Evidence for long-lasting alterations in the fecal microbiota following prenatal alcohol exposure.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There is growing evidence that the gut microbiota can be shaped by early-life experiences/exposures, with long-term consequences for brain, behavior, and health. Changes in the gut microbiota have also been identified in neurodevelopmental disorders including Autism Spectrum Disorder and schizophrenia. In contrast, no studies to date have investigated whether the gut microbiota is altered in individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), the neurodevelopmental disorder that results from prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). The current study was designed to assess the impact of PAE on the fecal microbiota.

Methods

We used a rodent model in which pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were provided with an EtOH-containing diet or a control diet throughout gestation. Fec

SUBMITTER: Bodnar TS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9238389 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature