Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 29, 2025

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Analyses of Murine Intestinal Microbiota After Oral Antibiotic Treatment
08:33

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Analyses of Murine Intestinal Microbiota After Oral Antibiotic Treatment

Published on: November 17, 2018

13.1K

Arsenic-Containing Medicine Treatment Disturbed the Human Intestinal Microbial Flora

Jiaojiao Li1, Xinshuo Chen1, Shixiang Zhao2

  • 1College of Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China.

Toxics
|May 26, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Arsenic-based cancer treatments alter the gut microbiome in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients, reducing diversity and inducing arsenic resistance genes. This highlights potential impacts on health outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Toxicology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • The human gut microbiome is crucial for homeostasis and xenobiotic metabolism.
  • Limited research exists on arsenic-containing medications' effects on the gut microbiome.
  • Reducing animal testing is an international priority.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of arsenic trioxide (ATO) plus all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on the gut microbiome of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients.
  • To analyze changes in microbial flora and identify key bacterial species and functional genes.
  • To establish a non-animal model approach for studying arsenic exposure effects.

Main Methods:

  • 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal samples from APL patients undergoing ATO + ATRA treatment.
  • Alpha diversity analysis (Chao, Shannon, Simpson indices) to assess microbial diversity and uniformity.
  • Anaerobic pure culture experiments to evaluate arsenic resistance gene induction in *Bacteroides fragilis*.

Main Results:

  • Gut microbiomes were dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes post-treatment.
  • APL patients exhibited reduced microbial diversity and uniformity.
  • Arsenic in feces correlated with gut microbiome operational taxonomic unit (OTU) numbers.
  • *Bifidobacterium adolescentis* and *Lactobacillus mucosae* were identified as keystone species.
  • Bacteroides were consistently affected at phylum and genus levels.
  • Arsenic exposure significantly induced arsenic biotransformation genes (ABGs) in *Bacteroides fragilis*.

Conclusions:

  • Arsenic-containing drug treatment in APL patients significantly alters gut microbiome composition, diversity, and function.
  • Induced arsenic biotransformation genes (ABGs) suggest a functional response to arsenic exposure within the gut.
  • These microbiome alterations and functional changes may have implications for arsenic-related health outcomes in APL patients.
Keywords:
AATOATOATRABacteroides fragilisenterohepatic circulationhuman gut microbiome

More Related Videos

In Vitro Scratch Assay to Demonstrate Effects of Arsenic on Skin Cell Migration09:24

In Vitro Scratch Assay to Demonstrate Effects of Arsenic on Skin Cell Migration

Published on: February 23, 2019

23.1K
Author Spotlight: Exploring the Mysteries of Sichuan's Herbal Medicine in Chinese Medicine Research03:48

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Mysteries of Sichuan's Herbal Medicine in Chinese Medicine Research

Published on: March 1, 2024

1.3K

Related Concept Videos

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents01:20

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents

Diarrhea is characterized by the occurrence of frequent, watery bowel movements. Various factors can trigger diarrhea, including viral or bacterial infections, foodborne illnesses, side effects from certain medications, and underlying digestive disorders. If not adequately managed, diarrhea can lead to complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies. Severe diarrhea can lead to significant weight loss, malnutrition, and weakened immune function.
Adsorbents...
261
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents01:18

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents

Acute diarrhea, a common gastrointestinal disturbance, is characterized by the rapid evacuation of fluid stools, leading to an excessive weight in fluid. This condition typically arises from disorders affecting intestinal water and electrolyte transport. It can be triggered by an increased osmotic load within the intestine, excessive secretion of electrolytes and water, mucosal exudation of protein and fluid, or altered intestinal motility. The primary risks of acute diarrhea are dehydration...
167
Drug Absorption: Factors Affecting GI Absorption01:19

Drug Absorption: Factors Affecting GI Absorption

The process of oral drug absorption can be influenced by several factors. Weakly acidic drugs tend to be absorbed more readily from the stomach due to their nonionized state. However, absorption may be less efficient in the upper intestine, where drugs are often ionized. Interestingly, despite the stomach's apparent advantage for drug absorption, its mucous layer can hinder diffusion. Its surface area is also smaller than the intestine's, which can further slow down the absorption rate.
4.1K
Factors Influencing Drug Absorption: Disease States and Pharmacology01:25

Factors Influencing Drug Absorption: Disease States and Pharmacology

Multiple disease states can significantly influence the oral drug absorption process by affecting blood flow and the functionality of the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Various GI diseases, including conditions that alter GI motility, such as diarrhea, decreased acid secretions (achlorhydria), and infections, have been associated with reduced drug absorption.
Substances such as alcohol and specific drugs, including antineoplastics, can also negatively impact drug absorption. For instance,...
598
Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine01:29

Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine

The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
537
Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

Anatomy of the Intestines

Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
72.7K