Maternal gut microbial legacy shapes intestinal health and colitis susceptibility of offspring

Offspring born to mothers with colitis exhibited gut microbial dysbiosis, impaired barrier function, low-grade intestinal inflammation, compromised Wnt signaling and reduced crypt cell proliferation, which collectively increased their susceptibility to colitis in adulthood. Overall design: 1.5% dextral sulfate sodium (DSS) was treated to induce colitis for 5 days at 2nd trimester of pregnant mice. We examined their offspring's intestinal conditions and collected fecal samples at 3-week after birth.