Changes in Gut Microbiota Structure: A Potential Pathway for Silver Nanoparticles to Affect the Host Metabolism

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used, with known effects on hosts and gut microbiota (GM).
• The role of GM in AgNP toxicity to the host remains largely unexamined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of AgNPs on GM structure and liver metabolism.
• To determine if GM alterations contribute to AgNP-induced host toxicity.

Main Methods:

• Mice were gavaged daily with AgNPs for 120 days.
• Ag accumulation in the liver was measured.
• Gut microbiota structure was analyzed using PICRUST.
• Liver metabolism was assessed via KEGG pathway analysis.

Main Results:

• Dose-dependent Ag accumulation in the liver was observed, reaching a steady state within 21 days.
• AgNPs significantly altered GM composition, affecting microbial metabolism.
• KEGG analysis revealed AgNP-induced changes in liver metabolic pathways.
• A strong correlation was found between GM structure and liver metabolic changes.

Conclusions:

• AgNP-induced liver metabolic alterations are partly mediated by changes in gut microbiota.
• The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in AgNP toxicity.
• Host health risk assessments for nanoparticles should consider gut microbiota interactions.