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Effects of Contaminants (Heavy Metals) on the Microbiota

The relationship between human gut microbiota and contaminants, most importantly heavy metals, is extremely complex. The human gut microbiota is indeed a dynamic ecosystem with a high degree of species diversity that varies among individuals and through the life span. Particularly, it possesses the ability to act as a ‘buffer’ following different microbiological and non- biological intrusions. Numerous factors have been studied that modulate the human gut microbiota status which often changes its composition and inducing its functional changes. Exposure to contaminants might also lead to downstream systemic effects that occur secondary to gut microbiota disturbances, via altering the composition and metabolic profile of the gut microbiota at the functional level. At the same time, intestinal microbiota affects the metals’ homeostasis - pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, leading to changes in their metabolism as well as to the exacerbation or mitigation of their toxicity. It is to be expected that these mechanisms are in fact much more complex, and that at least partially a two-way relationship between xenobiotics and the human gut microbiota should be taken into account while studying this relationship. The importance of contaminants’ (heavy metals) effects on human gut microbiota status finally may have an impact on the occurrence of complex diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension and cancer. On the other hand, the ability of our gut microbiota to sequester and excrete from our body or to detoxify heavy metals is extremely important since it protects us from their toxic effects and related health disorders.

Contaminants, Heavy Metals, Microbiota, gut microbiome, human health

1st Edition - September 3, 2022