Lung-gut Axis of Microbiome Alterations Following Co-exposure to Ultrafine Carbon Black and Ozone

Background: Microbial dysbiosis is a potential mediator of air pollution-induced adverse outcomes. However, a systemic comparison of the lung and gut microbiome alterations and lung-gut axis following air pollution exposure is scant. In this study, we exposed male C57BL/6J mice to inhaled air, CB (10 mg/m), O (2 ppm) or CB + O mixture for 3 h/day for either one day or four consecutive days and were euthanized 24 h post last exposure. The lung and gut microbiome were quantified by 16 s sequencing.

Results: Multiple CB + O exposures induced an increase in the lung inflammatory cells (neutrophils, eosinophils and B lymphocytes), reduced absolute bacterial load in the lungs and increased load in the gut. CB + O exposure was more potent as it decreased lung microbiome alpha diversity just after a single exposure. CB + O co-exposure uniquely increased Clostridiaceae and Prevotellaceae in the lungs. Serum short chain fatty acids (SCFA) (acetate and propionate) were increased significantly only after CB + O co-exposure. A significant increase in SCFA producing bacterial families (Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Eubacterium) were also observed in the gut after multiple exposures. Co-exposure induced significant alterations in the gut derived metabolite receptors/mediator (Gcg, Glp-1r, Cck) mRNA expression. Oxidative stress related mRNA expression in lungs, and oxidant levels in the BALF, serum and gut significantly increased after CB + O exposures.

Conclusion: Our study confirms distinct gut and lung microbiome alterations after CB + O inhalation co-exposure and indicate a potential homeostatic shift in the gut microbiome to counter deleterious impacts of environmental exposures on metabolic system.