Effects of bisphenol A, phthalates and triclosan on gut microbiome and its impact on host pathophysiology across different species

Abstract

Environmental pollutants like endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), unhealthy lifestyle and genetic predisposition have a major impact on the gut microbiota leading to dysbiosis, thus causing chronic diseases. This narrative review highlights the impact of three most common EDCs, bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and triclosan in terms of increase in opportunistic pathogens, alterations in host metabolic profiles and immune response and associated pathophysiological changes across different species. BPA exposure led to a significant increase in Bacteroides, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Akkermansia spp. in all species (mice, zebra fish, rabbits, humans and rats). Phthalates exposure showed diverse changes in gut microbiota. Infants showed increased abundance of Firmicutes and events of antibiotic resistance after triclosan exposure. Changes in amino acid metabolism and biosynthesis of purines, pyrimidines and serotonin were found irrespective of the EDC type. Associated pathophysiological changes included increase in inflammatory cytokines, disruption of intestinal barrier, colonic inflammation, etc. The evidence from this review reveals that EDCs cause dysbiosis in all species. Any of these species could be used as models to test potential preventive and therapeutic interventions. Overall, gut microbiome profile should be considered as part of screening for chronic diseases among susceptible individuals and aim towards restoring healthy microbiome.