Prebiotics and probiotics in pregnancy and breastfeeding

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sir Peter Gluckman ◽  
Mark Hanson ◽  
Chong Yap Seng ◽  
Anne Bardsley
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Gastrointestinal Tract ◽  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Intestinal Flora ◽  
Intestinal Bacteria ◽  
Host Organism ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Food Components ◽  
In Pregnancy ◽  
Mucosal Defence

Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic commensal microorganisms with beneficial effects on the host organism; they improve and/or maintain intestinal flora balance by suppressing and displacing harmful bacteria. Prebiotics are nondigestible food components that stimulate growth or activity of these beneficial intestinal bacteria. Such microorganisms form an integral part of the intestinal mucosal defence system and are important for the development and maturation of the infant#amp;#x2019;s gastrointestinal tract. Maternal ingestion of probiotics and prebiotics from dietary sources during pregnancy, or by the infant at weaning, may enhance the development and maturation of the neonatal gastrointestinal tract. Probiotic foods may also help control insulin resistance and the development of gestational diabetes.

scholarly journals The consequences of obesity and excess weight gain in pregnancy

2011 ◽  
Vol 70 (4) ◽  
pp. 450-456 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane E. Norman ◽  
Rebecca Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Postpartum Haemorrhage ◽  
Maternal Obesity ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy Outcome ◽  
Operative Delivery ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy ◽  
In Pregnancy

The prevalence of obesity in pregnancy is rising exponentially; about 15–20% of pregnant women now enter pregnancy with a BMI which would define them as obese. This paper provides a review of the strong links between obesity and adverse pregnancy outcome which operate across a range of pregnancy complications. For example, obesity is associated with an increased risk of maternal mortality, gestational diabetes mellitus, thromboembolism, pre-eclampsia and postpartum haemorrhage. Obesity also complicates operative delivery; it makes operative delivery more difficult, increases complications and paradoxically increases the need for operative delivery. The risk of the majority of these complications is amplified by excess weight gain in pregnancy and increases in proportion to the degree of obesity, for example, women with extreme obesity have OR of 7·89 for gestational diabetes and 3·84 for postpartum haemorrhage compared to their lean counterparts. The consequences of maternal obesity do not stop once the baby is born. Maternal obesity programmes a variety of long-term adverse outcomes, including obesity in the offspring at adulthood. Such an effect is mediated at least in part via high birthweight; a recent study has suggested that the odds of adult obesity are two-fold greater in babies weighing more than 4 kg at birth. The mechanism by which obesity causes adverse pregnancy outcome is uncertain. This paper reviews the emerging evidence that hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance may both play a role: the links between hyperglycaemia in pregnancy and both increased birthweight and insulin resistance have been demonstrated in two large studies. Lastly, we discuss the nature and rationale for possible intervention strategies in obese pregnant women.

scholarly journals CTRP-1 levels are related to insulin resistance in pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carola Deischinger ◽  
Karoline Leitner ◽  
Sabina Baumgartner-Parzer ◽  
Dagmar Bancher-Todesca ◽  
Alexandra Kautzky-Willer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Glucose Tolerance ◽  
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Sensitivity Index ◽  
Phase Index ◽  
Matsuda Index ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Recent studies have shown higher levels of CTRP-1 (C1QTNF-related protein) in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to controls. We aimed at investigating CTRP-1 in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). CTRP-1 levels were investigated in 167 women (93 with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), 74 GDM) of a high-risk population for GDM. GDM was further divided into GDM subtypes depending on a predominant insulin sensitivity issue (GDM-IR) or secretion deficit (GDM-IS). Glucose tolerance was assessed with indices [Matsuda index, Stumvoll first phase index, insulin-secretion-sensitivity-index 2 (ISSI-2), area-under-the-curve (AUC) insulin, AUC glucose] derived from an oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) performed at < 21 and 24–28 weeks of gestation. In pregnancy, CTRP-1 levels of GDM (76.86 ± 37.81 ng/ml) and NGT (82.2 ± 35.34 ng/ml; p = 0.104) were similar. However, GDM-IR women (65.18 ± 42.18 ng/ml) had significantly lower CTRP-1 levels compared to GDM-IS (85.10 ± 28.14 ng/ml; p = 0.009) and NGT (p = 0.006). CTRP-1 levels correlated negatively with weight, AUC insulin, Stumvoll first phase index, bioavailable estradiol and positively with HbA1c, Matsuda Index and ISSI-2. A multiple regression analysis revealed bioavailable estradiol (β = − 0.280, p = 0.008) and HbA1c (β = 0.238; p = 0.018) as the main variables associated with CTRP-1 in GDM. Postpartum, waist and hip measurements were predictive of CRTP-1 levels instead. CTRP-1 levels were higher postpartum than during pregnancy (91.92 ± 47.27 vs.82.44 ± 38.99 ng/ml; p = 0.013). CTRP-1 is related to insulin resistance in pregnancy and might be a metabolic biomarker for insulin resistance in GDM. CTRP-1 levels were significantly lower during pregnancy than postpartum, probably due to rising insulin resistance during pregnancy.

scholarly journals Insulin-stimulated adiponectin secretion in pregnancy is mediated by inhibition of adiponectin ubiquitination and degradation and is impaired in obesity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irving L. M. H. Aye ◽  
Fredrick J. Rosario ◽  
Anita Kramer ◽  
Oddrun Kristiansen ◽  
Trond M. Michelsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Er Stress ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Fetal Growth ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Placental Function ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
In Pregnancy

ABSTRACTIn pregnancy, adiponectin serves as an endocrine link between maternal adipose tissue, placental function and fetal growth, with low adiponectin promoting placental function and fetal growth. Circulating adiponectin levels are decreased in obese pregnant women and in gestational diabetes, which is believed to contribute to the insulin resistance and increased risk of fetal overgrowth associated with these conditions. However, the molecular mechanisms governing adiponectin secretion from maternal adipose tissues in pregnancy are poorly understood. Using visceral adipose tissue from lean and obese pregnant mice, we show that obesity in pregnancy is associated with adipose tissue inflammation, ER stress, insulin resistance, increased adiponectin ubiquitination and decreased total abundance of adiponectin. Moreover, adiponectin ubiquitination was increased in visceral fat of obese pregnant women as compared to lean pregnant women. We further observed that insulin prevents, whereas ER stress and inflammation promote, adiponectin ubiquitination and degradation in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We have identified key molecular pathways regulating adiponectin secretion in pregnancy. This information will help us better understand the mechanisms controlling maternal insulin resistance and fetal growth in pregnancy and may provide a foundation for the development of strategies aimed at improving adiponectin production in pregnant women with obesity or gestational diabetes.

scholarly journals A novel Enterococcus faecalis heme transport regulator (FhtR) is a heme sensor in the gastrointestinal tract

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Saillant ◽  
Damien Lipuma ◽  
Emeline Ostyn ◽  
Laetitia Joubert ◽  
Alain Boussac ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastrointestinal Tract ◽  
Enterococcus Faecalis ◽  
Efflux Pump ◽  
Intestinal Flora ◽  
Intestinal Bacteria ◽  
Functional Expression ◽  
Toxic Metabolite ◽  
Free Heme ◽  
Severe Infections

AbstractEnterococcus faecalis is a commensal Gram-positive pathogen found in the intestines of mammals, and is also a leading cause of severe infections occurring mainly among antibiotic-treated dysbiotic hospitalized patients. Like most intestinal bacteria, E. faecalis does not synthesize heme. Nevertheless, environmental heme can improve E. faecalis fitness by activating respiration metabolism and a catalase that limits hydrogen peroxide stress. Since free heme also generates redox toxicity, its intracellular levels need to be strictly controlled. Here, we describe a unique transcriptional regulator, FhtR, (Faecalis heme transport Regulator), which manages heme homeostasis by controlling an HrtBA-like efflux pump (named HrtBAEf). We show that FhtR, by managing intracellular heme concentration, regulates the functional expression of the heme dependent catalase A (KatA), thus participating in heme detoxification. The biochemical features of FhtR binding to DNA, and its interactions with heme that induce efflux, are characterized. The FhtR-HrtBAEf system is shown to be relevant in a mouse intestinal model. We further show that FhtR senses heme from blood and hemoglobin but also from crossfeeding by Escherichia coli. These findings bring to light the central role of FhtR heme sensing in response to heme fluctuations within the gastrointestinal tract, which allow this pathogen to limit heme toxicity while ensuring expression of an oxidative defense system.ImportanceEnterococcus faecalis, a normal, harmless colonizer of the human intestinal flora can cause severe infectious diseases in immunocompromised patients, particularly those that have been heavily treated with antibiotics. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors that promote its resistance and its virulence. Here, we report a new mechanism used by E. faecalis to detect the concentration of heme, an essential but toxic metabolite that is present in the intestine. E. faecalis needs to scavenge this molecule to respire and fight stress generated by oxydants. Heme sensing triggers the synthesis of a heme efflux pump that balances the amount of heme inside the bacteria. With this mechanism, E. faecalis can use heme without suffering from its toxicity.

scholarly journals Maternal β-Cell Adaptations in Pregnancy and Placental Signalling: Implications for Gestational Diabetes

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 3467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brittany Moyce ◽  
Vernon Dolinsky
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Physiological Adaptation ◽  
Β Cell ◽  
Cell Dysfunction ◽  
Metabolic Plasticity ◽  
Adaptive Mechanisms ◽  
Diet And Lifestyle ◽  
Insulin Secretory Capacity ◽  
In Pregnancy

Rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are on the rise worldwide, and the number of pregnancies impacted by GDM and resulting complications are also increasing. Pregnancy is a period of unique metabolic plasticity, during which mild insulin resistance is a physiological adaptation to prioritize fetal growth. To compensate for this, the pancreatic β-cell utilizes a variety of adaptive mechanisms, including increasing mass, number and insulin-secretory capacity to maintain glucose homeostasis. When insufficient insulin production does not overcome insulin resistance, hyperglycemia can occur. Changes in the maternal system that occur in GDM such as lipotoxicity, inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as impairments in adipokine and placental signalling, are associated with impaired β-cell adaptation. Understanding these pathways, as well as mechanisms of β-cell dysfunction in pregnancy, can identify novel therapeutic targets beyond diet and lifestyle interventions, insulin and antihyperglycemic agents currently used for treating GDM.

scholarly journals Effect of a Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula (CoTOL) on Serum Uric Acid and Intestinal Flora in Obese Hyperuricemic Mice Inoculated with Intestinal Bacteria

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Yan Gao ◽  
Jing Sun ◽  
Yi Zhang ◽  
Tiejuan Shao ◽  
Haichang Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Uric Acid ◽  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Intestinal Flora ◽  
Intestinal Bacteria ◽  
Mice Model ◽  
Blank Group ◽  
Gene Target ◽  
Streptococcus Faecalis ◽  
Beneficial Effects

CoTOL is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula in clinics for treating gout and hyperuricemia, especially in obese patients with recurrent attacks. However, fewer studies have investigated how CoTOL impacts the intestinal flora in reducing uric acid. In the present, we analyze the bacteria targeted by ingredients of CoTOL and evaluate the effects of CoTOL on uric acid and intestinal flora in a mice model of obese hyperuricemia inoculated with xanthine dehydrogenase- (XOD-) producing bacteria, Streptococcus faecalis. Firstly, ingredients of herbs in CoTOL and gene target by these ingredients were retrieved from TCMID 2.0, and these genes were screened by DAVID Bioinformatics Resources 6.8, deciphered to retrieve the bacteria. Then, 3-4-week-old male C57bl/6j mice were randomly divided into 6 groups and fed with high fat diet for 8 weeks up to obesity standard. The mice were inoculated intragastrically with 5 × 109 CFU Streptococcus faecalis 3 times at the 5th, 6th, and 7th week and intragastrically administrated with uricase inhibitor, potassium-oxonate (PO, 250 mg/kg), to induce hyperuricemia at the 8th week, once a day for 7 consecutive days, respectively (IB model). IB model plus CoTOL (0.4 ml/20g) and allopurinol (40 mg/kg) were administrated by gavage at the 5th week, once a day for 4 weeks. The feces and blood in each group were sampled at the 4th and 8th week. With no bacteria inoculation, CoTOL, allopurinol, and blank group were treated with CoTOL and allopurinol or water, respectively. 44 species of bacteria (i.e., Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus, etc.) genes were targeted by 6 ingredients of 6 herbs in CoTOL. Inoculation with Streptococcus faecalis significantly caused the elevation of uric acid and the change of intestinal flora structure, whereas treatment with CoTOL significantly increased the abundance of Akkermansia and those of Bacteroides and Alloprevotella decreased. Furthermore, CoTOL exhibited a unique effect on reducing weight unobserved in allopurinol intervention. The present study, for the first time, demonstrated that CoTOL has beneficial effects on hyperuricemia and overweight, which may be attributed to regulating material metabolism and improving the structure or function of intestinal flora. Thus, CoTOL may be a promising therapy for hyperuricemia and overweight in chronic gout management and can be integrated with conventional treatments.

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