Amazing stuff!
"New research in mice shows that a species of gut bacteria, Bifidobacterium breve, regulates the placental production of hormones which are critical for healthy pregnancy.
Pregnant mice without B. breve in their guts were also found to experience a higher rate of complications and increased early foetal loss.
B. breve occurs naturally in the human and mouse gut microbiome and increases in late pregnancy in both species. But stress or obesity in pregnant [mice or women] can alter its abundance. ..."
"Pregnant women with plenty of 'good' gut bacteria may have stronger, healthier pregnancies, according to new research.
For the first time, scientists have shown that beneficial bacteria helps regulate placental hormones essential for supporting a developing baby. ..."
From the abstract:
"Background
Recent studies have shown that the maternal gut microbiota can regulate placental growth, particularly the transport region, in association with fetal growth. However, the specific role of certain microorganisms in modulating the hormonal production of the placenta, which is critical for supporting fetal development and maintaining a healthy pregnancy, remains largely unexplored. In this context, the objective of this study is to determine whether the maternal colonisation with the early life gut bacterium Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 regulates placental endocrine function.
Methods
Pregnant germ-free mice were colonized with or without Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 (BIF) during pregnancy. The endocrine region of the placenta (junctional zone, Jz) was collected to assess its metabolic profile using metabolomics, the expression of key nutrient uptake genes, hormones and synthetic genes by qPCR, and proteome using LC-MS/MS.
Results
BIF colonised dams had increased lactate and taurine concentrations in the placental Jz. BIF presence was also associated with upregulated expression of nutrient carriers, particularly those involved in large neutral amino acid and monocarboxylate uptake (e.g., Slc7a8 and Slc16a4).
Additionally, key hormones, such as prolactins and pregnancy-specific glycoproteins, were upregulated. The Jz proteome was changed in BIF colonised dams, with over 400 proteins dysregulated. Pathway analysis revealed more than 150 biological processes were altered, including transcriptional activity, protein synthesis, cell cycle progression, and metabolic regulation. Proteins regulated by BIF in the placental Jz were correlated with fetal growth and nutrient levels (namely glucose). Notably, maternal-associated BIF reduced the number of fetal resorptions (early fetal loss).
Conclusions
In germ-free mice, maternal-associated gut Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 regulates placental endocrine capacity, by altering its metabolic profile and ability to produce endocrine factors. This study provides the first clear evidence that the maternal gut microbiota not only influences placental transport function, but also regulates its endocrine outputs."
‘Good’ gut bacteria boosts placenta for healthier pregnancy (original news release) "Cambridge scientists discover how probiotics may help prevent miscarriages, gestational diabetes and preeclampsia"
Placental endocrine function is controlled by maternal gut Bifidobacterium in germ-free mice (open access)
Fig. 1 Maternal B. breve supplementation induces changes in specific metabolites and nutrient carriers in the endocrine zone of the mouse placenta.
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