Consumption of Contaminated Passaic River Fish Causes Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis and May Influence Metabolic Syndrome Outcomes

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The Newark Bay/Passaic River region is home to a Superfund site that is heavily polluted with PCBs, mercury, and record levels of dioxin. There is very strong evidence that the marine life inhabiting these polluted waterways are contaminated with these toxic agents. Bottom or filter feeders, along with predatory species, often accumulate significant amounts of contaminants in their body tissue. Consumption of these species by humans exposes them to high levels of contaminants, which can lead to adverse health effects. Despite these findings and posted public warnings that vulnerable populations (e.g., pregnant women, babies, or elderly) should not consume marine life captured in these waterways, exposure through consumption continues in poor communities. A pilot study done by our lab sequenced 16S rRNA from the feces of adult mice that were fed autoclaved diets supplemented with 2.5% or 7.5% “dirty” Passaic River fish. A principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that consumption of “contaminated” eel feed sourced from the Passaic River affected GI tract community diversity and structure in male mice at both days 1 and 9, compared to the “clean” feed group. Because the gut microbiome encompasses key metabolic and life functions, such as endocrine signaling, lipid production, metabolism, and immune regulation, dysbiosis, or an imbalance of, bacterial community structure can lead to significant changes in overall wellness. Phenotypes may include those of metabolic syndrome - This grant aims to study how GI tract dysbiosis from consumption of contaminated Passaic River fish contributes to the biological effects of metabolic syndrome, which will be characterized as hypertension and triglyceride, HDL-C, and fasting glucose levels. We propose to do this by observing shifts in community structure of the gut microbiome, and analyzing phenotypes of metabolic disease in mice that have consumed contaminated fish captured from this waterway. Importantly, we will focus on mixtures and synergistic effects of contaminants, as it is unusual for such contaminants to exist independently of others. This research will model both environmentally relevant concentrations and real-world exposure scenarios where contaminated fish are consumed by anglers and their families. Finally, we will explore the preventative effects of probiotic treatment on GI tract dysbiosis. These findings will translate into healthier communities by raising awareness, reducing disease susceptibility, and protecting the health of poorer communities where families regularly rely on caught fish as sustenance. This project will provide valuable training opportunities in environmentally relevant coexposure assessments, microbiome analyses, and community health awareness as data is translated into public health policy and disease mitigation strategies.