DEVELOPMENT OF GUT MICROBIOTA-DERIVED BACTERIAL PROBIOTICS FOR GLYCEMIC CONTROL IN ENDOCRINE-DISRUPTING CHEMICAL-INDUCED DIABETES. GUT MICROBIOME

Abstract: Background: Diabetes is emerging as a significant global health concern, with escalating prevalence rates worldwide. Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) have been implicated in the epidemiology of diabetes, sparking interest in their potential role in its pathogenesis. Our previous epidemiological investigations in rural communities indicated a disconnect between traditional diabetes risk factors and prevalence. Objectives: This study aims to elucidate the variation in gut microbiota profiles during EDC-induced diabetes and develop a gut microbiota-derived probiotic approach for enhanced glycemic control. Traditional diabetes management largely focuses on established risk factors, which may not fully encompass the diabetes population, particularly in regions where exposure to such risk factors is limited. Novelty: In contrast to conventional approaches, this study diverges by exploring the synergistic interaction between gut microbiota and EDCs in diabetes etiology. By examining gut microbiota variations and their potential contribution to diabetes development, this research offers a novel perspective on diabetes management strategies. Methodology: The study employs 16S rRNA sequencing to analyze gut microbial profiles in both high-fat high sucrose diet (HF/HS) and EDC-induced diabetes mouse models. Differential expression of bacterial species identified will be validated in human diabetes fecal samples using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Subsequently, key bacterial species will be isolated, and their potential hypoglycemic effects will be evaluated in C57bl/6 mouse models. Results: Both HF/HS diet and EDC-induced diabetes mouse models exhibited hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance after 120 days of treatment. Significant weight gain was observed in high-fat diet-treated mice, reflecting real-world diabetes trends in different socioeconomic contexts. Metagenomic DNA analysis of fecal samples revealed distinct microbial profiles between the two etiologies, with implications for understanding diabetes pathogenesis and developing targeted interventions.