Effects of the gut microbiota on placental angiogenesis and intrauterine growth in gnotobiotic mice.

ABSTRACT: Environmental causes of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) remain poorly characterized. Here, we compare germ-free (GF) and conventionally raised (CONV-R) mice to assess the effects of the gut microbiota on placental/fetal development at embryonic day (E)11.5 (end of placentation) and E17.5 (near term). Pregnancy- and microbiota-associated changes in gene expression occur along the gut, including those related to angiogenesis, while bacterial composition and fermentation activity remain stable. Placental weights at E11.5 and fetal weights at E17.5 are significantly reduced in GF animals. Compared to CONV-R dams, the GF maternal decidua exhibits similar vascular histomorphometric features at E11.5 and E17.5, and numbers of uterine NK-cells (effectors of vascular remodeling) at E11.5. In

SUBMITTER: Coskun R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12318179 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature