Impact of Early-Life Brain Injury on Gut Microbiota Composition in Rodents: Systematic Review with Implications for Neurodevelopment

TL;DR

Early-life brain injuries in rodents disrupt gut microbiota and may contribute to neurodevelopmental issues through gut-brain interactions.

Contribution

This systematic review identifies gut microbiota alterations and gut-brain axis changes following early-life brain injuries in rodent models.

Findings

Early-life brain injury leads to gut dysbiosis with reduced Bacteroidetes and Lactobacillus.

Gut permeability increases, tight junction proteins decrease, and pro-inflammatory cytokines rise.

Neuroinflammation and white matter injury are linked to gut microbiota and metabolic disruptions.

Abstract

Early-life brain injuries are major causes of long-term neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy. Emerging evidence suggests these injuries can alter the gut microbiota composition, intestinal integrity, and neuroinflammatory responses. This systematic review evaluated the impact of early-life brain injuries on the gut microbiota in rodent models. A scientific literature search was conducted across Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase. Initially, 7419 records were identified, and 21 eligible studies were included. Eligible studies focused on evaluating the microbiota alterations and related gut–brain axis markers at the neonatal or post-weaning stages. The data extraction and synthesis followed PRISMA guidelines. Most studies reported gut dysbiosis characterized by a decreased abundance of Bacteroidetes, and Lactobacillus. Alterations were associated with an increased gut permeability, reduced tight junction proteins, and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines. Several studies showed reduced levels of short-chain fatty acids and metabolic pathway disruptions. Brain outcomes included neuroinflammation, white matter injury, altered gene expression, and impaired structural integrity. These results suggest that early-life brain injury induces complex alterations in the gut microbiota and its metabolic products, which may contribute to systemic and neuroinflammatory processes. Understanding these interactions offers insights into the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders and highlights the gut–brain axis as a potential target for early interventions.

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