Alterations in Gut Microbiota of Infants Born to Mothers with Obesity

Meiirmanova Z. Mukhanbetzhanov N. Jarmukhanov Z. Vinogradova E. Kozhakhmetova S. Morenko M. Duisebayeva A. Poddighe D. Kushugulova A. Kozhakhmetov S.
April 2025 Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)

Biomedicines
2025 #13 Issue 4

Background: The impact of maternal obesity on offspring health remains a major and pressing issue. We investigated its impact on the development of the infant gut microbiome during the first six months of life, examining the taxonomic composition, metabolic pathways, and antibiotic resistance genes. Methods: Twenty-four mother–infant pairs were divided into maternally obese (OB, BMI > 36) and normal weight (BM) groups. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was performed on stool samples collected at birth and at 1, 3, and 6 months. A total of 12 maternal samples and 23 infant samples (n = 35) in the obese group and 12 maternal samples and 30 infant samples (n = 42) in the control group were sequenced. The analysis included taxonomic profiling (MetaPhlAn 4), metabolic pathway analysis (HUMAnN 3), and antibiotic resistance gene screening (CARD/ABRicate). Results: The OB group showed reduced alpha diversity in the first month (p ≤ 0.01) and an increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, peaking at 3 months (p ≤ 0.001). The metabolic profiling revealed enhanced carbohydrate breakdown (p ≤ 0.001) in the BM group and lipid biosynthesis (p ≤ 0.0001) in the OB group pathways. Strong correlations emerged between Lactobacillales and fatty acid biosynthesis (r = 0.7, p ≤ 0.0001) and between Firmicutes and lincosamide (r = 0.8, p ≤ 0.0001). Conclusions: The infants of obese mothers had significantly altered development of the infant gut microbiome, affecting both composition and metabolic potential. These changes may have long-term health consequences and suggest potential therapeutic targets for intervention.

antibiotic resistance genes , early-life microbiota , infant gut microbiome , infant health , maternal obesity , shotgun metagenomics

Text of the article Перейти на текст статьи

Laboratory of Microbiome, Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave., Block S1, Astana, Z05H0P9, Kazakhstan
Department of Children’s Diseases with Courses in Allergology, Hematology and Endocrinology, NJSC “Astana Medical University”, Astana, Z01G6C5, Kazakhstan
Interdisciplinary Sports Research, Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 1 Olympic Ave., Sirius Federal Territory, 354340, Russian Federation
National Center for Biotechnology, Astana, Z05K8D5, Kazakhstan
Innovative Center ArtScience, Astana, Z11F5A9, Kazakhstan
College of Health Sciences, VinUniversity, Gia Lam District, Hanoi, 10000, Viet Nam
Kazakhstan Society of Human Microbiome Researchers, Astana, Z05H0P9, Kazakhstan

Laboratory of Microbiome
Department of Children’s Diseases with Courses in Allergology
Interdisciplinary Sports Research
National Center for Biotechnology
Innovative Center ArtScience
College of Health Sciences
Kazakhstan Society of Human Microbiome Researchers

10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель

Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026