2025-01-14
Helicobacter pylori and Arsenic: A Toxic Cocktail for Your Gut and Liver!
Endocrinology and Metabolism
Arsenic also disrupts metabolism, weakens the immune system, and affects vital organ functions, further increasing health risks. When combined with an infection caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a common bacterium that colonizes the stomach, it can significantly disturb the gut microbiota and lead to metabolic disorders.
This study investigates the synergistic impact of arsenic exposure and H. pylori infection on gut flora and liver function.
Helicobacter pylori and Arsenic Stress: What Impact on Health?
The study was conducted on male C57BL/6 mice, divided into three groups:- Control group;
- Arsenic-exposed group;
- Combined group, exposed to arsenic and infected with H. pylori.
The mice were treated with arsenic for 4 weeks, and H. pylori infection was administered orally once a week for the combined group. Stool and liver tissue samples were collected to analyze gut microbiota composition and metabolic profiles using 16S rDNA gene sequencing and metabolomic analysis. Statistical methods were used to evaluate the effects of arsenic and H. pylori on gut flora and liver functions.
The study revealed that combined exposure to arsenic and H. pylori induces significant changes in gut microbiota composition, affecting genera such as Faecalibaculum and Ileibacterium.
These alterations directly impact liver metabolism, particularly lipid and amino acid metabolism, exacerbating arsenic-related metabolic disorders. Metabolomic analyses also demonstrated significant alterations in liver metabolic profiles, including reduced triglyceride levels, which could harm liver health.
Towards a Winning Strategy Against Arsenic and H. pylori
The findings suggest that H. pylori infection exacerbates the imbalances in gut microbiota caused by arsenic exposure and alters hepatic metabolism, thereby increasing the risk of liver diseases and other complications. This study highlights the importance of exploring the interactions between environmental factors, bacterial infections, and metabolic health to develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies against these combined risks.
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