Microbiota during pregnancy and early life: role in maternal−neonatal outcomes based on human evidence
Alessio Fasano,
Benoit Chassaing,
Dirk Haller,
Eduard Flores Ventura,
Maria Carmen-Collado,
Nitida Pastor,
Omry Koren,
Roberto Berni Canani
Affiliations
Alessio Fasano
Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
Benoit Chassaing
Microbiome-Host Interactions, Institut Pasteur, INSERM, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
Dirk Haller
Nutrition and Immunology, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
Eduard Flores Ventura
Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology – Spanish National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Valencia, Spain
Maria Carmen-Collado
Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology – Spanish National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Valencia, Spain
Nitida Pastor
Department of Medical Affairs, Clinical Research, Mead Johnson Nutrition, Evansville, IN, USA
Omry Koren
Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
Roberto Berni Canani
Department of Translational Medical Science, and ImmunoNutritionLab at Ceinge Advanced Biotechnologies Research Center, and European Laboratory for Investigation of Food Induced Diseases, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Here, we explored the vast potential of microbiome-based interventions in preventing and managing non-communicable diseases including obesity, diabetes, allergies, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, malnutrition, and cardiovascular diseases across different life stages. We discuss the intricate relationship between microbiome and non-communicable diseases, emphasizing on the “window of opportunity” for microbe–host interactions during the first years after birth. Specific biotics and also live biotherapeutics including fecal microbiota transplantation emerge as pivotal tools for precision medicine, acknowledging the “one size doesn’t’ fit all” aspect. Challenges in implementation underscore the need for advanced technologies, scientific transparency, and public engagement. Future perspectives advocate for understanding maternal−neonatal microbiome, exploring the maternal exposome and delving into human milk's role in the establishment and restoration of the infant microbiome and its influence over health and disease. An integrated scientific approach, employing multi-omics and accounting for inter-individual variance in microbiome composition and function appears central to unleash the full potential of early-life microbiome interventions in revolutionizing healthcare.
