Chronic exposure to ambient particulate matter induces gut microbial dysbiosis in a rat COPD model.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The role of the microbiota in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) following exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) is largely unknown.

Methods

Fifty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to clean air, biomass fuel (BMF), or motor vehicle exhaust (MVE) for 4, 12, and 24 weeks. We performed pulmonary inflammation evaluation, morphometric measurements, and lung function analysis in rat lung at three different times points during exposure. Lung and gut microbial composition was assessed by 16S rRNA pyrosequencing. Serum lipopolysaccharide levels were measured and short-chain fatty acids in colon contents were quantified.

Results

After a 24-week PM exposure, rats exhibited pulmonary inflammation and pathological changes cha

SUBMITTER: Li N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7574574 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature