Abstract
The gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) and the immune system of the newborn are immature at birth and need to develop to adapt to the extra-uterine environment. A proper development of the GIT and the immune system in early life is crucial to promote the maturation of the immune system, and to
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support protection against infections or allergy, which are highly prevalent in infants. The maturation of the GIT and the immune system occurs during the first 3 years of life which represents a window of opportunity to establish the proper development of the newborn. Nutrition is known to directly influence the maturation of the GIT and the immune system. Human milk is considered the optimal nutrition for newborns since it is known to be protective against infections, GIT disorders as well as reducing the incidence of developing obesity, diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease later in life. The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months of life. However, according to recent European studies, only 25% of the newborns are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life. Therefore, it is relevant to promote breastfeeding practices. In addition, investigating the specific effects of the bioactive components present in human milk, will help to better understand the beneficial effects of human milk as well as providing opportunities to develop improved alternatives for the newborns that can’t be breastfed. There is no doubt that human milk is the most optimal nutrition for the newborn. However, the mechanisms by which human milk provides protection and supports the maturation and development of the newborn, remain poorly understood. The IEC in the GIT are involved in the absorption of nutrients but also provide a barrier against invading pathogens or harmful antigens. The crosstalk of IEC with immune cells underlying the IEC barrier, by secreting of epithelial mediators, is of key importance to promote appropriate immune responses and to maintain intestinal homeostasis. One type of such mediators are galectins, which are secreted by IEC to regulate and instruct immune cells. To study this crosstalk, in vitro models combining IEC and immune cells are being used. This thesis aims to study specific effects of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOS), non-digestible oligosaccharides (NDO) and postbiotics in the intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) and innate and adaptive immune cells, in order to understand how bioactive components can promote the maturation and development of the GIT and immune system and thereby, support the development in early life.
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