Journal article
The influence of an environmentally relevant polychlorinated biphenyl mixture on the intestinal microbiota in post-weaning mouse dams
Environmental science and pollution research international, Vol.33(4), pp.1399-1415
01/2026
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-026-37418-3
PMCID: PMC12901190
PMID: 41571971
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are environmental pollutants linked to neurological impairments by mechanisms involving the gut microbiome. This study examines the effects of maternal exposure to a PCB mixture on the gut microbiome of post-weaning mouse dams. Female C57BL/6 J mice were exposed daily to PCBs at different doses (0, 0.1, 1, or 6 mg/kg body weight/day) before mating, and throughout gestation and lactation. Post-weaning intestinal contents from dams were analyzed to assess microbiome abundance and quantify PCBs and their metabolites. PCB exposure affected the composition of microbial taxa, though not significantly. However, topic modeling analysis identified a distinct microbial community that was significantly more prevalent in the control group compared to post-weaning mouse dams exposed to the MARBLES mixture at medium and high doses. Complex PCBs and metabolite mixtures were detected in the intestinal contents. Certain PCBs and their metabolites were associated with changes in bacterial abundance, as determined by network analysis. These findings show that individual PCBs and their metabolites can affect gut microbial communities, potentially contributing to neurological impairments in mice exposed to PCBs during gestation and lactation.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- The influence of an environmentally relevant polychlorinated biphenyl mixture on the intestinal microbiota in post-weaning mouse dams
- Creators
- Hui Wang - University of IowaLaura E Dean - University of IowaXueshu Li - University of IowaRachel L Fitzjerrells - University of IowaKai Wang - University of Iowa, BiostatisticsAshutosh K Mangalam - University of IowaRachel F Marek - University of IowaConner L Kennedy - University of Wisconsin–MadisonMonica M Ridlon - University of Wisconsin–MadisonAudrey Spiegelhoff - University of Wisconsin–MadisonKimberly P Keil Stietz - University of Wisconsin–MadisonHans-Joachim Lehmler - Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA. hans-joachim-lehmler@uiowa.edu
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Environmental science and pollution research international, Vol.33(4), pp.1399-1415
- DOI
- 10.1007/s11356-026-37418-3
- PMID
- 41571971
- PMCID
- PMC12901190
- NLM abbreviation
- Environ Sci Pollut Res Int
- ISSN
- 1614-7499
- eISSN
- 1614-7499
- Publisher
- Springer
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 01/22/2026
- Date published
- 01/2026
- Academic Unit
- Public Health Administration; Occupational and Environmental Health; Pathology; Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Biostatistics; IIHR--Hydroscience and Engineering
- Record Identifier
- 9985130060502771
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