Lead exposure may alter gut microbiota and promote obesity, study finds
Lead has been linked to a host of health problems and exposure during the gestation period can cause permanent changes to the gut microbiome. Health problems that arise have been documented and include neurodevelopment disorders, and an increased insulin response.
The study, conducted at the University of Michigan School Of Public Health, used mice models to demonstrate the effect of lead on the foetus. Lead was added to the drinking water of female mice prior to breeding and the nursing of their offspring.
Once weaned the offspring were raised to adulthood without additional exposure, and then tested for lead effects acquired from their mothers.
Results found that the adult male mice exposed to lead during gestation and lactation were 11% larger than those not exposed, due to differences in their gut microbiota.
"The lead levels in the mouse mothers were carefully designed to be within human population exposure levels. Our lowest dose is near the current U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's blood lead action level of 5 micrograms per decilitre, while the higher dose mirrors exposure levels during the 1960s and 70s," said Dana Dolinoy, U-M associate professor of environmental health sciences and of nutrition sciences.
"Since we are investigating the effects of the developmental origins of disease, it is important to evaluate current and historically relevant lead levels."
Source: Toxological Sciences
Published online ahead of print, doi: 10.1093/toxsci/kfw046
“Perinatal lead (Pb) exposure alters gut microbiota composition and results in sex-specific bodyweight increases in adult mice.”
Authors: Jianfeng Wu, Xiaoquan William Wen, Christopher Faulk, Kevin Boehnke, Huapeng Zhang, Dana C. Dolinoy, and Chuanwu Xi.
