Gut Dysbiosis with Minimal Enteritis Induced by High Temperature and Humidity

Area of Science:

• Environmental microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Immunology

Background:

• High temperature and humidity (HTH) are linked to gastrointestinal issues, often due to contaminated food and water.
• The direct impact of HTH on gut microbiota composition and gastrointestinal inflammation remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the direct effects of HTH on the gut microbiome and intestinal inflammation in a mouse model.
• To evaluate the efficacy of broad-spectrum probiotics in mitigating HTH-induced gut dysbiosis and inflammation.

Main Methods:

• Male mice were exposed to controlled HTH conditions (30°C, 85-90% humidity) for eight weeks.
• Gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA-based functional metagenomics.
• Intestinal pathology, bacterial translocation, defensin, and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression were assessed.

Main Results:

• HTH exposure induced significant alterations in gut microbiota, characterized by augmented metabolism and suppression of environmental sensing.
• Mice exposed to HTH exhibited minimal enteritis, increased bacterial translocation, and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
• Probiotic administration partially normalized the gut microbiota and ameliorated intestinal inflammation.

Conclusions:

• Ambient HTH directly contributes to gut dysbiosis and low-grade intestinal inflammation.
• Probiotics demonstrate potential as a therapeutic intervention for HTH-associated gastrointestinal disturbances.
• This study provides novel insights into environment-associated gut pathologies and therapeutic strategies.