Abstract
The microbiota is considered critical for normal vertebrate homeostasis and it may exert its effects at a local level within the gastrointestinal tract, or systemically through the production of bacterial metabolites. To date, investigations into the role that the microbiota plays in reptile physiology are rare. To address this knowledge gap, we explored the relationship between differences in microbial communities to see if they accounted for differences in haematology and biochemistry values, in different populations of nesting flatback turtles (Natator depressus). We found that microbiota composition was not correlated to any of the blood analytes we measured in flatbacks. This study is the first of its kind in reptiles and highlights the need for further investigations to determine mechanisms by which the microbiota influences the physiology and health of reptiles.
Highlights
The microbiota is considered critical for normal vertebrate homeostasis and it may exert its effects at a local level within the gastrointestinal tract, or systemically through the production of bacterial metabolites
In an endeavour to correct this deficit, we explored whether differences in microbiota composition correlated with differences in haematology and biochemistry results in two populations of nesting flatback turtles (Natator depressus)
To assess general organ function we examined how microbiota correlated with a range of biochemical parameters including aspartate aminotransferase, uric acid, creatinine kinase, total protein, glucose, calcium, phosphate, albumin, globulin, potassium, and sodium
Summary
The microbiota is considered critical for normal vertebrate homeostasis and it may exert its effects at a local level within the gastrointestinal tract, or systemically through the production of bacterial metabolites. Investigations into the role that the microbiota plays in reptile physiology are rare To address this knowledge gap, we explored the relationship between differences in microbial communities to see if they accounted for differences in haematology and biochemistry values, in different populations of nesting flatback turtles (Natator depressus). The microbiota communicates with adipocytes influencing obesity and insulin resistance, as well as browning (important for thermoregulation) and inflammation[4] It plays a role in hepatic function by modulating bile acid metabolism, lipogenesis and energy expenditure[4]. Improving our comprehension of the host-microbial relationship, and factors that drive dysbiosis and reduced fitness, are imperatives for modern conservation efforts[27] This information may be used as a screening tool to monitor how animals are able to respond, in a physiological sense, to an ever-changing world. This is especially important for sea turtles, which as a group are some of the most imperilled species on Earth[23]
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