Comprehensive insight into the alterations in the gut microbiome and the intestinal barrier as a consequence of iron deficiency anaemia

Background Iron deficiency is the top leading cause of anaemia, whose treatment has been shown to deteriorate gut health. However, a comprehensive analysis of the intestinal barrier and the gut microbiome during iron deficiency anemia (IDA) has not been performed to date. This study aims to delve further into the analysis of these two aspects, which will mean a step forward minimising the negative impact of iron supplements on intestinal health. Methods IDA was experimentally induced in an animal model. Shotgun sequencing was used to analyse the gut microbiome in the colonic region, while the intestinal barrier was studied through histological analyses, mRNA sequencing (RNA-Seq), qPCR and immunofluorescence assays. Determinations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and bacteria-specific immunoglobulins were performed to assess microbial translocation. Results Microbial metabolism in the colon shifted towards an increased production of certain amino acids, short chain fatty acids and nucleotides, with Clostridium species being enriched during IDA. Structural alterations of the colonic epithelium were shown by histological analysis. RNA-Seq revealed a downregulation of extracellular matrix-associated genes and proteins and an overall underdeveloped epithelium. Increased levels of serum LPS and an increased immune response against dysbiotic bacteria support an impairment in the integrity of the gut barrier during IDA. Conclusions IDA negatively impacts the gut microbiome and the intestinal barrier, triggering an increased microbial translocation. This study emphasizes the deterioration of gut health during IDA and the fact that it should be addressed when treating the disease.

• Publication year

  2024

• Venue

  Biomedical Journal

• Publication date

  2024-01-01

• Fields of study

  Biology, Medicine, Environmental Science

• Identifiers
  DOI 10.1016/j.bj.2024.100701PMID 38281699PMCID 11550200
• External record

  Open on Semantic Scholar

• Source metadata

  Semantic Scholar, PubMed

• No claims are published for this paper.

• No concepts are published for this paper.

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