Reduction of gut microbial diversity and short chain fatty acids in BALB/c mice exposure to microcystin-LR

Gut microbiota has been shown to play critical roles in host health. The present study was to determine the toxicological effects of microcystin-LR (MCLR) on gut microbial community and metabolites using 16S rDNA sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). MCLR was administered to BALB/c mice by gavage for eight weeks. Results of the microbial alpha-diversity (Sobs, Chao1, ACE and Shannon indexes) decreased in MCLR-treated group versus controls. Phylum Candidatus Saccharibacteria decreased significantly in MCLR-treated group versus controls. Correspondingly, more than thirties genera in relative abundance decreased, especially short chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria (e.g., Alistipes and Ruminococcus). These results indicated that the gut microbial community structure was remarkably changed by MCLR. Furthermore, concentrations of SCFAs were significantly decreased after MCLR exposure (P