Zinc Deficiency During Pregnancy Leads to Altered Microbiome and Elevated Inflammatory Markers in Mice.

ABSTRACT: Zinc is an essential trace metal for bacteria of the intestinal flora. Approximately 20% of dietary zinc - intake is used by intestinal bacteria. The microbiome has recently been described as an important factor for healthy brain function via so-called gut-brain interactions. Similarly, zinc deficiency has been associated with neurological problems such as depression, mental lethargy and cognitive impairments in humans and animal models. However, the underlying pathomechanisms are currently not well understood and a link between zinc deficiency and altered microbiota composition has not been studied. Especially during pregnancy, women may be prone to low zinc status. Thus, here, we investigate whether zinc deficiency alters gut-brain interaction in pregnant mice by triggering changes in th

SUBMITTER: Sauer AK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6895961 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature