Effects of chronic cadmium exposure on the structure and function of intestinal mucosal flora in mice

Cadmium (Cd) is a serious environmental pollutant to human health. Intestinal flora is associated with human health. This study probed into the effects of Cd on the small intestinal mucosal flora in mice by drinking water intake 5 ppm, 20 ppm and 100 ppm cadmium chloride for 50 days respectively. Results indicated that diversity, taxonomic composition and community structure of intestinal mucosal flora were influenced by Cd exposure. Sphingomonas, Microbacterium and Desulfovibrio, as the characteristic bacteria, played vital roles in the different dose groups of Cd. Meanwhile, Cd exposure adjusted the metabolic function of intestinal mucosal flora, mainly involved in the effects on carbohydrate, amino acid and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, different doses of Cd had different effects on the microbial activity of intestinal mucosal. Conclusively, Cd exposure affected the structure and function of intestinal mucosal flora. We screened the Sphingomonas, Microbacterium and Desulfovibrio as the biomarkers of intestinal mucosal flora after Cd exposure.