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Metabolites
Special Issues
Effects of Environmental Exposure on Host and Microbial Metabolism
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Effects of Environmental Exposure on Host and Microbial Metabolism

A special issue of Metabolites (ISSN 2218-1989). This special issue belongs to the section "Microbiology and Ecological Metabolomics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (17 November 2023) | Viewed by 9622

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Bei Gao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Marine Sciences, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
Interests: metabolomics; lipidomics; stable isotope tracing; gut microbiota; multi-omics; environmental toxicology; alcohol-related liver disease
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Pengcheng Tu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Environmental Health, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310052, China
Interests: environmental toxicology; gut microbiota; metabolomics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Trillions of microorganisms are living in our gastrointestinal tract known as the gut microbiota, which plays an essential role in human health and diseases. The gut microbiota could be affected by many factors, including environmental exposure. Disruptions of the gut microbiota through environmental exposure may exert adverse effects on human health through the microbial metabolites or the gut microbiota–host co-metabolism. Metabolomics applied to exposure studies offers a great opportunity to study the mechanisms of environment-driven diseases as well as to facilitate exposure risk assessments in human cohorts. This Special Issue of Metabolites is devoted to publishing current advances on the adverse effects of environmental exposure on the host and gut microbial metabolism. Topics that will be covered include but are not limited to studies on the metabolomics or lipidomics analysis of host and microbial responses to various environmental contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, microplastics, etc.; multi-omics analysis to reveal the mechanisms of environmental diseases, such as transcriptomics and metagenomics; and exposure risk assessment in human populations.

Dr. Bei Gao
Dr. Pengcheng Tu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Metabolites is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • environmental toxicants
  • xenobiotics
  • gut microbiota
  • gut microbiome
  • multi-omics
  • microbial metabolites
  • microbial products
  • lipidomics
  • exposure assessment

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 3983 KiB  
Article
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 1 | Viewed by 1488
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  
Article
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 - 07 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2007
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  
Article
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 - 05 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1461
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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20 pages, 924 KiB  
Review
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 - 06 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1521
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  
Review
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 - 09 Jun 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2280
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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