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. 2021 Jun 2;26(11):3341.
doi: 10.3390/molecules26113341.

The Stool Volatile Metabolome of Pre-Term Babies

Alessandra Frau  1 , Lauren Lett  1 , Rachael Slater  1 , Gregory R Young  2 , Christopher J Stewart  3 , Janet Berrington  3   4 , David M Hughes  5 , Nicholas Embleton  4   6 , Chris Probert  1
Affiliations

The Stool Volatile Metabolome of Pre-Term Babies

Alessandra Frau et al. Molecules. .

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.

Keywords: carbohydrate; feces; fermentation; metabolome; neonates; protein; short chain fatty acid.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Scatterplot and boxplots to show the number of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in each of the age groups. Each dot represents a sample (all samples were included, n = 152). (R1 = up to 5 (n = 18), R2 = 6–10 (n = 44), R3 = 11–20 (n = 56), R4 = 21–70 days (n = 34).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Boxplots for a selection of compounds (abundance/age group). Each boxplot represents a compound, and these are grouped according to the type of molecule (i.e., aldehydes, methyl aldehydes, acids, alcohol, esters, and ketone). All samples were included, n = 152.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Boxplots for a selection of compounds (abundance/gestational age and delivery mode). Each boxplot represents a compound, and these are grouped according to the variable of interest (gestational age and delivery mode). All samples were included, n = 152.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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