PM_2.5 exposure associated with microbiota gut-brain axis: Multi-omics mechanistic implications from the BAPE study

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Neuroscience
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Particulate matter (PM_2.5) exposure is linked to increased neurological and cardiovascular risks.
• PM_2.5 may activate the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and affect gut microbiota and metabolites.
• The gut-brain axis (GBA) integrates gut and brain functions, offering a potential pathway for PM_2.5 effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the hypothesis that PM_2.5 exposure affects the HPA axis through the gut microbiota pathway (GBA mechanism).
• To explore the association between PM_2.5 exposure and serum biomarkers, gut microbiota, and metabolites.
• To examine the relationship between PM_2.5 and neurological and cardiovascular outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A real-world prospective repeated panel study was conducted in Jinan, China.
• Personal PM_2.5 levels, fecal, and blood samples were collected.
• Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyze associations.

Main Results:

• PM_2.5 exposure was associated with increased serum levels of HPA axis hormones, including ACTH and cortisol.
• Significant associations were found between PM_2.5, gut microbiota, tryptophan metabolites, and inflammation.
• PM_2.5 exposure correlated with increased anxiety, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first evidence linking PM_2.5 exposure to the gut-brain axis via microbiota.
• The findings suggest a potential mechanism for PM_2.5-induced neurological and cardiovascular dysfunction.
• Understanding this GBA mechanism is crucial for mitigating health risks associated with air pollution.