In: Biology
Babies delivered by Cesarean methods or those who were exposed to antibiotics in the womb may be more prone to diseases like Asthma and diabetes. Why? Remember – explore the molecular basis! Is this statement an uncontested fact?
It is observed that infants delivered by caesarean section and those who were exposed to antibiotics in the womb are more prone of non-communicable diseases like like Asthma, autoimmune disorders, obesity and diabetes. Mode of delivery influences the infant micro biome and immune health. Babies are exposed to maternal bacteria that would occur during the birthing process in vaginal birth, which is bypassed in cesarean deliveries.
This early microbial colonization can alter an individual’s health in later life as these microbes contribute to immune programming and sensitization. These microbes produce and release metabolites and degradation products which react with the developing immune system. In cesarean deliveries, this immune stimulation is much lower. Failure in establishment of this ecosystem in infants and the intrapartum antibiotic administration are factors causing impaired immune system in later life. That is why the infants born by cesarean delivery are at increased risk of asthma and allergies. They are prone to auto immune disorders like type 1 diabetes in which the immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. More diverse microbial communities lead to lower rates of these types of diseases.
The beneficial bacteria that colonize in the gut will be accustomed to the infant's immune system and they train the infant's immune system with the help of Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and Th17 cells. These cells have vital role in the immune system to identify the beneficial bacteria. Actually, the immune system co-evolves with the resident microbes. Treg mediate immunosuppression by the expression of molecules like CD25 and Foxp3 and are pivotal for commensal tolerance. Microbial exposure is required for the induction and maintenance of Tregs, which will be minimal in infants delivered by caesarean section.