Maturation of the preterm gastrointestinal tract can be defined by host and microbial markers for digestion and barrier defense.

ABSTRACT: Functionality of the gastrointestinal tract is essential for growth and development of newborns. Preterm infants have an immature gastrointestinal tract, which is a major challenge in neonatal care. This study aims to improve the understanding of gastrointestinal functionality and maturation during the early life of preterm infants by means of gastrointestinal enzyme activity assays and metaproteomics. In this single-center, observational study, preterm infants born between 24 and 33 weeks (n = 40) and term infants born between 37 and 42 weeks (n = 3), who were admitted to Isala (Zwolle, the Netherlands), were studied. Enzyme activity analyses identified active proteases in gastric aspirates of preterm infants. Metaproteomics revealed human milk, digestive and immunological proteins in gas

SUBMITTER: Henderickx JGE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8211855 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature