Preterm microbiome-gut-brain axis in encephalopathy

The role of microbiome in neurodevelopment in preterm infants is unknown although preterm gut microbiome are associated with brain dysmaturation and neurocognitive impairment.

The researchers performed a comprehensive characterization of very preterm infant gut microbiome and its associations with MRI markers of encephalopathy of prematurity.  They also show that abundances of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. correlate with microstructural parameters in deep and cortical gray matter. 

The results suggested links between bacterial species and their functions with brain development.

Because gut microbiome is modifiable, this research could offer new avenues for perinatal neuroprotection.

https://www.cell.com/cell-reports-medicine/fulltext/S2666-3791(24)00616-5

https://sciencemission.com/The-neonatal-gut-microbiota:-A-role-in-the-encephalopathy-of-prematurity