2023-07-04 17:00:00
About 20% of births in France are performed by caesarean section. This intervention saves lives but it also disrupts the natural process of transmission of the intestinal microbiota from mother to child. Yet it plays a crucial role in the development of the immune system and the prevention of certain pathologies such as allergies, obesity or intestinal inflammatory problems.
INRAE researchers, in collaboration with the University of Paris-Saclay, wanted to better understand the mechanisms behind these disturbances and made a major discovery.
Cesarean section: babies have a very diverse microbiota in the first few days
For this study published in the journal Microbiome, the team conducted work on mice born by caesarean section. The analyzes showed that these pups had a very diversified intestinal microbiota from the first days of their life. These high concentrations caused excessive stimulation of the intestine and an inflammatory reaction in newborns.
“Specifically, it is the cells that produce mucus that are disrupted. Mucus is a viscous substance and is one of the body’s first means of defense in the intestine.note the scientists in their press release published on July 4, 2023.
Lactobacilli to reduce inflammation following cesarean section
Faced with these results, the researchers explored solutions that might counter the harmful effects of cesarean section on the intestinal microbiota of babies. They found that supplementing newborns’ diets with lactobacilli – bacteria found naturally in the gut – reversed susceptibility to inflammation. This approach seems. promising to correct the early alterations of the microbiota caused by cesarean section and limit the risk of inflammatory complications while growing up.
“These early alterations in microbiota therefore disrupt the development of the gut, which might explain the excessive sensitivity to inflammation in adulthood. The first tracks are emerging to overcome this alteration.write the researchers
However, further studies will be needed to better understand these mechanisms and develop appropriate interventions.
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