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Frau A, Lett L, Slater R, Young GR, Stewart CJ, Berrington J, Hughes DM, Embleton N, Probert C. The Stool Volatile Metabolome of Pre-Term Babies. Molecules 2021; 26:3341. [PMID: 34199338 PMCID: PMC8199543 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The fecal metabolome in early life has seldom been studied. We investigated its evolution in pre-term babies during their first weeks of life. Multiple (n = 152) stool samples were studied from 51 babies, all <32 weeks gestation. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analyzed by headspace solid phase microextraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Data were interpreted using Automated Mass Spectral Deconvolution System (AMDIS) with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) reference library. Statistical analysis was based on linear mixed modelling, the number of VOCs increased over time; a rise was mainly observed between day 5 and day 10. The shift at day 5 was associated with products of branched-chain fatty acids. Prior to this, the metabolome was dominated by aldehydes and acetic acid. Caesarean delivery showed a modest association with molecules of fungal origin. This study shows how the metabolome changes in early life in pre-term babies. The shift in the metabolome 5 days after delivery coincides with the establishment of enteral feeding and the transition from meconium to feces. Great diversity of metabolites was associated with being fed greater volumes of milk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Frau
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK; (L.L.); (R.S.); (C.P.)
| | - Lauren Lett
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK; (L.L.); (R.S.); (C.P.)
| | - Rachael Slater
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK; (L.L.); (R.S.); (C.P.)
| | - Gregory R. Young
- Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK;
| | - Christopher J. Stewart
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK; (C.J.S.); (J.B.)
| | - Janet Berrington
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK; (C.J.S.); (J.B.)
- Department of Neonatology, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK;
| | - David M. Hughes
- Department of Health Data Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside L69 3GA, UK;
| | - Nicholas Embleton
- Department of Neonatology, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK;
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Chris Probert
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK; (L.L.); (R.S.); (C.P.)
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