Most research on links between gut microbiota, stress,depression, anxiety, and hippocampal function has focused on adult males,leaving major gaps in females. The effects of manipulating the gut microbiotaon maternal vulnerability to stress during the postpartum period and onsex-specific depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in offspring remain largelyunexplored.
Study Aim
Determine whether the prebiotics can prevent or reduceanxiety- and depression-like behaviors and alter hippocampal neurogenesis inpostpartum female mice and their adolescent offspring, and whether theseeffects protect against the sex-specific impact of postpartum stress
Scientific Approach
Using limited bedding and nesting paradigm as stressor duringthe postpartum period, and prebiotics supplementation during pregnancy and toweaned pups.
Expected Outcomes
This study could identify safe, non-invasive prebioticstrategies to reduce postpartum depression and anxiety, improving maternalmental health and caregiving. It may also reveal early-life interventions thatlower the risk of sex-specific anxiety and depression in adolescents, helpingto break the intergenerational cycle of mental illness. By targeting thegut–brain axis with accessible dietary approaches, the findings could supportaffordable, scalable preventive treatments with major benefits for families andhealthcare systems.
