Impact of urbanization on gut microbiome mosaics across geographic and dietary contexts
Vinogradova E. Mukhanbetzhanov N. Nurgaziyev M. Jarmukhanov Z. Aipova R. Sailybayeva A. Bekbossynova M. Kozhakhmetov S. Kushugulova A.
October 2024American Society for Microbiology
mSystems
2024#9Issue 10
This study provides a comprehensive assessment of how urban-rural divides influencegut microbial diversity and composition across the distinct geographical landscapes of Kazakhstan, elucidating the intricate interplay between lifestyle, environment, and gut microbiome. In this prospective cohort study, we enrolled 651 participants from urban centers and rural settlements across Kazakhstan, following ethical approval and informed consent. Comprehensive demographic, dietary, and stool sample data were collected. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and shotgun metagenomics techniques were employed to delineate the intricate patterns of the gut microbiome. A rigorous statistical framework dissected the interplay between urbanization gradients, geography, dietary lifestyles, and microbial dynamics. Our findingsdemonstrate a stark microbial divide between urban and rural gut ecosystems. The study found significantdifferencesin gut microbiome diversity and composition between urban and rural populations in Kazakhstan. Urban microbiomes exhibited reduced diversity, higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratios, and increased prevalence of genera Coprococcus and Parasutterella. In contrast, rural populations had greater microbial diversity and abundance of Ligilactobacillus, Sutterella, and Paraprevotella. Urbanization also influenceddietary patterns, with urban areas consuming more salt, cholesterol, and protein, while rural areas had diets richer in carbohydrates and fiber.The study also identifieddistinct patterns in the prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors between urban and rural gut microbiomes. This study sheds light on how urbanization may be deeply involved in shaping the intricate mosaic of the gut microbiome across Kazakhstans diverse geographical and dietary landscapes, underscoring the complex interplay between environmental exposures, dietary lifestyles, and the microbial residents inhabiting our intestines. IMPORTANCE The study examined gut microbiome composition across diverse geographical locations in Kazakhstan, spanning urban centers and rural settlements. This allows for thoroughly investigating how urbanization gradients and geographic factors shape the gut microbiome. The studys examination of the gut resistome and prevalence of virulence-associated genes provide essential insights into the public health implications of urbanization-driven microbiome alterations. Collecting comprehensive demographic, dietary, and stool sample data enables the researchers to better understand the relationships between urbanization, nutritional patterns, and gut microbiome composition. The findingshave important implications for understanding how urbanization-driven microbiome changes may impact human health and well-being, paving the way for tailored interventions to restore a balanced gut microbial ecology.
antibiotic resistance , dietary patterns , geographic patterns , gut microbiome , microbial diversity , urbanization , virulence factors
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National Laboratory Astana, Center for Life Sciences, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
Kazakh Research Institute of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Named after U.Uspanov, Almaty, Kazakhstan
JSC National Research Cardiac Surgery Center, Astana, Kazakhstan
National Laboratory Astana
Kazakh Research Institute of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Named after U.Uspanov
JSC National Research Cardiac Surgery Center
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