(PTFS02-03-25) Changes in Gut Microbiota Composition Following Perinatal Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation and Its Association With Brain Functional Connectivity at Weaning

Objectives: We have previously reported that piglets of DHA fed sows had improved brain functional connectivity that may be associated with enhanced cognition. This study aimed to determine the effect of maternal DHA supplementation on fecal microbiota and its association with functional activation of offspring, via the gut-brain axis.

Methods: Sows were fed a diet with or without DHA (75mg/kg BW/day) from late gestation throughout lactation. Analysis of fecal microbiota composition and resting state-functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) were performed in piglets at weaning (n=24).

Results: Maternal DHA intake increased piglet fecal α-diversity, namely the number of observed features, Shannon diversity index, and Faith’s phylogenetic diversity index, by 34.58%, 10.39%, 20.14%, respectively (p < 0.01). UniFrac b-diversity analysis showed a distinct difference between the control and DHA piglet microbiota (p= 0.001). Among the 17 phylum, 45 families, and 77 genera analyzed, the relative abundance of 5 phyla, 8 families, and 20 genera were higher, and 1 phylum, 2 families, and 4 genera were lower in DHA piglets compared to control. rs-fMRI results were consistent with our previous results, with higher cerebellar and visual network activities and lower sensorimotor network activity in DHA piglets compared to control. Notably, the visual network was positively correlated with Pielou’s evenness and Shannon diversity index, while salience network was negatively correlated with Faith’s phylogenetic diversity and the number of observed features (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were observed between various networks and the relative abundance of fecal microbes, such as the association of the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio with default mode and salience networks (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Maternal intake of DHA altered the richness, diversity, and relative abundance of piglet microbiota. The functional networks were correlated with microbial composition, suggesting that the effect of maternal DHA supplementation on functional connectivity of piglet brains may be partly explained by the gut-brain axis.

Funding Sources: The study was supported by the USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture (2020-67017-30839) and the Georgia Experimental Agricultural Station (HATCH, #GEO001002).