The toxic effect of lead exposure on the physiological homeostasis of grouper: Insight from gut-liver axis

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2024-10, Vol.207, p.116926, Article 116926
• Main Authors: Duan, Yafei, Yang, Yukai, Zhang, Zhe, Nan, Yuxiu, Xiao, Meng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Bass - physiology; Gastrointestinal Microbiome - drug effects; Grouper; Gut-liver axis; Heavy metal; Homeostasis; Intestinal microbiota; Lead - toxicity; Liver - drug effects; Metabolite; Oxidative Stress; Water Pollutants, Chemical - toxicity
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116926

The heavy metal lead (Pb) pollution in marine environment has been widely concerned. The liver and intestine are important for the health of fish. In this study, the grouper were exposed to 1 μg/L Pb for 14 days, and the physiological homeostasis changes were explored via gut-liver axis. The results showed that Pb stress caused liver morphological changes, oxidative stress, and the accumulation and peroxidation of the lipids. The liver metabolism were disturbed, especially amino acid metabolism and the synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies. Pb stress also caused intestinal mucosal ablation, tight junction dysfunction and inflammatory response. Additionally, intestinal microbial diversity was decreased, and the community composition was altered especially several bacteria genera (Ruminococcus UCG-005, Ruminococcus UCG-014, Oscillibacter, and Streptococcus) were significantly correlated with the physiological indexes and metabolites of the liver. These results reveal that Pb stress negatively affect the physiological homeostasis of the grouper via gut-liver axis. •Lead (Pb) stress can influence the physiological homeostasis of the grouper via the gut-liver axis.•Pb stress causes liver morphological changes, oxidative stress, lipid accumulation and peroxidation.•The liver undergoes metabolic remodeling under stress by mediating amino acids and ketone bodies.•Intestinal health including tight junction, inflammation, and microbial community were affected.•Several intestinal bacteria were correlated with the physiological homeostasis of their host.