Impact of Diquat on the Intestinal Health and the Composition and Function of the Gut Microbiome

Diquat (DQ) is extensively utilized as a herbicide in farming, and its intake can result in serious systemic toxicity due to its induction of oxidative stress (OS) and disruption of intestinal homeostasis. The gastrointestinal tract is one of the first systems exposed to DQ, and damage to this system can influence the general health of the host. Our review summarizes the toxic effects of DQ on the intestinal barrier integrity, gut microbiome, and microbial metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids [SCFAs], bile acids). By elucidating the mechanisms linking DQ-induced OS to gut dysbiosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation, our work provides critical insights into novel therapeutic strategies, including probiotics, antioxidants (e.g., hydroxytyrosol, curcumin), and selenium nanoparticles. These findings address a pressing gap in understanding environmental toxin-related gut pathology and offer potential interventions to mitigate systemic oxidative damage.