Benzo(a)pyrene and Gut Microbiome Crosstalk: Health Risk Implications

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Microbiology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) is a pervasive polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and known carcinogen.
• B(a)P exposure poses significant human health risks, particularly concerning its impact on the gut microbiome.
• Gut dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut microbial communities, is linked to various adverse health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of benzo(a)pyrene on human health from a gut microbiome perspective.
• To summarize current research on B(a)P's effects on gut microbiota homeostasis.
• To explore the synergistic toxicity of B(a)P with environmental microparticles.

Main Methods:

• Literature retrieval and synthesis of existing research on PAHs and gut microbiome.
• Focused analysis on studies reporting benzo(a)pyrene's effects.
• Examination of the interaction between B(a)P, microplastics, and gut health.

Main Results:

• B(a)P exposure disrupts gut microbiota homeostasis, leading to dysbiosis.
• B(a)P-induced dysbiosis is associated with inflammation, metabolic disorders, and increased disease susceptibility.
• Co-exposure to B(a)P and micro-/nanoplastics may exacerbate toxicity.

Conclusions:

• B(a)P significantly impacts gut microbiome integrity and human health.
• Environmental pollutants like B(a)P and microplastics pose a complex threat to gut health.
• Further research is needed to understand mechanisms and develop mitigation strategies for B(a)P exposure.