The gut microbiome of obese postpartum women with and without previous gestational diabetes mellitus and the gut microbiota of their babies

Abstract

Background: The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing worldwide, and has been associated with some changes in the gut microbiota. Studies have shown that the maternal gut microbiota pattern with hyperglycemia can be transmitted to the offspring. The study aimed to evaluate the gut microbiota of obese postpartum women with and without previous GDM and their offspring. Methods: We evaluated a total of 84 puerperal women who had (n = 40) or not GDM (n = 44), and their infants were also included. Stool samples were obtained 2–6 months after delivery. The molecular profile of the fecal microbiota was obtained by sequencing V4 region of 16S rRNA gene (Illumina® MiSeq). Results: We found that the gut microbiota structures of the puerperal women and their infants were similar. Stratifying according to the type of delivery, the relative abundance of Victivallis genus was higher in women who had natural delivery. Exposure to exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a greater abundance of Bacteroides and Staphylococcus. The differential abundance test showed correlations to clinical and laboratory parameters. This work showed no difference in the microbiota of obese puerperal women with and without GDM and their offspring. However, breastfeeding contributed to the ecological succession of the intestinal microbiota of the offspring. Conclusion: This work can contribute to understanding the potential effects of GDM and early life events on the gut microbiome of mothers and their offspring and its possible role in metabolism later in life.