After birth, the intestine is colonized by a largemicrobiota that plays an important role in the development and regulation ofthe immune system. The diversity and size of the microbiota expandsdramatically during weaning in response to diversification of food, changing froma milk-only diet to a more complex diet. It has been shown recently thatweaning is accompanied by a vigorous reaction of the immune system to thechanges occurring in the microbiota, a weaning reaction that sets thereactivity of the immune system later in life. It has also been shown that thediet of the mother and suckling determines the quality of the weaning reaction,as well as later susceptibility to inflammatory pathologies, such as allergy.
Study Aim
The objective of this research project is to assess theefficacy of dietary and microbial metabolites on intestinal homeostasis andearly life obesity prevention.
Scientific Approach
Using mouse model of early life obesity, to study theefficacy of dietary fibers, short chain fatty acids and tryptophan metabolites,and of the bacteria species able to process fibers and tryptophan, in theprevention of childhood obesity and associated risks.
Expected Outcomes
If successful, this project will pave the way to the designof nutritional complements that can be administered to both mothers and infantsin order to prevent early life obesity, which increases the risks ofinflammatory pathologies later in life.
