MAMI is a prospective mother-infant birth cohort in the Spanish-Mediterranean area. Mothers were enrolled at the end of pregnancy and families were follow-up during the first years of life. Maternal-infant biological samples were collected at several time points from birth to 24 months of life. We have recruited already more than 250 mother-infant pairs, which represents more than 100% of the expected minimum size of MAMI cohort (n=100). To ensure a successful dissemination activities, we have conducted a large number of communication activities, training session in hospitals, healthcare centers, etc. which was important to engage volunteers and other participants (healthcare professionals, etc.).
MAMI main work-packages are:
• WP1. Mother-Infant Microbiota: Diversity, function and metabolic activities
• WP2. Mother-infant non-microbial components.
• WP3. Host factors in mother & infant
• WP4. Global data integration & Follow-up
MAMI results have shown that maternal diet plays a key role on maternal microbiota and intestinal homeostasis as well as the initial microbial inoculum for infant gut development with potential consequences in later life. Indeed, the distinct microbial inoculum also had an impact on the risk of obesity later in life in a mode of delivery dependent manner, being the C-section neonates the most sensitive ones. In brief, C-section neonates from mothers with more adequate diets shaping specific microbiota presented lower risk of overweight at 18 months age. In lay terms, if mother is going to have a C-section, please, take care of your diet as your microbes would have an impact on offspring development.MAMI results also showed that mode and place of birth influence the neonatal gut microbiota, likely shaping its interplay with the host through the maturation of the intestinal epithelium, regulation of the intestinal epithelial barrier and control of the innate immune system during early life, which can affect the phenotypic responses linked to metabolic processes in infants. Breast milk bioactive compounds were also modulated by maternal diet and perinatal factors having an impact on infants microbiota development. In summary, MAMI highlight the relevance of maternal microbiota on infant microbiota composition and infant growth. MAMI also reported data on the potential perinatal factors shaping maternal mcirobiota being the diet the most relevant one. In this scenario and taking into account that most of the actual evidence is focused on neonates, MAMI demostrated the relevant role of mothers showing that we need to consider mother-infant pair as a single group during early life. All situations and factors altering maternal microbes are going to be reflected in the neonate with consequences for infant growth, development and health. MAMI data warrants further studies focused on maternal side.
