Impact of occupational exposure on human microbiota

Abstract

Purpose of review-Recent evidence suggests that environmental exposures change the adult human microbiome. Here we review recent evidence on the impact of the work microbiome and work-related chemical, metal, and particulate exposures on the human microbiome. Recent findings-Prior literature on occupational microbial exposures have focused mainly on the respiratory effects of endotoxin, but a recent study suggests that not all endotoxin is the same; endotoxin from some species is pro-inflammatory, while endotoxin from other species is antiinflammatory. Work with animals can change the adult human microbiome, likely through colonization. Early studies in military personnel and animal models of gulf war illness show that military exposures changes the gut microbiome and increases gut permeability. Heavy metal and particulate matter exposure, which are often elevated in occupational settings, also changes the gut microbiome. Summary-An emerging body of literature shows that work-related exposures can change the human microbiome. The health effects of these changes are currently not well studied. If work exposures lead to disease through alterations in the human microbiome, exposure cessation without addressing changes to the human microbiome may be ineffective for disease prevention and treatment.

WORKbiota: A Systematic Review about the Effects of Occupational Exposure on Microbiota and Workers’ Health

“…Even in a work setting where there is indirect animal exposure, the work microbiome may change the composition of the human nasal and skin microbiome. With regard to chemical compounds, arsenic has been shown to alter the characteristics of the workers' microbiome [47]. Two narrative reviews and a commentary investigated the impact of altered circadian rhythms from shift work on the composition of the workers' microbiome.…”

Occupational Health Aspects with Special Focus on Physiological Differences between Office and Metalworkers

“…This seems to be dependent on body composition, body fat, and exercise intensity, as there are also reports of detrimental consequences of exercise on exhaustion for the microbiome [28]. Although the research on work-related exposures is currently sparse, it should be emphasized that entire microbial communities may shift towards a pro-inflammatory state in non-communicable diseases such as obesity or diabetes [29]. Moreover, environmental exposure to chemicals or metals can also change the human microbiome to dysbiosis.…”

Role-Playing Between Environmental Pollutants and Human Gut Microbiota: A Complex Bidirectional Interaction

“…Consequently, the maintenance of a healthy GM may be protective against the toxicity of such chemicals and the occurrence of associated chronic diseases ( 52 ). This could be very relevant in specific occupational settings with a high rate of specific exposures ( 53 ). Overall, the modulation of the intestinal gut microbes, through active strategies such as the assumption of specific nutrients or also specific beneficial probiotics, with the aim to repristinate the eubiosis, may be protective against the development of the linked diseases and it can be suggested as a preventive intervention method.…”

“…specific exposures (53). Overall, the modulation of the intestinal gut microbes, through active strategies such as the assumption of specific nutrients or also specific beneficial probiotics, with the aim to repristinate the eubiosis, may be protective against the development of the linked diseases and it can be suggested as a preventive intervention method.…”