Perinatal transmission of a probiotic <i>Bifidobacterium</i> strain protects against early life stress-induced mood and gastrointestinal motility disorders
Huiyue Zhu, Peijun Tian, Xin Qian, Luping Gu, Jianxin Zhao, Gang Wang, Wei Chen
Abstract
CCFM1025, previously proven to exert microbial and neurobiological regulation effects, was given to pregnant mice. The offspring's gut and brain functions were evaluated when challenged with maternal separation. Intriguingly, treatment with probiotics during pregnancy protected the offspring from maternal separation-induced neurobiological and gastrointestinal disorders such as depression-like behaviour and delayed defecation. Quantification of CCFM1025 was performed, and perinatal transmission of CCFM1025 was further validated, which also explained the reason for increased levels of colonic 5-hydroxytryptamine and caecal short-chain fatty acids in the offspring. Our findings indicated that the effects of probiotics can be perinatally transmitted through gut microbes and that probiotic treatment during pregnancy may have great potential in managing health risks in early life.