Effects of cadmium exposure on intestinal microflora of Cipangopaludina cathayensis Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Metals
Metals
Heavy metals influence microbial pathogenicity in two ways: they can be toxic to microbes by disrupting cellular functions and inducing oxidative stress, and they can be exploited by pathogens to enhance survival, resist treatment, and evade immunity. Understanding metal–microbe interactions supports better antimicrobial and public health strategies.
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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes are microscopic organisms living in and on the human body, shaping health through digestion, vitamin production, and immune protection. When microbial balance is disrupted, disease can occur. This guide explains key microbe types—bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and archaea—plus major pathogenic and beneficial examples.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
The study explored the impact of environmental cadmium (Cd) exposure on the gut and blood microbiomes of Sprague-Dawley rats, focusing on the translocation of specific microbiota from the gut to the blood and the subsequent effects on metabolic processes. The study used omics-based analyses, including 16S rRNA sequencing and serum metabolomics, to assess changes in microbial diversity, metabolic shifts, and inflammatory responses following Cd exposure. The primary aim was to determine how cadmium exposure disrupts the microbiota and the subsequent effects on overall health and metabolism.
Who was studied?
The research was conducted using Sprague-Dawley rats, a commonly used model in toxicological studies. These rats were exposed to cadmium chloride, a form of cadmium, to simulate environmental exposure to this toxic metal. The study focused on understanding how cadmium affects the balance of the microbiome, both in the gut and the blood, and how these changes contribute to liver injury and metabolic disruptions. The rats were selected for their relevance to studying the effects of environmental pollutants on animal health.
Most important findings
The study revealed significant changes in both the intestinal and blood microbiomes following cadmium exposure. Notably, Cd exposure led to an increase in gut microbiota such as Clostridia_UCG_014 and NK4A214_group, as well as blood microbiota such as Corynebacterium and Muribaculaceae. Cadmium exposure facilitated the translocation of these microbial species from the gut into the bloodstream. Moreover, the research identified a significant alteration in serum metabolites. Specifically, there was an up-regulation of indoxyl sulfate, phenyl sulfate, and p-cresol sulfate, alongside a down-regulation of δ-tocopherol and L-glutamine. These findings suggest that cadmium exposure impacts both the microbial communities and the metabolic pathways within the body, pointing to potential biomarkers for assessing Cd toxicity.
Key implications
The findings of this study provide critical insights into how environmental pollutants like cadmium alter microbial communities and how these changes can influence metabolic processes and organ function. The identification of novel biomarkers, such as specific serum metabolites and microbial shifts, expands our understanding of the role the microbiome plays in cadmium-induced toxicity. This research opens the door for future studies on how to mitigate the harmful effects of environmental contaminants on human health, particularly through microbial modulation. Additionally, understanding the link between gut microbial alterations and systemic health issues could inform future therapeutic strategies for conditions linked to environmental exposure.