Abstract

Overview

The study explores the impact of hypomagnetic field (HMF) exposure on the gut microbiota of C57BL/6J mice, highlighting significant findings on microbial diversity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and colonic cell proliferation.

Findings

• Long-term (8- and 12-week) HMF exposure distinctly influenced the diversity and functionality of mouse gut microbiota.
• Compared to control groups maintained in a geomagnetic field (GMF), those in HMF showed a decrease in short-chain fatty acid concentrations.
• Immunofluorescence analyses illustrated that HMF led to heightened colonic cell proliferation alongside increased ROS levels.
• Crucial adjustments in the gut microbiota were observed, which could be reversed by reintroducing the mice to GMF, suggesting the potential to alleviate microbial disturbances induced by HMF.

Conclusion

This first in vivo observation identifies that HMF exposure can critically affect gut microbiota and potentially impact host health through ROS and colonic cell proliferation. Furthermore, recovery of gut microbiota upon re-exposure to GMF implies a possible mitigation strategy against HMF induced disturbances.