Persistent organic pollutants are pervasive environmental toxicants that threaten human health. These compounds break down slowly and are often called “forever chemicals.” Surprisingly, the concern isn’t just that these chemicals affect health but rather the mechanisms by which they do so. A recent study in mice found that exposure to persistent organic pollutants altered the animals' gut microbiome composition, skewing it toward a less beneficial profile.

Researchers exposed young mice to the persistent organic pollutant tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF), a widely distributed byproduct of various chemical processes. They analyzed the animals' gut microbial composition and assessed the physiological and metabolic effects of the exposure.

They found that mice exposed to TCDF had lower quantities of short-chain fatty acids, indole-3-lactic acid (an anti-inflammatory compound), and hunger-modulating hormones. Exposed mice also had fewer Akkermansia muciniphila, a type of bacteria that modulates metabolism.

These findings suggest that early life exposure to persistent organic pollutants alters the gut microbiome in mice, adversely affecting metabolism. Learn about the importance of early life establishment of the gut microbiome in this episode featuring Dr. Eran Elinav.