High Fructose Intake During Pregnancy in Rats Influences the Maternal Microbiome and Gut Development in the Offspring

Stuart Astbury, Aleida Song, Mi Zhou, Brent Nielsen, Abha Hoedl, Benjamin P. Willing, Michael E. Symonds, Rhonda C. Bell

Studies in pregnant women indicate the maternal microbiome changes during pregnancy so as to benefit the mother and fetus. In contrast, disruption of the maternal microbiota around birth can compromise normal bacterial colonisation of the infant's gastrointestinal tract. This may then inhibit development of the gut so as to increase susceptibility to inflammation and reduce barrier function. The impact of modulating fructose intake on the maternal microbiome through pregnancy is unknown, therefore we examined the effect of fructose supplementation on the maternal microbiome together with the immediate and next generation effects in the offspring. Wistar rat dams were divided into control and fructose fed groups that received 10% fructose in their drinking water from 8 weeks of age and throughout pregnancy (10-13 weeks). Maternal fecal and blood samples were collected pre-mating (9 weeks) and during early (gestational day 4-7) and late pregnancy (gestational day 19-21). We show supplementation of the maternal diet with fructose appears to significantly modulate the maternal microbiome, with a significant reduction in Lactobacillus and Bacteroides. In offspring maintained on this diet up to pregnancy and term there was a reduction in gene expression of markers of gut barrier function that could adversely affect its function. An exacerbated insulin response to pregnancy, reduced birth weight, but increased fat mass was also observed in these offspring. In conclusion dietary supplementation with fructose modulates the maternal microbiome in ways that could adversely affect fetal growth and later gut development.