Projects - GB (Bryan) Gonzales

Paths2Growth - Mapping the paths to impact of the gut microbiome on growth in early life: longitudinal studies in populations at high risk of growth faltering

The main objective of this study is to determine the paths taken by the gut microbiome to influence growth in the first 2 years of life in populations at high risk of growth faltering. First, we aim to demonstrate the mediation effect of plasma choline and PUFA microbial metabolites on the association between gut microbiome composition and growth in a free-living birth cohort in Malawi. Second, we aim to validate these findings by demonstrating the positive role of gut microbial choline and PUFA metabolites on nutritional recovery in children treated for complicated severe malnutrition in Kenya.

Funded by The Global Grants for Gut Health - Nature

Understanding of the aetiology and pathophysiology of kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor is a major public health problem in many parts of the world. The presence of oedema distinguishes the clinical picture of kwashiorkor from the picture of marasmus, a more frequent form of acute malnutrition characterized by a severe wasting. The specific aetiology of kwashiorkor remains elusive despite well-designed studies over the last decades. In collaboration with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Epicentre and Ghent University, we conducted a case-control study in Niger to provide a better and more coherent understanding of the mechanisms and pathogenic pathways leading to kwashiorkor. Blood, urine and faeces samples were subjected to metabolomics, metagenomics, and proteomics analysis in order to determine biochemical markers and microbial genetic factors that could potentially distinguish children with kwashiorkor from children with marasmus and children without malnutrition. This has the potential to open doors for developing effective prevention strategies, improving management and treatment, and reducing the mortality of kwashiorkor.

Funded by MSF Innovation Fund