Human gut microbiota adaptation to high-altitude exposure: longitudinal analysis over acute and prolonged periods

作者：Xianzong Ma, Changwei Duan, Xiaoying Wang, Yurong Tao, Lang Yang, Yongsheng Teng, Yuanming Pan, Mingjie Zhang, Junfeng Xu, Jianqiu Sheng, Xin Wang, Peng Jin · 发表于：Microbiology Spectrum · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1128/spectrum.02916-24 · 被引用次数：18 · 研究领域：Gut microbiota and health、Diet and metabolism studies、Dietary Effects on Health

ABSTRACT This study investigated the longitudinal effects of acute (7-day) and prolonged (3-month) high-altitude exposure on gut microbiota in healthy adult males, addressing the limited data available in human populations. A cohort of 406 healthy adult males was followed, and fecal samples were collected at three time points: baseline at 800 m (406 samples), 7 days after ascending to 4,500 m (406 samples), and 2 weeks post-return to 800 m following 3 months at high altitude (186 samples). High-throughput 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing was employed to analyze microbiota composition and diversity. Results revealed significant changes in alpha- and beta-diversity, with acute high-altitude exposure inducing more pronounced effects compared to prolonged exposure. Specifically, acute exposure increased opportunistic pathogens ( Ruminococcus and Oscillibacter ) but decreased beneficial short-chain fatty acid producers ( Faecalibacterium and Bifidobacterium ). Notably, these changes in microbiota persisted even after returning to low altitude, indicating long-term remodeling. Functional analyses revealed substantial changes in metabolic pathways, suggesting microbiota-driven adaptations to energy utilization under high-altitude hypoxic conditions. In summary, acute high-altitude exposure caused dramatic changes in gut microbiota, while prolonged exposure led to structural and functional reshaping. These findings enhance our understanding of how high-altitude environments reshape gut m...