Influence of toxic metal exposure on the gut microbiota (Review) 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 explores the impact of pharmacological doses of copper on the microbial communities in the hindgut and the antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli in weaned piglets. Specifically, the study aims to investigate how copper supplementation affects microbial diversity and composition in the ileum and cecum, as well as the resistance of E. coli strains to common antibiotics.
Who was studied?
The research focused on twenty-four healthy, weaned piglets aged 21 ± 1 days, with an average weight of 7.27 ± 0.46 kg. These piglets were randomly divided into four groups. One group received a basal diet, while the other groups were given diets supplemented with varying doses of copper (20, 100, or 200 mg copper/kg feed, in the form of CuSO4).
Most important findings
The study demonstrated that while copper supplementation did not significantly affect the diversity of the microbial communities in the piglets’ gastrointestinal tract, it did notably alter their composition. Copper supplementation influenced the microbial metabolic functions related to energy metabolism, protein metabolism, and amino acid biosynthesis. Moreover, the study found that copper treatment increased the abundance of E. coli in the hindgut. Additionally, E. coli strains isolated from the copper-treated groups exhibited higher resistance to antibiotics such as chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin. The resistance of E. coli to multiple drugs also increased in the ileum of the piglets, highlighting a potential risk of promoting antimicrobial resistance in agricultural settings.
Key implications
The findings from this study have significant implications for animal agriculture and public health. The observed increase in E. coli resistance to antibiotics in response to high copper intake raises concerns about the potential role of copper in promoting antimicrobial resistance. This is particularly important as resistant strains of E. coli may pose a risk to human health through the food chain. Additionally, the altered microbial composition in the gut due to copper supplementation suggests that long-term exposure to pharmacological copper doses could lead to shifts in gut microbiota, possibly impacting host health. Therefore, careful management of copper supplementation in livestock is recommended to avoid unintended consequences, such as the development of antimicrobial resistance.
Copper (Cu)
Copper serves as both a vital nutrient and a potential toxin, with its regulation having profound effects on microbial pathogenesis and immune responses. In the body, copper interacts with pathogens, either supporting essential enzyme functions or hindering microbial growth through its toxicity. The gastrointestinal tract, immune cells, and bloodstream are key sites where copper plays a crucial role in controlling infection and maintaining microbial balance. Understanding copper’s interactions with the microbiome and host defenses allows for targeted clinical strategies.