PE Gut microbiota. Gut microbiota in preterm neonates of mothers with preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage indicators. This study investigates the differences in gut microbiota between preterm neonates born to mothers with PE and those without preeclampsia (PR). Understanding these differences is crucial as maternal health issues like preeclampsia can significantly influence neonates’ gut microbiota in the early stages, which is essential for their overall health and development. Fecal samples were collected from preterm neonates of PE and PR mothers at 2 weeks (n = 15 vs 15) and 6 weeks postpartum (n = 6 vs 7). The samples underwent shotgun metagenomic sequencing, followed by taxonomic profiling with MetaPhlAn4. Functional profiling was conducted using HUMAnN3, and analysis of gut viral communities was performed using the Chinese gut virus catalog (cnGVC). Preeclampsia has a distinct impact on the gut microbial composition of preterm neonates, especially noticeable at 2 weeks postpartum. This is characterized by decreased levels of Actinobacteria and increased levels of Proteobacteria, suggesting early disturbances in the establishment of a healthy gut microbiota, which emphasize the substantial influence of maternal health on the preterm neonatal gut microbiota. Functional analysis also indicated differences in metabolic pathways, underscoring the effect of preeclampsia on gut microbiota functionality.