Tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate exposure disrupts the gut microbiome and its associated metabolites in mice.

Abstract Background Tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) has been frequently detected in environmental media and biological samples. However, knowledge of its adverse health consequences is limited, and its impacts on the human gut microbiota, which play a key role in health and disease, remain unexplored. Objectives To better evaluate the potential risk of TDCIPP exposure in human health, we investigated the effects of TDCIPP on gut microbiome and gut metabolites in C57BL/6 mice. Methods We applied an integrated analytical approach by combing 16S rRNA gene sequencing, metagenomic sequencing and 1H NMR metabolomics analysis in fecal samples collected from mouse with TDCIPP exposure as well as those from controls. Results Both 16S rRNA sequencing and metagenome sequencing showed that TDCIPP exposure significantly changed the gut microbiome, with a remarkable increased Firmicutes at the expense of Bacteroidetes after exposure. Perturbed gut metabolic profiles in the treated group were also observed and closely related with altered gut microbiome. Gene functional annotation analysis further suggested perturbed gut metabolites could be directly caused by altered gut microbiome. Conclusion TDCIPP exposure has great influence on the gut ecosystem as reflected by perturbation of microbiome community structure, microbial species, gut microbe associated gene expression and gut metabolites, which may contribute to the progression of certain uncharacterized gut microbiota related host diseases. Our findings provide novel insights into adverse effects of TDCIPP exposure on human health.