Effects of different areca nut chewing habits on the gut microbiota of mice: High‐throughput sequencing analysis

Abstract

The chewing of areca nut is closely associated with human diseases such as oral submucous fibrosis and immune related diseases. Recent studies have focused on the pharmacological and toxicological effects of areca nut chewing, and have largely overlooked the effects on intestinal microbiota. In this study, we sought to understand how different methods of areca consumption affect intestinal microflora composition. A total of 60 male and 60 female Kunming mice were each randomly divided into six groups and fed different areca preparations to mimic different areca nut chewing habits. The preparations included fresh areca fruit; areca fruit with betel leaf or cured tobacco; brined areca; smoked brined areca; and a control. The fecal microbiota of mice in the 12 groups was compared after 28 days of oral gavage administration. To determine the composition and diversity of the fecal microbiota, we performed high‐throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA. In both male and female mice, the diversity and abundance of the intestinal microbiota of the experimental groups were higher than those in the control groups. Furthermore, different areca preparations had different effects on the diversity, abundance, and composition of the intestinal flora of Kunming mice. Practical applications The chewing of areca nuts in various forms is widespread in Asia and other areas. This manuscript first explores the effects of different areca nut chewing habits on the gut microbiota of mice. We then further clarify the impact of different areca nut chewing habits on intestinal health and provide a new direction for areca nut research. In addition, our findings will increase public understanding of areca nut usage and provide guidance for the areca nut industry.

Fuzhuan brick tea supplemented with areca nuts: Effects on serum and gut microbiota in mice

“…This change was primarily caused by the increase in Lactobacillus and the decrease in Bacteroides and Helicobacter proportions, which was similar to the results of a previous study (Foster et al, 2016). Another previous study conducted by our research group also showed that areca nut may induce Firmicutes growth (Zhao, et al, 2018), which could aid in the fermentation of polysaccharides, providing energy for the human body (Flint et al, 2008).…”

“…Areca nut could also improve microbial diversity in male and female mice (Zhao, et al, 2018). These findings showed that both FT and areca nut had a beneficial impact on gut microbiota, whereas the combination of these two substances might have a certain antagonistic effect, which could be decreased by increasing the content of areca nut.…”

“…The levels of GLU and INS could be decreased with increased additions of areca nut, which indicates that the disorder of sugar metabolism could be inhibited to a certain extent in the HAF group. TBA, MDA, and FFA indexes are associated with blood lipids (Yu et al, 2018;Zhao, et al, 2018). HFD could induce an increase in TBA, MDA, and FFA levels.…”

Quorum sensing effect of chiral d‐glutamine on the modulation of the intestinal microbiota of mice by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum A3

“…Microorganisms detected in the feces of mice include Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria and Desulfobacterota, which are the most dominant phyla in the intestinal bacterial community of all mice, consistent with previous studies. 44 Composition analysis also showed that the most abundant genera in each group were Lactobacillus and Bacteroides. In general, Chao1 or OTU indices reflect microbial abundance in a community, while Shannon or Simpson indices reflect microbial diversity in a community.…”