Rapid Gut Adaptation to Preterm Birth Involves Feeding-Related DNA Methylation Reprogramming of Intestinal Genes in Pigs.

ABSTRACT: Following preterm birth, the immature gut function and immunology must rapidly adapt to cope with bacterial colonization and enteral milk feeding. We hypothesized that intestinal epigenetic changes are involved in the gut response to preterm birth and the first feeding. Using piglets as models for infants, preterm, and term pigs were fed total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or partial enteral feeding for 5 days, followed by exclusive enteral feeding with bovine milk until day 26 (weaning age). Intestinal structure, function, microbiome, DNA methylome, and gene expressions were compared between preterm and term pigs on days 0, 5, and 26 (n = 8 in each group). At birth, the intestine of preterm pigs showed villus atrophy and global hypermethylation, affecting genes related to the Wnt sign

SUBMITTER: Pan X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7174650 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature