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14 pages, 2682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Microplastic Exposure on Blood Glucose Levels and Gut Microbiota: Differential Effects under Normal or High-Fat Diet Conditions

by Manjin Xu, Huixia Niu, Lizhi Wu, Mingluan Xing, Zhe Mo, Zhijian Chen, Xueqing Li and Xiaoming Lou

Metabolites 2024, 14(9), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14090504 - 18 Sep 2024

Viewed by 972

Abstract

Microplastics are emerging pollutants that have garnered significant attention, with evidence suggesting their association with the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In order to assess the impact of polystyrene microplastic exposure on alterations in the gut microbiota and the subsequent implications for [...] Read more.

Microplastics are emerging pollutants that have garnered significant attention, with evidence suggesting their association with the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In order to assess the impact of polystyrene microplastic exposure on alterations in the gut microbiota and the subsequent implications for glucose dysregulation under different dietary conditions in mice, we investigated the effects and disparities in the blood glucose levels induced by polystyrene microplastic exposure in mice fed a high-fat diet versus those fed a normal diet. Using 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analyses, we explored the dynamic changes and discrepancies in the gut microbiota stability induced by polystyrene microplastic exposure under varied dietary conditions, and we screened for gut genera associated with the potential of polystyrene microplastics to disrupt glucose homeostasis. Our findings indicate that a high-fat diet resulted in abnormal mouse body weight, energy intake, blood glucose levels and related metabolic parameters. Additionally, polystyrene microplastic exposure exacerbated the glucose metabolism disorders induced by a high-fat diet. Furthermore, the composition and diversity of the mouse gut microbiota were significantly altered following microplastic exposure, with 11 gut genera exhibiting a differential presence between mice fed a high-fat diet combined with microplastic exposure compared to those fed a normal diet with microplastic exposure. Moreover, Ucg-009 played an intermediary role in the association between a high-fat diet and the fasting blood glucose. Hence, our study demonstrates that polystyrene microplastic exposure exacerbates high-fat diet-induced glucose metabolism disorders, whereas its impact on the blood glucose under normal dietary conditions is not significant, highlighting the differential influence attributable to distinct alterations in characteristic gut genera. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Environmental Exposure on Host and Microbial Metabolism)

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15 pages, 3983 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Dose–Response Effect of Fluoride Exposure on the Gut Microbiome and Its Functional Pathways in Rats

by Zhe Mo, Jian Wang, Xinyue Meng, Ailin Li, Zhe Li, Wenjun Que, Tuo Wang, Korto Fatti Tarnue, Xu Ma, Ying Liu, Shirui Yan, Lei Wu, Rui Zhang, Junrui Pei and Xiaofeng Wang

Metabolites 2023, 13(11), 1159; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13111159 - 17 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2089

Abstract

Metabolic activities within the gut microbiome are intimately linked to human health and disease, especially within the context of environmental exposure and its potential ramifications. Perturbations within this microbiome, termed “gut microbiome perturbations”, have emerged as plausible intermediaries in the onset or exacerbation [...] Read more.

Metabolic activities within the gut microbiome are intimately linked to human health and disease, especially within the context of environmental exposure and its potential ramifications. Perturbations within this microbiome, termed “gut microbiome perturbations”, have emerged as plausible intermediaries in the onset or exacerbation of diseases following environmental chemical exposures, with fluoride being a compound of particular concern. Despite the well-documented adverse impacts of excessive fluoride on various human physiological systems—ranging from skeletal to neurological—the nuanced dynamics between fluoride exposure, the gut microbiome, and the resulting dose–response relationship remains a scientific enigma. Leveraging the precision of 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, this study meticulously examines the ramifications of diverse fluoride concentrations on the gut microbiome’s composition and functional capabilities within Wistar rats. Our findings indicate a profound shift in the intestinal microbial composition following fluoride exposure, marked by a dose-dependent modulation in the abundance of key genera, including Pelagibacterium, Bilophila, Turicibacter, and Roseburia. Moreover, discernible alterations were observed in critical functional and metabolic pathways of the microbiome, such as D-lyxose ketol-isomerase and DNA polymerase III subunit gamma/tau, underscoring the broad-reaching implications of fluoride exposure. Intriguingly, correlation analyses elucidated strong associations between specific bacterial co-abundance groups (CAGs) and these shifted metabolic pathways. In essence, fluoride exposure not only perturbs the compositional equilibrium of the gut microbiota but also instigates profound shifts in its metabolic landscape. These intricate alterations may provide a mechanistic foundation for understanding fluoride’s potential toxicological effects mediated via gut microbiome modulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Environmental Exposure on Host and Microbial Metabolism)

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16 pages, 3518 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Deciphering Gut Microbiome Responses upon Microplastic Exposure via Integrating Metagenomics and Activity-Based Metabolomics

by Pengcheng Tu, Jingchuan Xue, Huixia Niu, Qiong Tang, Zhe Mo, Xiaodong Zheng, Lizhi Wu, Zhijian Chen, Yanpeng Cai and Xiaofeng Wang

Metabolites 2023, 13(4), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13040530 - 7 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2645

Abstract

Perturbations of the gut microbiome are often intertwined with the onset and development of diverse metabolic diseases. It has been suggested that gut microbiome perturbation could be a potential mechanism through which environmental chemical exposure induces or exacerbates human diseases. Microplastic pollution, an [...] Read more.

Perturbations of the gut microbiome are often intertwined with the onset and development of diverse metabolic diseases. It has been suggested that gut microbiome perturbation could be a potential mechanism through which environmental chemical exposure induces or exacerbates human diseases. Microplastic pollution, an emerging environmental issue, has received ever increasing attention in recent years. However, interactions between microplastic exposure and the gut microbiota remain elusive. This study aimed to decipher the responses of the gut microbiome upon microplastic polystyrene (MP) exposure by integrating 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing with metabolomic profiling techniques using a C57BL/6 mouse model. The results indicated that MP exposure significantly perturbed aspects of the gut microbiota, including its composition, diversity, and functional pathways that are involved in xenobiotic metabolism. A distinct metabolite profile was observed in mice with MP exposure, which probably resulted from changes in gut bacterial composition. Specifically, untargeted metabolomics revealed that levels of metabolites associated with cholesterol metabolism, primary and secondary bile acid biosynthesis, and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism were changed significantly. Targeted approaches indicated significant perturbation with respect to the levels of short-chain fatty acids derived from the gut microbiota. This study can provide evidence for the missing link in understanding the mechanisms behind the toxic effects of microplastics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Environmental Exposure on Host and Microbial Metabolism)

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16 pages, 3526 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oral Exposure to Epoxiconazole Disturbed the Gut Micro-Environment and Metabolic Profiling in Male Mice

by You Weng, Ting Xu, Caihong Wang and Yuanxiang Jin

Metabolites 2023, 13(4), 522; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13040522 - 5 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1892

Abstract

Epoxiconazole (EPX), a triazole fungicide, is widely used in agriculture to control pests and diseases. High residual and occupational exposure to EPX increases health risks, and evidence of potential harm to mammals remains to be added. In the present study, 6-week-old male mice [...] Read more.

Epoxiconazole (EPX), a triazole fungicide, is widely used in agriculture to control pests and diseases. High residual and occupational exposure to EPX increases health risks, and evidence of potential harm to mammals remains to be added. In the present study, 6-week-old male mice were exposed to 10 and 50 mg/kg bw EPX for 28 days. The results showed that EPX significantly increased the liver weights. EPX also decreased the mucus secretion of the colon and altered intestinal barrier function in mice including a reduced expression of some genes (Muc2, meprinβ, tjp1). Moreover, EPX altered the composition and abundance of gut microbiota in the colon of mice. The alpha diversity indices (Shannon, Simpson) in the gut microbiota increased after exposure to EPX for 28 days. Interestingly, EPX increased the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroides and the abundance of other harmful bacteria including Helicobacter and Alistipes. Based on the untargeted metabolomic analysis, it was found that EPX altered the metabolic profiles of the liver in mice. KEGG analysis of differential metabolites revealed that EPX disrupted the pathway related to glycolipid metabolism, and the mRNA levels of related genes were also confirmed. In addition, the correlation analysis showed that the most altered harmful bacteria were associated with some significantly altered metabolites. The findings highlight that EPX exposure changed the micro-environment and lipid metabolism disturbance. These results also suggest that the potential toxicity of triazole fungicides to mammals cannot be ignored. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Environmental Exposure on Host and Microbial Metabolism)

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Review

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24 pages, 3004 KiB

Open AccessReview

Non/Low-Caloric Artificial Sweeteners and Gut Microbiome: From Perturbed Species to Mechanisms

by Jiahao Feng, Jingya Peng, Yun-Chung Hsiao, Chih-Wei Liu, Yifei Yang, Haoduo Zhao, Taylor Teitelbaum, Xueying Wang and Kun Lu

Metabolites 2024, 14(10), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14100544 - 11 Oct 2024

Viewed by 562

Abstract

Background: Non/low-caloric artificial sweeteners (NAS) are recognized as chemical additives substituting sugars to avoid caloric intake and subsequent sugar-derived diseases such as diabetes and hyperglycemia. Six NAS have been claimed safe and are authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for [...] Read more.

Background: Non/low-caloric artificial sweeteners (NAS) are recognized as chemical additives substituting sugars to avoid caloric intake and subsequent sugar-derived diseases such as diabetes and hyperglycemia. Six NAS have been claimed safe and are authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for public use, with acceptable daily intake information available: aspartame, acesulfame-K, saccharin, sucralose, neotame, and advantame. However, the impacts of NAS on the gut microbiome have raised potential concerns, since sporadic research revealed NAS-induced microbial changes in the gastrointestinal tracts and alterations in the microbiome–host interactive metabolism. Methods: Given the fact that the gut microbiome influences kaleidoscopic physiological functions in host health, this review aimed to decipher the impacts of NAS on the gut microbiome by implementing a comprehensive two-stage literature analysis based on each NAS. Results: This review documented disturbed microbiomes due to NAS exposure to a maximal resolution of species level using taxonomic clustering analysis, and recorded metabolism alterations involved in gut microbiome–host interactions. Conclusions: The results elucidated that specific NAS exhibited discrepant impacts on the gut microbiome, even though overlapping on the genera and species were identified. Some NAS caused glucose tolerance impairment in the host, but the key metabolites and their underlying mechanisms were different. Furthermore, this review embodied the challenges and future directions of current NAS–gut microbiome research to inspire advanced examination of the NAS exposure–gut microbiome–host metabolism axis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Environmental Exposure on Host and Microbial Metabolism)

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31 pages, 827 KiB

Open AccessReview

Hunting Metabolic Biomarkers for Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: A Review

by Xue Ma, Delei Cai, Qing Chen, Zhoujing Zhu, Shixin Zhang, Ziyu Wang, Zhengyan Hu, Haitao Shen and Zhen Meng

Metabolites 2024, 14(7), 392; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14070392 - 19 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1084

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a class of persistent synthetic chemicals extensively utilized across industrial and consumer sectors, raising substantial environmental and human health concerns. Epidemiological investigations have robustly linked PFAS exposure to a spectrum of adverse health outcomes. Altered metabolites stand [...] Read more.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a class of persistent synthetic chemicals extensively utilized across industrial and consumer sectors, raising substantial environmental and human health concerns. Epidemiological investigations have robustly linked PFAS exposure to a spectrum of adverse health outcomes. Altered metabolites stand as promising biomarkers, offering insights into the identification of specific environmental pollutants and their deleterious impacts on human health. However, elucidating metabolic alterations attributable to PFAS exposure and their ensuing health effects has remained challenging. In light of this, this review aims to elucidate potential biomarkers of PFAS exposure by presenting a comprehensive overview of recent metabolomics-based studies exploring PFAS toxicity. Details of PFAS types, sources, and human exposure patterns are provided. Furthermore, insights into PFAS-induced liver toxicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, cardiovascular toxicity, glucose homeostasis disruption, kidney toxicity, and carcinogenesis are synthesized. Additionally, a thorough examination of studies utilizing metabolomics to delineate PFAS exposure and toxicity biomarkers across blood, liver, and urine specimens is presented. This review endeavors to advance our understanding of PFAS biomarkers regarding exposure and associated toxicological effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Environmental Exposure on Host and Microbial Metabolism)

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20 pages, 924 KiB

Open AccessReview

Deciphering the Role of the Gut Microbiota in Exposure to Emerging Contaminants and Diabetes: A Review

by Xueqing Li, Huixia Niu, Zhengliang Huang, Man Zhang, Mingluan Xing, Zhijian Chen, Lizhi Wu and Peiwei Xu

Metabolites 2024, 14(2), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14020108 - 6 Feb 2024

Viewed by 2050

Abstract

Emerging pollutants, a category of compounds currently not regulated or inadequately regulated by law, have recently become a focal point of research due to their potential toxic effects on human health. The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in human health; it is [...] Read more.

Emerging pollutants, a category of compounds currently not regulated or inadequately regulated by law, have recently become a focal point of research due to their potential toxic effects on human health. The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in human health; it is particularly susceptible to disruption and alteration upon exposure to a range of toxic environmental chemicals, including emerging contaminants. The disturbance of the gut microbiome caused by environmental pollutants may represent a mechanism through which environmental chemicals exert their toxic effects, a mechanism that is garnering increasing attention. However, the discussion on the toxic link between emerging pollutants and glucose metabolism remains insufficiently explored. This review aims to establish a connection between emerging pollutants and glucose metabolism through the gut microbiota, delving into the toxic impacts of these pollutants on glucose metabolism and the potential role played by the gut microbiota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Environmental Exposure on Host and Microbial Metabolism)

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26 pages, 1837 KiB

Open AccessReview

Are Microplastics Toxic? A Review from Eco-Toxicity to Effects on the Gut Microbiota

by Huixia Niu, Shaojie Liu, Yujie Jiang, Yang Hu, Yahui Li, Luyang He, Mingluan Xing, Xueqing Li, Lizhi Wu, Zhijian Chen, Xiaofeng Wang and Xiaoming Lou

Metabolites 2023, 13(6), 739; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13060739 - 9 Jun 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3334

Abstract

Emerging studies have presented an initial picture of the toxic effects of exposure to environmental micro- and nanoplastics. They have indicated that micro- and nanoplastics may induce toxicity by leading to oxidative stress, energy metabolism disorders, gene damage, and so forth in environmental [...] Read more.

Emerging studies have presented an initial picture of the toxic effects of exposure to environmental micro- and nanoplastics. They have indicated that micro- and nanoplastics may induce toxicity by leading to oxidative stress, energy metabolism disorders, gene damage, and so forth in environmental organisms, marine invertebrates and vertebrates, and laboratory mouse models. In recent years, micro- and nanoplastics have been discovered in human fecal samples, placentas, lung tissue, and even blood; thus, micro- and nanoplastics pose an alarming and ever-increasing threat to global public health. However, current research on the health effects of micro- and nanoplastics and the possible adverse outcomes in humans has only presented the tip of the iceberg. More robust clinical data and basic experiments are still warranted to elucidate the specific relationships and mechanisms. In this paper, we review studies on micro- and nanoplastic toxicity from the perspectives of eco-toxicity, the adverse effects on invertebrates and vertebrates, and the impact of micro- and nanoplastics on the gut microbiota and its metabolites. In addition, we evaluate the toxicological role of micro- and nanoplastic exposure and its potential implications in respect to human health. We also summarize studies regarding preventive strategies. Overall, this review provides insights on micro- and nanoplastic toxicity and its underlying mechanisms, opening up scientific avenues for future in-depth studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Environmental Exposure on Host and Microbial Metabolism)

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