Inhalational Exposure to Particulate Matter Air Pollution Alters the Composition of the Gut Microbiome

Overview

Journal Environ Pollut

Specialty Environmental Health

Date 2018 May 22

PMID 29783199

Citations 95

Authors

Ece A Mutlu

Isin Y Comba

Takugo Cho

Phillip A Engen

Cemal Yazici

Saul Soberanes

Robert B Hamanaka

Recep Nigdelioglu

Angelo Y Meliton

Andrew J Ghio

G R Scott Budinger

Gokhan M Mutlu

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Recent studies suggest an association between particulate matter (PM) air pollution and gastrointestinal (GI) disease. In addition to direct deposition, PM can be indirectly deposited in oropharynx via mucociliary clearance and upon swallowing of saliva and mucus. Within the GI tract, PM may alter the GI epithelium and gut microbiome. Our goal was to determine the effect of PM on gut microbiota in a murine model of PM exposure via inhalation. C57BL/6 mice were exposed via inhalation to either concentrated ambient particles or filtered air for 8-h per day, 5-days a week, for a total of 3-weeks. At exposure's end, GI tract tissues and feces were harvested, and gut microbiota was analyzed. Alpha-diversity was modestly altered with increased richness in PM-exposed mice compared to air-exposed mice in some parts of the GI tract. Most importantly, PM-induced alterations in the microbiota were very apparent in beta-diversity comparisons throughout the GI tract and appeared to increase from the proximal to distal parts. Changes in some genera suggest that distinct bacteria may have the capacity to bloom with PM exposure. Exposure to PM alters the microbiota throughout the GI tract which maybe a potential mechanism that explains PM induced inflammation in the GI tract.

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