Modification of Intestinal Flora Can Improve Host Metabolism and Alleviate the Damage Caused by Chronic Hypoxia

Abstract

Prolonged exposure to hypoxic conditions can lead to reduced appetite, stunted growth, systemic inflammation, and pulmonary hypertension. Previous studies have indicated a correlation between gut dysbiosis and the development of hypoxia-related hazards. We designed an experiment to investigate the effect of microbiota on mitigating hypoxic damage. Gut microbiota from high-altitude-adapted species (Ochotona curzoniae) were transplanted into Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, which were then housed in a simulated 6000 m altitude environment for 30 days. After the experiment, we conducted analyses on average daily weight gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), gut flora, and fecal metabolism. The results demonstrated that the ADG in the transplantation group (2.98 ± 0.17 g) was significantly higher than in the control groups (2.68 ± 0.19 g and 2.26 ± 0.13 g) (p < 0.05). The FCR was reduced in the transplantation group (6.30 ± 0.33 g) compared to the control groups (8.20 ± 1.15 g and 8.83 ± 0.45 g) (p < 0.05). The mPAP was decreased in the transplantation group (38.1 ± 1.13 mmHg) compared to the control groups (43.4 ± 1.30 mmHg and 43.5 ± 1.22 mmHg) (p < 0.05). Multi-omics analysis revealed that Lachnospiraceae, Desulfovibrionaceae, and specific amino acid metabolic pathways play crucial roles in hypoxia and are associated with both inflammation and nutritional metabolism. This study proposes a novel approach to the treatment of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension and holds potential significance for improving high-altitude developmental potential.