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Zhou W, Zhou Y, Zhang S, Li B, Li Z, Bai Z, Sun D, Huangfu C, Wang N, Xia T, Huang C, Guan L, Yang X, Hu Y, Zhang P, Shen P, Wang R, Ni Z, Gao Y. Gut microbiota's role in high-altitude cognitive impairment: the therapeutic potential of Clostridium sp. supplementation. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2025; 68:1132-1148. [PMID: 39704932 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-024-2779-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 11/13/2024] [Indexed: 12/21/2024]
Abstract
Prolonged exposure to high-altitude environments may increase the risk of cognitive decline in young migrants. Recent studies suggest that hypobaric hypoxia-induced alterations in gut microbial composition could partly contribute to this risk. However, the absence of direct evidence from cohort studies and an unclear mechanism hinder intervention development based on this hypothesis. This study recruited 109 young male migrants living in Xizang to investigate the microbial mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment associated with high-altitude migration. Multi-omic analysis revealed distinct microbiome and metabolome features in migrants with cognitive decline, notably a reduced abundance of Clostridium species and disrupted fecal absorption of L-valine. Mechanistic studies showed that hypobaric hypoxia significantly damaged the intestinal barrier, leading to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leakage and an influx of inflammatory factors into the peripheral blood, which activated microglia and caused neuronal injury in the hippocampus of mice. Additionally, compromised L-valine absorption due to intestinal barrier damage correlated with lower hippocampal glutamate levels and neurotrophic factors. Intervention with Clostridium sp. effectively restored the intestinal barrier and enhanced L-valine absorption, which mitigated hypobaric hypoxia-induced inflammation and hippocampal neural damage in mice. In conclusion, cognitive impairment among young migrants at high altitude may be attributed to hypobaric hypoxia-induced gut microbiota disruption and subsequent intestinal barrier dysfunction. This study may provide a promising approach for preventing and treating high-altitude-associated cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Yongqiang Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Shikun Zhang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Bin Li
- Mountain Sickness Research Institute, No.950 Hospital, Yecheng, 844900, China
| | - Zhong Li
- Department of Stomatology, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Zhijie Bai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Dezhi Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Chaoji Huangfu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Ningning Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Tiantian Xia
- Medical School of Qinghai University, Xining, 810016, China
| | - Congshu Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Lina Guan
- General Hospital of Xinjiang Military Command, Urumqi, 830000, China
| | - Xi Yang
- General Hospital of Xinjiang Military Command, Urumqi, 830000, China
| | - Yangyi Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Pan Shen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Rui Wang
- General Hospital of Xinjiang Military Command, Urumqi, 830000, China.
| | - Zhexin Ni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Yue Gao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
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Zhao Z, Zhang X, Sun N, Duan L, Xin J, Li H, Ni X, Wang H, Ma H, Bai Y. Lactobacillus johnsonii HL79 modulates the microbiota-gut-brain axis to protect cognitive function in mice chronically exposed to high altitude. Front Microbiol 2025; 16:1561400. [PMID: 40124891 PMCID: PMC11925889 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1561400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2025] [Accepted: 02/19/2025] [Indexed: 03/25/2025] Open
Abstract
Introduction High-altitude environments have significant effects on brain function, particularly a decline in cognitive function, due to insufficient oxygen supply. The microbiome-gut-brain axis (MGBA) plays an important role in regulating cognitive function, but its specific mechanism of action in high-altitude environments is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the probiotic Lactobacillus johnsonii HL79 could alleviate high altitude-induced cognitive dysfunction in mice by modulating the gut microbiota. Methods and results Sixty C57BL/6 mice aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into four groups: control, high altitude exposure (HA), HL79-treated (P), and high altitude exposure plus HL79-treated (HAP). the HA and HAP groups were exposed to a low-pressure oxygen chamber at a simulated altitude of 3,500-4,000 m for 20 weeks, while the Control and P groups were maintained at the normal barometric pressure level. Probiotic HL79 was given daily by gavage in the P and HAP groups, while saline gavage was given daily in the other two groups. The cognitive functions of the mice were assessed by new object recognition test and elevated plus maze test. The results showed that HL79 treatment significantly improved the working memory abilities of high altitude exposed mice. In addition, HL79 treatment improved antioxidant capacity, decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in serum and whole brain tissue. Gut microbiota analysis showed that HL79 was able to modulate the structure of gut microbiota and increase the relative abundance of beneficial flora in high altitude environment. Conclusion Lactobacillus johnsonii HL79 significantly ameliorated cognitive dysfunction in high altitude-exposed mice by modulating the gut microbiota and antioxidant capacity, further confirming the important role of MGBA in high altitude environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifang Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Gastroenterology of Guangdong Province, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Institution of Drug Clinical Trial, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Medical College of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xufei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of High Altitudes Brain, Science and Environmental Acclimation, Tibet University, Lhasa, China
- Plateau Brain Science Research Center, Tibet University, Lhasa, China
- Tibet Autonomous Region Psychological Society, Lhasa, China
| | - Ning Sun
- Animal Microecology Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lixiao Duan
- Animal Microecology Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinge Xin
- Baiyun Branch, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Li
- Key Laboratory of High Altitudes Brain, Science and Environmental Acclimation, Tibet University, Lhasa, China
- Plateau Brain Science Research Center, Tibet University, Lhasa, China
- Tibet Autonomous Region Psychological Society, Lhasa, China
| | - Xueqin Ni
- Animal Microecology Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hesong Wang
- Baiyun Branch, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hailin Ma
- Key Laboratory of High Altitudes Brain, Science and Environmental Acclimation, Tibet University, Lhasa, China
- Plateau Brain Science Research Center, Tibet University, Lhasa, China
- Tibet Autonomous Region Psychological Society, Lhasa, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Gastroenterology of Guangdong Province, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Baiyun Branch, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Liu D, Chen D, Xiao J, Wang W, Zhang LJ, Peng H, Han C, Yao H. High-altitude-induced alterations in intestinal microbiota. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1369627. [PMID: 38784803 PMCID: PMC11111974 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1369627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In high-altitude environments characterized by low pressure and oxygen levels, the intestinal microbiota undergoes significant alterations. Whether individuals are subjected to prolonged exposure or acute altitude changes, these conditions lead to shifts in both the diversity and abundance of intestinal microbiota and changes in their composition. While these alterations represent adaptations to high-altitude conditions, they may also pose health risks through certain mechanisms. Changes in the intestinal microbiota induced by high altitudes can compromise the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier, resulting in gastrointestinal dysfunction and an increased susceptibility to acute mountain sickness (AMS). Moreover, alterations in the intestinal microbiota have been implicated in the induction or exacerbation of chronic heart failure. Targeted modulation of the intestinal microbiota holds promise in mitigating high-altitude-related cardiac damage. Dietary interventions, such as adopting a high-carbohydrate, high-fiber, low-protein, and low-fat diet, can help regulate the effects of intestinal microbiota and their metabolic byproducts on intestinal health. Additionally, supplementation with probiotics, either through dietary sources or medications, offers a means of modulating the composition of the intestinal microbiota. These interventions may offer beneficial effects in preventing and alleviating AMS following acute exposure to high altitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, General Hospital of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Western Theater, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center, General Hospital of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Western Theater, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jian Xiao
- Department of Endocrinology, General Hospital of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Western Theater, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, General Hospital of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Western Theater, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li-Juan Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, General Hospital of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Western Theater, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Peng
- Department of Endocrinology, General Hospital of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Western Theater, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chuan Han
- Department of Endocrinology, General Hospital of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Western Theater, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hao Yao
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center, General Hospital of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Western Theater, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Damgaard V, Mariegaard J, Lindhardsen JM, Ehrenreich H, Miskowiak KW. Neuroprotective Effects of Moderate Hypoxia: A Systematic Review. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1648. [PMID: 38137096 PMCID: PMC10741927 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence highlights moderate hypoxia as a candidate treatment for brain disorders. This systematic review examines findings and the methodological quality of studies investigating hypoxia (10-16% O2) for ≥14 days in humans, as well as the neurobiological mechanisms triggered by hypoxia in animals, and suggests optimal treatment protocols to guide future studies. We followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2020. Searches were performed on PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycInfo, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, in May-September 2023. Two authors independently reviewed the human studies with the following tools: (1) revised Cochrane collaboration's risk of bias for randomized trials 2.0; (2) the risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions. We identified 58 eligible studies (k = 8 human studies with N = 274 individuals; k = 48 animal studies) reporting the effects of hypoxia on cognition, motor function, neuroimaging, neuronal/synaptic morphology, inflammation, oxidative stress, erythropoietin, neurotrophins, and Alzheimer's disease markers. A total of 75% of human studies indicated cognitive and/or neurological benefits, although all studies were evaluated ashigh risk of bias due to a lack of randomization and assessor blinding. Low-dose intermittent or continuous hypoxia repeated for 30-240 min sessions, preferably in combination with motor-cognitive training, produced beneficial effects, and high-dose hypoxia with longer (≥6 h) durations and chronic exposure produced more adverse effects. Larger and methodologically stronger translational studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Damgaard
- Neurocognition and Emotion in Affective Disorders (NEAD) Centre, Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Hovedvejen 17, DK-2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark; (V.D.); (J.M.)
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, DK-1353 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Johanna Mariegaard
- Neurocognition and Emotion in Affective Disorders (NEAD) Centre, Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Hovedvejen 17, DK-2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark; (V.D.); (J.M.)
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, DK-1353 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Julie Marie Lindhardsen
- Neurocognition and Emotion in Affective Disorders (NEAD) Centre, Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Hovedvejen 17, DK-2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark; (V.D.); (J.M.)
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, DK-1353 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hannelore Ehrenreich
- University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
- Clinical Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, City Campus, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kamilla Woznica Miskowiak
- Neurocognition and Emotion in Affective Disorders (NEAD) Centre, Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Hospital, Hovedvejen 17, DK-2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark; (V.D.); (J.M.)
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, DK-1353 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Zhang X, Jia X, Wang S, Xin J, Sun N, Wang Y, Zhang X, Wan Z, Fan J, Li H, Bai Y, Ni X, Huang Y, Wang H, Ma H. Disrupted gut microbiota aggravates spatial memory dysfunction induced by high altitude exposure: A link between plateau environment and microbiome-gut-brain axis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 259:115035. [PMID: 37224779 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 400 million people work and live in high-altitude areas and suffer from memory dysfunction worldwide. Until now, the role of the intestinal flora in plateau-induced brain damage has rarely been reported. To address this, we investigated the effect of intestinal flora on spatial memory impairment induced by high altitudes based on the microbiome-gut-brain axis theory. C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups: control, high-altitude (HA), and high-altitude antibiotic treatment (HAA) group. The HA and HAA groups were exposed to a low-pressure oxygen chamber that simulated an altitude of 4000 m above sea level (m. a. s.l.) for 14 days, with the air pressure in the chamber set at 60-65 kPa. The results showed that spatial memory dysfunction induced by the high-altitude environment was aggravated by antibiotic treatment, manifesting as lowered escape latency and hippocampal memory-related proteins (BDNF and PSD-95). 16 S rRNA sequencing showed a remarkable separation of the ileal microbiota among the three groups. Antibiotic treatment exacerbated the reduced richness and diversity of the ileal microbiota in mice in the HA group. Lactobacillaceae were the main target bacteria and were significantly reduced in the HA group, which was exacerbated by antibiotic treatment. Meanwhile, reduced intestinal permeability and ileal immune function in mice exposed high-altitude environment was also aggravated by antibiotic treatment, as indicated by the lowered tight junction proteins and IL-1β and IFN-γ levels. Furthermore, indicator species analysis and Netshift co-analysis revealed that Lactobacillaceae (ASV11) and Corynebacteriaceae (ASV78, ASV25, and ASV47) play important roles in high-altitude exposure-induced memory dysfunction. Interestingly, ASV78 was negatively correlated with IL-1β and IFN-γ levels, indicating that ASV78 may be induced by reduced ileal immune function, which mediates high-altitude environment exposure-induced memory dysfunction. This study provides evidence that the intestinal flora is effective in preventing brain dysfunction caused by exposure to high-altitude environments, suggesting a relationship between the microbiome-gut-brain axis and altitude exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufei Zhang
- Plateau Brain Science Research Center, Tibet University, Lhasa, Tibet, China
| | - Xianhao Jia
- Plateau Brain Science Research Center, Tibet University, Lhasa, Tibet, China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- Baiyun Branch, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinge Xin
- Baiyun Branch, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangzhou Beneco biotechnology Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ning Sun
- Animal Microecology Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanyan Wang
- Animal Microecology Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xingting Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Gastroenterology of Guangdong Province, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wan
- Animal Microecology Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Fan
- Plateau Brain Science Research Center, Tibet University, Lhasa, Tibet, China
| | - Hao Li
- Plateau Brain Science Research Center, Tibet University, Lhasa, Tibet, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Baiyun Branch, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Gastroenterology of Guangdong Province, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xueqin Ni
- Animal Microecology Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yongmei Huang
- Baiyun Branch, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Hesong Wang
- Baiyun Branch, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Hailin Ma
- Plateau Brain Science Research Center, Tibet University, Lhasa, Tibet, China.
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