of specific food supplements targeted to microbiota modulation, have been suggested to be especially relevant in reducing the risk of NCDs. In this regard, marine environment is considered as a pivotal source of nutrients and bioactive compounds such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, polysaccharides and active peptides. These compounds, including algae- (alginate, fucoidan) and animal-derived polysaccharides (chitin, chitosan), among others, have been widely studied. The use of these active substances from marine organisms as a food supplements has been reported to affect human health. This review provides the evidence-base information on the potential effects of various active substances from marine organisms, including fatty acids, proteins and polysaccharides, on the structure of gut microbiota and their effects on host health. These compounds could regulate the gut microbiota structure and thus, intestinal and systemic level with potential human health benefits. The exploration and evaluation of the relationship between these substances and gut microbiota may provide a new direction for further exploration of the influence of high-added-value components on gut microbiota with potential health effects. These high-added-value compounds have been explored to not only improve the utilization rate of aquatic products, but also reduce waste and contribute to the environment and economy sustainability. Meanwhile, it is possible to expand the commercial applications of these products by the industry. • High-added-value compounds (HAVC) from aquaculture could affect gut microbiota (GM). • HAVC may reduce the risk of some non-communicable diseases by modulating GM. • Different types of HAVC have different effects on GM composition and activity. • ω-3 PUFA improves intestinal homeostasis and influences metabolic dysfunction. • Protein and carbohydrate can regulate the GM composition and its SCFAs production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium (Se) is a trace element crucial for human health. Recently, the impact of Se supplementation on gut microbiota has been pointed out as well as its influence on the expression of certain selenoproteins and gut metabolites. This study aims to elucidate the link between Se supplementation, brain selenoproteins and brain metabolome as well as the possible connection with the gut-brain axis. To this end, an in vivo study with 40 BALB/c mice was carried out. The study included conventional (n =20) and mice model with microbiota depleted by antibiotics (n =20) under a regular or Se supplemented diet. Brain selenoproteome was determined by a transcriptomic/gene expression profile, while brain metabolome and gut microbiota profiles were accomplished by untargeted metabolomics and amplicon sequencing, respectively. The total content of Se in brain was also determined. The selenoproteins genes Dio and Gpx isoenzymes, SelenoH, SelenoI, SelenoT, SelenoV, and SelenoW and 31 metabolites were significantly altered in the brain after Se supplementation in conventional mice, while 11 selenoproteins and 26 metabolites were altered in microbiota depleted mice. The main altered brain metabolites were related to glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and gut microbiota that have been previously related with the gut-brain axis (e.g., members of Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae families). Moreover, specific associations were determined between brain selenoproteome and metabolome, which correlated with the same bacteria, suggesting an intertwined mechanism. Our results demonstrated the effect of Se on brain metabolome through specific selenoproteins gene expression and gut microbiota. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Omic methodologies have become key analytical tools in a wide number of research topics such as systems biology, environmental analysis, biomedicine or food analysis. They are especially useful when they are combined providing a new perspective and a holistic view of the analytical problem. Methodologies for microbiota analysis have been mostly focused on genome sequencing. However, information provided by these metagenomic studies is limited to the identification of the presence of genes, taxa and their inferred functionality. To achieve a deeper knowledge of microbial functionality in health and disease, especially in dysbiosis conditions related to metal and metalloid exposure, the introduction of additional meta -omic approaches including metabolomics, metallomics, metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics results essential. The possible impact of metals and metalloids on the gut microbiota and their effects on gut-brain axis (GBA) only begin to be figured out. To this end new analytical workflows combining powerful tools are claimed such as high resolution mass spectrometry and heteroatom-tagged proteomics for the absolute quantification of metal-containing biomolecules using the metal as a "tag" in a sensitive and selective detector (e.g. ICP-MS). This review focus on current analytical methodologies related with the analytical techniques and procedures available for metallomics and microbiota analysis with a special attention on their advantages and drawbacks. [Display omitted] • The influence of metals and their species on the gut microbiota-brain axis has been pointed out. • The mother-offspring microbiota transference is important to seeding the infant gut. • The hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis can also be affected by environmental pollution. • The chemical form of a metal(loid) determines their toxicity or essentiality. • Omic methodologies for assessing the impact of metal(loid)s in the host microbiota are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mothers confer natural passive immunization to their infants through the transplacental pathway during the gestation period. The objective of the present study was to establish at birth the maternal and cord plasma concentration and relationship of immunoglobulins (Igs), cytokines (CKs), and adipokines. In addition, the impact of the maternal microbiota and diet was explored. The plasma profile of these components was different between mothers and babies, with the levels of many CKs, IgM, IgG2a, IgE, IgA, and leptin significantly higher in mothers than in the cord sample. Moreover, the total Igs, all IgG subtypes, IgE, and the Th1/Th2 ratio positively correlated in the mother–infant pair. Maternal dietary components such as monounsaturated fatty acids-polyunsaturated fatty acids and fiber were positively associated with some immune factors such as IgA in cord samples. The microbiota composition clustering also influenced the plasma profile of some factors (i.e., many CKs, some Ig, and adiponectin). In conclusion, we have established the concentration of these immunomodulatory factors in the maternal–neonatal pair at birth, some positive associations, and the influence of maternal diet and the microbiota composition, suggesting that the immune status during pregnancy, in terms of CKs and Igs levels, can influence the immune status of the infant at birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An elevated number of women of reproductive age are overweight, predisposing their offspring to metabolic and neuropsychiatric disorders. Gut microbiota is influenced by maternal factors, and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Our aim was to explore the effects of maternal high-fat feeding on the relationship linking gut microbiota and cognitive development in the offspring. Murine offspring born to dams undergoing normal diet (NDm) and high-fat diet (HFDm) were studied at 1 or 6 months of age to assess cognitive function by Y-maze test, cerebral glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity by Positron Emission Tomography, brain density by Computed Tomography, microbiota profile (colon, caecum) and inferred metabolic pathways (KEGG analysis) by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. From 3 weeks post-weaning, mice born to HFDm developed hyperphagia and overweight, showing reduction in memory and exploratory behaviour, and brain insulin resistance in adulthood. We identified a panel of bacteria characterizing offspring born to HFD dams from early life, and correlating with dysfunction in memory and exploratory behaviour in adults (including Proteobacteria phylum, Parabacteroides and unclassified Rikenellaceae genera). Microbiota-derived metabolic pathways involved in fatty acid, essential aminoacid and vitamin processing, sulphur metabolism, glutaminergic activation and Alzheimer's disease were differently present in the HFDm and NDm offspring groups. Our results document tight relationships between gut dysbiosis and memory and behavioural impairment in relation to maternal HFD. Persistent bacterial signatures induced by maternal HFD during infancy can influence cognition during adulthood, opening the possibility of microbiota-targeted strategies to contrast cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]