Clinical Research Directory

Impact of Delivery Mode on Infant Gut Microbiota, Visceral Sensitivity, and the Neuroenteric System

The bacteria and other microorganisms that naturally live in the gut (the gut microbiome) play an important role in a baby's early development. Babies born by cesarean section are exposed to different microorganisms at birth than babies born vaginally, which may affect the normal establishment of the gut microbiome.Early changes in the gut microbiome can affect the development and function of the immune system, as well as metabolism and gut function, and may increase the risk of certain diseases later in life. They have also been associated with infant colic, a common condition that may be related to increased sensitivity to abdominal pain. Current approaches to restore the gut microbiome after cesarean birth, such as transferring the mother's vaginal or fecal microbiota, raise important safety concerns. This study aims to better understand how differences in the early gut microbiome influence gut development, immune function, and pain sensitivity, and to identify naturally occurring beneficial bacteria that could provide a safer alternative. To achieve this, the researchers will study stool samples from newborns delivered vaginally or by cesarean section. Gut bacteria will be isolated and characterized in the laboratory, and selected microorganisms will be evaluated in preclinical models to better understand their effects on gut and immune development. The findings may support the development of new probiotic approaches to promote healthy gut microbiome development in infants born by cesarean section and reduce the long-term health consequences of early microbiome disruption.

Resilience to Antibiotic-induced Obesogenic Microbiota: Discovering Mechanism of Microbiota Modulation

The aim is to study whether the microbiota of children who are exposed to antibiotics at birth could be modified by synbiotic supplement and thereby reduce the risk of obesity, chronic diseases and respiratory tract infections. A total of 125 mother-child pairs will be recruited in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Infants are randomized to receive either a synbiotic supplement or a placebo for 2 months, after which their growth and morbidity will be monitored at the research clinic for 2 years.