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Chronic exposure to ambient particulate matter induces gut microbial dysbiosis in a rat COPD model

Naijian Li1, Zhaowei Yang1, Baoling Liao2

  • 1Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, P.R. China.

Respiratory Research
|October 20, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Chronic exposure to particulate matter (PM) alters gut bacteria in rats, leading to changes characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study reveals a link between air pollution and gut dysbiosis.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Microbiology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • The connection between ambient particulate matter (PM) exposure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathogenesis is not well understood.
  • The specific role of the microbiota in COPD development following PM exposure remains largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of chronic exposure to biomass fuel (BMF) and motor vehicle exhaust (MVE) on gut microbiota composition and function.
  • To evaluate the relationship between PM-induced lung inflammation and alterations in the gut microbiome in a rat model.

Main Methods:

  • Fifty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to clean air, BMF, or MVE for 4, 12, and 24 weeks.
  • Pulmonary inflammation, lung function, and morphometric changes were assessed.
  • 16S rRNA pyrosequencing analyzed lung and gut microbial composition; serum lipopolysaccharide and short-chain fatty acids were quantified.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-four weeks of PM exposure induced pulmonary inflammation and pathological changes consistent with COPD.
  • While lung microbiota remained similar across groups, gut microbiota showed decreased richness and diversity after PM exposure.
  • Gut dysbiosis was characterized by altered microbial composition, reduced short-chain fatty acids, and increased serum lipopolysaccharide.

Conclusions:

  • Chronic exposure to ambient particulate matter significantly alters gut microbial composition and metabolite profiles.
  • These findings suggest that gut dysbiosis is a key consequence of PM exposure in a rat model of COPD.
  • The study highlights the gut microbiota as a potential target for mitigating PM-induced lung disease.
Keywords:
Biomass fuelCOPDGut microbiomeMotor vehicle exhaust

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