Pesticides Alter Gut Bacteria: 306 Interactions Mapped

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Scientists mapped how pesticides change gut bacteria - over a dozen common chemicals alter bacteria growth and nutrient processing.

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Pesticides don't just pass through your body - the study found some bacteria absorb and store these chemicals, potentially extending exposure time.

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Researchers identified 306 specific pesticide-bacteria interactions, creating the first detailed atlas of these molecular mechanisms.

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Common agricultural chemicals tested include DDT (still used in some countries), atrazine, permethrin, and chlorpyrifos.

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"We showed those pesticides really can affect specific gut bacteria and detailed how these changes will affect the general composition," explains researcher Li Chen.

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Your gut contains trillions of microorganisms that help digest food, support immune function, and influence overall health.

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Mouse experiments confirmed pesticides caused inflammation in multiple organs - but one specific bacteria species provided protection.

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The protective bacteria, Bacteroides ovatus, might lead to probiotic treatments that shield against pesticide damage.

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The chemicals altered how bacteria process nutrients and produce metabolites - compounds that influence everything from energy production to immune function.

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This Ohio State University research maps specific changes unlike previous studies that only showed general disruption to gut bacteria.

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"We identified microbes that may buffer the inflammation process," said senior author Jiangjiang Zhu, potentially preventing larger-scale damage.

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Scientists have made this pesticide-bacteria atlas publicly available for other researchers to use in developing protective treatments.

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