Gut microbiota health closely associates with PCB153-derived risk of host diseases

Metabolomics Insights into Gut Microbiota and Functional Constipation

Background: The composition and metabolic activity of the gut microbiota play a crucial role in various health conditions, including the occurrence and development of chronic constipation. Recent metabolomic advances reveal that gut microbiota-derived metabolites-such as SCFAs, bile acids, neurotransmitters, and microbial gases-play critical roles in regulating intestinal function. Methods: We systematically analyzed the current literature on microbial metabolomics in chronic constipation. This review consolidates findings from high-throughput metabolomic techniques (GC-MS, LC-MS, NMR) comparing metabolic profiles of constipated patients with healthy individuals. It also examines diagnostic improvements and personalized treatments, including fecal microbiota transplantation and neuromodulation, guided by these metabolomic insights. Results: This review shows that reduced SCFA levels impair intestinal motility and promote inflammation. An altered bile acid metabolism-with decreased secondary bile acids like deoxycholic acid-disrupts receptor-mediated signaling, further affecting motility. Additionally, imbalances in amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter production contribute to neuromuscular dysfunction, while variations in microbial gas production (e.g., methane vs. hydrogen) further modulate gut transit. Conclusions: Integrating metabolomics with gut microbiota research clarifies how specific microbial metabolites regulate gut function. These insights offer promising directions for precision diagnostics and targeted therapies to restore microbial balance and improve intestinal motility.

Effects of perfluorolauric acid exposure on intestinal microbial community and physiological health indicators in mice

The present study aims to investigate the effects of Perfluorolauric Acid (PFLA) on the gut microbiota community and the physiological health of mice. The experiment was conducted by setting a control group (CTRL) and an experimental group (PFLA), exposing mice to PFLA and observing changes in their gut microbiota community and physiological health indicators. The results showed that exposure to PFLA significantly altered the β diversity of the gut microbiota in mice, as evidenced by NMDS, PCoA, and PCA analyses, indicating a clear change in microbial community structure between the PFLA group and the CTRL group. Moreover, PFLA led to a decrease in α diversity of the gut microbiota, with certain specific species such as CryptoBacteroides significantly increasing in the PFLA group while Odoribacter_laneus decreased. In terms of physiological health, exposure to PFLA resulted in increased liver inflammation, lipid abnormalities, and caused histological changes in the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and damage to glandular structures. These findings suggest that PFLA has adverse effects on the gut microbiota community and physiological health of mice. This study can provide foundational data and references for the pollution control of PFLA.

Effects of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Microplastic Particles on Gut Microbiota Composition and Health Status in Rabbit Livestock

The widespread use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and its entry into humans and livestock is of serious concern. In our study, we investigated the impact of PVC treatments on physiological, pathological, hormonal, and microbiota changes in female rabbits. Trend-like alterations in weight were observed in the spleen, liver, and kidney in both low (P1) and high dose (P2) PVC treatment groups. Histopathological examination revealed exfoliation of the intestinal mucosa in the treated groups compared to the control, and microplastic particles were penetrated and embedded in the spleen. Furthermore, both P1 and P2 showed increased 17-beta-estradiol (E2) hormone levels, indicating early sexual maturation. Moreover, the elevated tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels suggest inflammatory reactions associated with PVC treatment. Genus-level analyses of the gut microbiota in group P2 showed several genera with increased or decreased abundance. In conclusion, significant or trend-like correlations were demonstrated between the PVC content of feed and physiological, pathological, and microbiota parameters. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the broad-spectrum effects of PVC microplastic exposure in rabbits. These results highlight the potential health risks associated with PVC microplastic exposure, warranting further investigations in both animals and humans.

Genetic variants reduced POPs-related colorectal cancer risk via altering miRNA binding affinity and m6A modification

Exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may contribute to colorectal cancer risk, but the underlying mechanisms of crucial POPs exposure remain unclear. Hence, we systematically investigated the associations among POPs exposure, genetics and epigenetics and their effects on colorectal cancer. A case-control study was conducted in the Chinese population for detecting POPs levels. We measured the concentrations of 24 POPs in the plasma using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and evaluated the clinical significance of POPs by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). To assess the associations between candidate genetic variants and colorectal cancer risk, unconditional logistic regression was used. Compared with healthy control individuals, individuals with colorectal cancer exhibited higher concentrations of the majority of POPs. Exposure to PCB153 was positively associated with colorectal cancer risk, and PCB153 demonstrated superior accuracy (AUC=0.72) for predicting colorectal cancer compared to other analytes. On PCB153-related genes, the rs67734009 C allele was significantly associated with reduced colorectal cancer risk and lower plasma levels of PCB153. Moreover, rs67734009 exhibited an expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) effect on ESR1, of which the expression level was negatively related to PCB153 concentration. Mechanistically, the risk allele of rs67734009 increased ESR1 expression via miR-3492 binding and m6A modification. Collectively, this study sheds light on potential genetic and epigenetic mechanisms linking PCB153 exposure and colorectal cancer risk, thereby providing insight into the accurate protection against POPs exposure.

Effect of Moringa oleifera leaf polysaccharide on the composition of intestinal microbiota in mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis

Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) is a natural plant that has excellent nutritional and medicinal potential. M. oleifera leaves (MOL) contain several bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effect of MOL polysaccharide (MOLP) on intestinal flora in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) mice. DSS-induced colitis was deemed to be a well-characterized experimental colitis model for investigating the protective effect of drugs on UC. In this study, we stimulated the experimental mice with DSS 4% for 7 days and prepared the high dose of MOLP (MOLP-H) in order to evaluate its effect on intestinal flora in DSS-induced UC mice, comparing three experimental groups, including the control, DSS model, and DSS + MOLP-H (100 mg/kg/day). At the end of the experiment, feces were collected, and the changes in intestinal flora in DSS-induced mice were analyzed based on 16S rDNA high throughput sequencing technology. The results showed that the Shannon, Simpson, and observed species indices of abundance decreased in the DSS group compared with the control group. However, the indices mentioned above were increased in the MOLP-H group. According to beta diversity analysis, the DSS group showed low bacterial diversity and the distance between the control and MOLP-H groups, respectively. In addition, compared with the control group, the relative abundance of Firmicutes in the DSS group decreased and the abundance of Helicobacter increased, while MOLP-H treatment improves intestinal health by enhancing the number of beneficial organisms, including Firmicutes, while reducing the number of pathogenic organisms, such as Helicobacter. In conclusion, these findings suggest that MOLP-H may be a viable prebiotic with health-promoting properties.

Microbiome analysis reveals the differences in gut fungal community between Dutch Warmblood and Mongolian horses

Similar to gut bacterial community, gut fungal community are also an important part of the gut microbiota and play crucial roles in host immune regulation and metabolism. However, most studies have focused on the gut bacterial community, and research on the gut fungal community has been limited. Dutch Warmblood (DWH) and Mongolian horses (MGH) are important equine breeds, but little research has been done on their gut fungal community. Here, we assessed differences in gut fungal community between two horse species. Results showed that a total of 2159 OTUs were found in the Dutch Warmblood and Mongolian horses, of which 308 were common. Between-group analyzes of microbial diversity showed no differences in the alpha and beta diversity of gut fungal community between the two horse species. Microbiological taxonomic surveys showed that the dominant fungal phyla (Neocallimastigomycota and Ascomycota) and genera (unclassified_Neocallimastigaceae and Anaeromyces) were the same without being affected by species. Although the types of dominant fungal phyla did not change, the abundances of some fungal genera changed significantly. Results of Metastats analysis showed that there were a total of 206 fungal genera that were significantly different between the two horses, among which 78 genera showed an increase and 127 genera significantly decreased in Dutch Warmblood horses compared with Mongolian horses. In conclusion, this study investigated the composition and structure of the gut fungal community of Dutch Warmblood and Mongolian horses and found significant differences in gut fungal community between both breeds. Notably, this is the first exploration of the differences in the gut fungal community of both breeds, which may help to understand the distribution characteristics of the gut fungal community of different breeds of horses and reveal the differences in the traits of different horses.

Anthocyanin-rich blue potato meals protect against polychlorinated biphenyl-mediated disruption of short-chain fatty acid production and gut microbiota profiles in a simulated human digestion model

Background

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants associated with a wide variety of adverse human health outcomes. PCB 126 and PCB 153 are among the most prevalent congeners associated with human exposure. Emerging studies have suggested that PCB exposure leads to lower gut microbial diversity although their effects on microbial production of health promoting short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) has been scarcely studied. Blue potatoes are rich in anthocyanins (ACNs), which is a class of polyphenols that promote the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and increase the generation of SCFAs. A batch-culture, pH-controlled, stirred system containing human fecal microbial communities was utilized to assess whether human gut microbiota composition and SCFA production are affected by: (a) PCB 126 and PCB 153 exposure; and (b) ACN-rich digests in the presence and absence of the PCB congeners.

Methods

Anthocyanin-rich blue potato meals (11.03 g) were digested over 12 h with and without PCB 126 (0.5 mM) and PCB 153 (0.5 mM) using an in vitro simulated gut digestion model involving upper gastrointestinal digestion followed by metabolism by human fecal microbiota. Fecal digests were collected for analysis of gut microbial and SCFA profiles.

Results

Polychlorinated biphenyl-exposed fecal samples showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in species richness and a significantly (p < 0.05) different microbial community structure. PCB treatment was associated with an increased (p < 0.05) relative abundance of Akkermansia, Eggerthella, and Bifidobacterium and a decreased (p < 0.05) relative abundance of Veillonella, Streptococcus, and Holdemanella. ACN digests counteracted the altered abundances of Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium seen with the PCB treatment. PCB exposure was associated with a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in total SCFA and acetate concentrations. ACN digests were associated with significantly (p < 0.05) higher SCFA and acetate concentrations in the presence and absence of PCBs.

Conclusion

Human fecal matter exposed to PCB 126 and PCB 153 led to decreased abundance and altered gut microbiota profiles as well as lowered SCFA and acetate levels. Importantly, this study showed that prebiotic ACN-rich potatoes counteract PCB-mediated disruptions in human gut microbiota profiles and SCFA production.

Adverse health effects of emerging contaminants on inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is becoming increasingly prevalent with the improvement of people's living standards in recent years, especially in urban areas. The emerging environmental contaminant is a newly-proposed concept in the progress of industrialization and modernization, referring to synthetic chemicals that were not noticed or researched before, which may lead to many chronic diseases, including IBD. The emerging contaminants mainly include microplastics, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, chemical herbicides, heavy metals, and persisting organic pollutants. In this review, we summarize the adverse health effect of these emerging contaminants on humans and their relationships with IBD. Therefore, we can better understand the impact of these new emerging contaminants on IBD, minimize their exposures, and lower the future incidence of IBD.

Effect of exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals in obesity and neurodevelopment: The genetic and microbiota link

Current evidence highlights the importance of the genetic component in obesity and neurodevelopmental disorders (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID)), given that these diseases have reported an elevated heritability. Additionally, environmental stressors, such as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been classified as obesogens, neuroendocrine disruptors, and microbiota disrupting chemicals (MDCs). For this reason, the importance of this work lies in examining two possible biological mechanistic pathways linking obesity and neurodevelopmental/behavioural disorders: EDCs - gene and EDCs - microbiota interactions. First, we summarise the shared mechanisms of action of EDCs and the common genetic profile in the bidirectional link between obesity and neurodevelopment. In relation to interaction models, evidence from the reviewed studies reveals significant interactions between pesticides/heavy metals and gene polymorphisms of detoxifying and neurotransmission systems and metal homeostasis on cognitive development, ASD and ADHD symptomatology. Nonetheless, available literature about obesity is quite limited. Importantly, EDCs have been found to induce gut microbiota changes through gut-brain-microbiota axis conferring susceptibility to obesity and neurodevelopmental disorders. In view of the lack of studies assessing the impact of EDCs - gene interactions and EDCs - mediated dysbiosis jointly in obesity and neurodevelopment, we support considering genetics, EDCs exposure, and microbiota as interactive factors rather than individual contributors to the risk for developing obesity and neurodevelopmental disabilities at the same time.

Moringa oleifera polysaccharide regulates colonic microbiota and immune repertoire in C57BL/6 mice

This study investigated the effects of Moringa oleifera polysaccharide (MOP) on serum immune indices, immune organ indices, colonic microflora and immune repertoire of mice. Forty male SPF C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups and subjected to gavage of 0, 20, 40 and 60 mg/kg MOP for 28 days. Mice were sacrificed on the last day of the experiment and their thymus, spleen, blood and colon contents were collected for further detection. Our findings suggested that MOP could significantly increase the thymus index (P < 0.01) and spleen index (P < 0.05), and significantly decrease the levels of interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α in mice (P < 0.05). And MOP could regulate the proportion of colonic microflora of mice, significantly increase the abundance of Muribaculaceae and significantly decrease the abundance values of Proteobacteria, Helicobacter, Stenotrophomonas, etc (P < 0.05). In addition, MOP could regulate the usage frequencies of TRBV15 (P = 0.06) and TRBV9 (P = 0.10) on the TCRα chain and 9 V-J pairs were found to have remarkable usage frequency changes. These results implied that MOP exerted positive effects on the immune performance and intestinal health of mice.