Prenatal and early childhood development of gut microbiota.

OBJECTIVE: Gut microbiota provide a diverse "organ" or biocenosis responsible for protection against pathogens and the development of both intestinal and immune systems. Microbiota are also responsible for the synthesis of vitamins and short-chain fatty acids, which in turn affect the host's metabolism. It was hypothesized that gut microbiota are influenced by fetal life followed by intensive development throughout the first years of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the available literature (PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar) on prenatal and early childhood development of gut microbiota. RESULTS: A body of evidence suggests in utero colonization. The main factors determining gut microbiota include the type of delivery and post-natal feeding method. The composition of the intestinal flora is also influenced by fetal age at birth, antibiotic therapy, pre- and probiotic supplementation, and other environmental factors. The multifaceted nature of this process guarantees the uniqueness of its composition for each human being. CONCLUSIONS: Although the composition of intestinal microbiota is subject to continuous and dynamic changes, it seems that the perinatal period is critical for the emergence of its proper pattern, which may guarantee health or otherwise illness in adult life.

Possible counter effect in newborns of 1936A>G (I646V) polymorphism in the AKAP10 gene encoding A-kinase-anchoring protein 10.

OBJECTIVE: Cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A (PKA) is important in embryonic development. The human AKAP10 gene is polymorphic: 1936A>G results in changes to a PKA-binding domain and increased targeting to mitochondria. Previous studies found G1936 as 'deleterious' in adults, and this study investigates whether this holds true in preterm birth. STUDY DESIGN: Study group consisted of 80 preterm newborns (PTNs) born before the 38th gestation week. Control group consisted of 123 full-term healthy newborns born after the 37th gestation week with uncomplicated pregnancies. Genomic DNA was extracted from umbilical blood and AKAP10 genotypes were identified by PCR/restriction enzyme. RESULT: Significant differences in frequencies of 1936A>G genotypes/alleles between both groups were found. PTNs had increased frequency (55%) of AA homozygotes (odds ratio, AA versus AG+GG: 2.63 (95% confidence interval: 1.33 to 5.20), P=0.006) after adjustments: mothers with previous PTNs, smoking, first pregnancy, first delivery and Cesarean section. CONCLUSION: Results suggest G1936 is preventative factor against preterm birth, in contrast with previously asserted negative effects in adults.

An age-related decrease in factor V Leiden frequency among Polish subjects.

Factor V Leiden (G1691A FV mutation) is a widely acknowledged risk factor of deep vein thrombosis, including pulmonary embolism as the most serious complication. However, its high prevalence of ~5%in the Caucasian population might be related to an unknown evolutionary advantage. It might exert a beneficial effect on the carrier, e.g. protecting women from excessive bleeding during labour or allowing increased survival in severe sepsis or with other inflammatory diseases. The aim of our study was to verify or contradict the hypothesis of a favourable association between the A allele (A1691) and longevity in the Polish population. For this purpose, the G1691A mutation was analyzed by PCR-RFLP in 1016 Poles: 400 neonates (187 female and 312 male), 184 healthy adults (129 female and 55 male), and 432 long-lived individuals (age ≥95 years: 343 women and 89 men). Frequencies of G1691A carriers and the A1691 allele in long-lived individuals (0.2% and 0.1%, respectively) were significantly lower than in neonates (4.2% and 2.2%, respectively) and adults (3.3% and 1.6%). The frequency of the G1691A factor V Leiden mutation decreased with age, which indicates a shorter survival time among A1691 allele carriers in the Polish population.

Sequence variants of chemokine receptor genes and susceptibility to HIV-1 infection.

Genetic susceptibility to HIV infection was previously proven to be influenced by some chemokine receptor polymorphisms clustering on chromosome 3p21. Here the influence of 5 genetic variants was studied: Delta32 CCR5, G(-2459)A CCR5, G190A CCR2, G744A CX3CR1 and C838T CX3CR1. They were screened in a cohort of 168 HIV-1 positive adults [HIV(+) group] and 151 newborns [control group] from northwestern Poland. PCR-RFLP was performed to screen for the variants (except for Delta32 CCR5 polymorphism, where PCR fragment size was sufficient to identify the alleles) and then electrophoresed on agarose gel to determine fragment size. Distribution of genotypes and alleles was not significantly different between the groups except for the CCR5 polymorphisms, with the Delta32 allele and the (-2459)A CCR5 allele more frequent among neonates than in the HIV(+) group. No Delta32/Delta32 homozygotes were found in the HIV(+) group, but 16.1 percent were Delta32/wt heterozygotes. In the control group, 1.3 percent; were Delta32/Delta32 homozygotes and 26.0percent were Delta32/wt heterozygotes. Linkage between the chemokine polymorphisms was calculated using the most informative loci for haplotype reconstruction. Haplotypes containing Delta32 CCR5, 190G CCR2 and 744A CX3CR1 were found to be significantly more common in the control group. This suggests an association between these haplotypes and resistance to HIV-1 infection.

[Complications during the neonatal period in newborns of adolescent mothers]. / Powiklania okresu noworodkowego u dzieci matek mlodocianych.

In 1990-1992 64 female and male newborns born by adolescent mothers were examined in Obstetrics Clinic of Pomeranian Medical Academy in Szczecin. There were analysed such factors as sex, gestational age, birth weight, clinical condition of newborns after birth, Apgar scores, frequency of perinatal trauma. It was observed that the percentage of prematurity, complications in neonatal adaptation, perinatal trauma and infections were significantly higher in the examined group. It was found that newborns from adolescent mothers formed a high risk group with neonatal complications. In consequence a great number of disorders can be expected in the postnatal development of newborns.