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Changes on fecal microbiota in rats exposed to permethrin during postnatal development

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Abstract

Alteration of the gut microbiota through diet and environmental contaminants may disturb the mammalian digestive system, leading to various diseases. Because most exposure to environmentally pyrethroid pesticides such as permethrin (PERM) occurs through the diet, the commensal gut microbiota is likely to be exposed to PERM. The study aimed at evaluating the effect of low-dose exposure to PERM in early life on the composition of fecal microbiota in rats. Over a 4-month follow-up period, fecal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids were measured in order to identify possible differences between PERM-treated rats and controls. Further in vitro antimicrobial experiments were conducted to establish the antibacterial activity of PERM against different strains to obtain Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations. The main finding focused on the reduced abundance of Bacteroides-Prevotella-Porphyromonas species, increased Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillus in PERM-treated rats compared to controls. Changes of acetic and propionic acid levels were registered in PERM-treated group. From in vitro studies, PERM showed higher antibacterial activity against beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus paracasei, while to inhibit potential pathogens as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli PERM concentration needed to be increased. In summary, exposure to PERM could affect the fecal microbiota and could be a crucial factor contributing to the development of diseases.

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Funding

This work was supported by a grant (FAR) from the University of Camerino (Italy).

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    Authors and Affiliations

    1. School of Pharmacy, Via Madonna delle Carceri, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy

      Cinzia Nasuti, Donatella Fedeli & Rosita Gabbianelli

    2. School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy

      Maria Magdalena Coman, Maria Cristina Verdenelli, Cinzia Cecchini & Stefania Silvi

    3. Department of Bioenergetics and Nutrition, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Kazimierza Górskiego 1, 80-336, Gdańsk, Poland

      Robert A. Olek

    4. School of Science and Technology-Chemistry Division, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy

      Dennis Fiorini

    5. Synbiotec S.r.l., Camerino, Italy

      Maria Cristina Verdenelli & Cinzia Cecchini

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    1. Cinzia Nasuti
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    2. Maria Magdalena Coman
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    3. Robert A. Olek
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    4. Dennis Fiorini
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    Correspondence to Cinzia Nasuti.

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    Responsible editor: Philippe Garrigues

    Cinzia Nasuti and Maria Magdalena Coman contributed equally to this work.

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    Nasuti, C., Coman, M.M., Olek, R.A. et al. Changes on fecal microbiota in rats exposed to permethrin during postnatal development. Environ Sci Pollut Res 23, 10930–10937 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-016-6297-x

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    • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-016-6297-x

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