Abstract

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a prevalent micronutrient insufficiency. Although the gut is a vital organ for Zn utilization, and Zn deficiency is associated with impaired intestinal permeability and a global decrease in gastrointestinal health, alterations in the gut microbial ecology of the host under conditions of Zn deficiency have yet to be studied. By conducting a series of long-term in vivo (Gallus gallus) feeding trials, we aimed to characterize distinct cecal microbiota shifts induced by chronic dietary Zn depletion in the context of complete diets based on Zn-biofortified food crops that are relevant to target populations, and in geographical regions where dietary Zn deficiency is a major health concern. We demonstrate that Zn deficiency induces significant taxonomic alterations and decreases overall species richness and diversity, establishing a microbial profile resembling that of various other pathological states. Through metagenomic analysis, we show that the predicted Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways responsible for macro- and micronutrient uptake are significantly depleted under Zn deficiency; along with concomitant decreases in beneficial short-chain fatty acids, such depletions may further preclude optimal host Zn availability. We also identify several candidate microbes that may play a significant role in modulating the bioavailability and utilization of dietary Zn during prolonged deficiency. Our results are the first to characterize a unique and dysbiotic cecal microbiota during Zn deficiency, and they provide evidence for such microbial perturbations as potential effectors of the Zn-deficient phenotype.

Highlights

  • Zinc (Zn), an essential nutrient for most organisms, is most notably involved as a metal cofactor in hundreds of proteins within the human body [1,2]

  • The gut environment is central to Zn homeostasis, and is affected by suboptimal Zn status, we know little about the effects of chronic dietary Zn deficiency on the composition and function of the gut microbiome

  • We recently demonstrated that metagenomic perturbations of the gut microbiota in Gallus gallus influence the severity Zn deficiency provided by an elemental diet via, among other pathways, decreasing the capacity of resident bacteria to produce beneficial short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) for optimal Zn absorption by the host

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Summary

Introduction

Zinc (Zn), an essential nutrient for most organisms, is most notably involved as a metal cofactor in hundreds of proteins within the human body [1,2]. Even mild deficiencies of this mineral can profoundly impact growth and development, as well as impede immune differentiation and maturation [5,6]. Despite the high prevalence of Zn deficiency, accurate clinical biomarkers of Zn status are lacking [10,11]. A major initiative set forth by the World Health Organization, the International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group, and others has been to promote the development of reliable Zn biomarkers. Serum Zn is currently the most widely used biomarker of Zn status, inherent problems with its measurement and interpretation can significantly impact sensitivity and specificity for dietary Zn [11]. Proceedings 2020, 57, x; doi: FOR PEER REVIEW www.mdpi.com/journal/proceedings

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