Interaction between dietary methylmercury and gut microbiota

The main aim is to determine the role of the gut microflora on the uptake, tissue distribution and excretion of MeHg from the diet. To evaluate this potential relationship we will treat mice for a short period of time with antibiotics in order to remove their commensal gut flora. In addition, the mice will also receive MeHg through their diet. Based on earlier experience, the duration of the animal trial are within a period known to not produce any toxic signs from either MeHg or anitbiotics which are related to reduced animal wellfare. The tissue levels and excretion of MeHg will be evaluated in mice given MeHg through their diet, this will be measured both in mice with a limited gut microbiota due to antibiotic treatment and in mice with a normal gut microbiota which has not received antibiotics. 77 male C57BL/6J mice will be used in order to determine significant differences in tissue levels and to include enough groups to evaluate the aim for the trial.This study depends on the whole body metabolism, including the uptake of nutrients and MeHg in the gut, further distribution to the different organs in the body and finally the excretion trough the feces with the impact of the animals gut microflora. Thus, it is essential to use a whole organism in order to evaluate these interactions. More knowlegde regarding the involvement of the gut microbiota in uptake and excretion of environmental pollutants such as MeHg is of value for the general public, as exposure to MeHg are inevitable and the gut microbiota composition is possible to modulate by different approaches.