Title:NAFLD at the Interface of the Mother-Infant Dyad
Volume: 26
Issue: 10
Author(s): Sara Bertrando*Pietro Vajro*
Affiliation:
- Clinical Pediatrics and Pediatric Division- University Hospital "S. Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D'Aragona", Salerno,Italy
- Chair of Pediatrics - Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno - Baronissi (Sa),Italy
Keywords:
Breastfeeding, gut microbiota, maternal health benefits, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hyperglycemia.
Abstract:
This review aims to focus the links existing between several aspects of the mother-child dyad in the
intricate playground of obesity and Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), including its hepatic component, the Non-
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). In recent years human and animal model studies have shown that dietary
interventions in mothers and offspring can be successful in reducing the risk of NAFLD development. Evidences
also concern the new concept of a real intergenerational transmission of predisposition to metabolic disorders.
Certain genes, such as SIRT1 and PNPLA3, and some epigenetic modifications, including micro RNAs
function, seem to be responsible for fetal reprogramming in the setting of maternal obesity. These modifiers appear
to be potential therapeutic targets to reduce the risk of future metabolic dysfunctions.
Controlling antepartum hyperglycemia, preventing gestational diabetes, and avoiding excessive weight gain during
pregnancy can help reduce the relentless epidemic of childhood obesity and NAFLD. Also, the composition
of the intestinal microbiota seems to be related to the development of metabolic disorders in the offspring. Several
studies show that breastfed infants have a microbial signature different from formula-fed infants. Much interestingly,
prolonged breastfeeding is beneficial not only for the newborn and his health in adult life, but also for the
mothers’ health. Maternal benefits include reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes
mellitus, myocardial infarction and NAFLD as well.
In conclusion, all above mechanisms appear to intervene synergistically and may act as modifiable risk factors for
infant and mother NAFLD.
