Frau, Alessandra, Lett, Lauren, Slater, Rachael 
ORCID: 0000-0001-9765-6978, Young, Gregory R, Stewart, Christopher J, Berrington, Janet, Hughes, David M ORCID: 0000-0002-1287-9994, Embleton, Nicholas and Probert, Chris ORCID: 0000-0003-0477-6714
(2021)
The Stool Volatile Metabolome of Pre-Term Babies
MOLECULES, 26 (11).
3341-.
ISSN 1420-3049, 1420-3049
Abstract
The fecal metabolome in early life has seldom been studied. We investigated its evolution in pre-term babies during their first weeks of life. Multiple (n = 152) stool samples were studied from 51 babies, all <32 weeks gestation. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analyzed by headspace solid phase microextraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Data were interpreted using Automated Mass Spectral Deconvolution System (AMDIS) with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) reference library. Statistical analysis was based on linear mixed modelling, the number of VOCs increased over time; a rise was mainly observed between day 5 and day 10. The shift at day 5 was associated with products of branched-chain fatty acids. Prior to this, the metabolome was dominated by aldehydes and acetic acid. Caesarean delivery showed a modest association with molecules of fungal origin. This study shows how the metabolome changes in early life in pre-term babies. The shift in the metabolome 5 days after delivery coincides with the establishment of enteral feeding and the transition from meconium to feces. Great diversity of metabolites was associated with being fed greater volumes of milk.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | metabolome, feces, neonates, fermentation, protein, carbohydrate, short chain fatty acid |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Systems, Molec & Integrative Biology > Inst. Systems, Molec & Integrative Biology |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 02 Jun 2021 12:57 |
| Last Modified: | 16 Jun 2026 09:23 |
| DOI: | 10.3390/molecules26113341 |
| Open Access URL: | https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/11/3341 |
| Related Websites: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3124888 |
| Disclaimer: | The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate. |
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