Globally, humans face gut microbiota dysbiosis; however, its impact on the bioavailability of cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) from rice consumption-a major source of human exposure to these metals-remains unclear. In this study, we compared Cd and As accumulation in the liver and kidneys of mice with disrupted gut microbiota (administered cefoperazone sodium), restored microbiota (administered probiotics and prebiotics following antibiotic exposure), and normal microbiota, all after consuming cocontaminated rice. Compared to normal mice, microbiota-disrupted mice exhibited 30.9-119% and 30.0-100% (p < 0.05) higher Cd and As levels in tissues after a 3 week exposure period. The increased Cd and As bioavailability was not due to changes in the duodenal expression of Cd-related transporters or As speciation biotransformation in the intestine. Instead, it was primarily attributed to a damaged mucus layer and depleted tight junctions associated with gut dysbiosis, which increased intestinal permeability. These mechanisms were confirmed by observing 34.3-74.3% and 25.0-75.0% (p < 0.05) lower Cd and As levels in the tissues of microbiota-restored mice with rebuilt intestinal barrier functions. This study enhances our understanding of the increased risk of dietary metal(loid) exposure in individuals with gut microbiota dysbiosis due to impaired intestinal barrier functions.

This study explores the effects of disinfectant and antibiotic exposure on gut health, focusing on gut microbiota balance and gut immune function. Our analysis indicates that disinfectants increase the proportion of Gram-positive bacteria, particularly increasing Staphylococcus levels, while antibiotics increase the proportion of Gram-negative bacteria, especially Bacteroides levels. These changes disrupt microbial harmony and affect the gut microbiome's functional capacity. Additionally, our research reveals that both disinfectants and antibiotics reduce colon length and cause mucosal damage. A significant finding is the downregulation of NLRC4, a key immune system regulator in the gut, accompanied by changes in immune factor expression. This interaction between chemical exposure and immune system dysfunction increases susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease and other gut conditions. Given the importance of disinfectants in disease prevention, this study advocates for a balanced approach to their use, aiming to protect public health while minimizing adverse effects on the gut microbiome and immune function. IMPORTANCEDisinfectants are extensively employed across various sectors, such as the food sector. Disinfectants are widely used in various sectors, including the food processing industry, animal husbandry, households, and pharmaceuticals. Their extensive application risks environmental contamination, impacting water and soil quality. However, the effect of disinfectant exposure on the gut microbiome and the immune function of animals remains a significant, unresolved issue with profound public health implications. This highlights the need for increased scrutiny and more regulated use of disinfectants to mitigate unintended consequences on gut health and maintain immune system integrity.

Continuous use of antibiotics in poultry feed as growth promoters poses a grave threat to humanity through the emergence of antibiotic resistance, necessitating the exploration of novel and sustainable alternatives. The present study was carried out to evaluate the performance of postbiotics derived from Lactobacillus acidophilus in broiler birds. The postbiotics were harvested by culturing probiotic bacteria from the stock cultures at the required temperature and duration under laboratory conditions and supplemented to broilers via feed. For experimentation, 480-day-old CARI-Bro Dhanraja (slow-growing broiler) straight-run chicks were randomly split up into six groups. Treatment groups diets are as follows: T1- Basal diet (BD)+0.2%(v/w) MRS Broth/ uninoculated media; T2 - BD + Antibiotic (CTC); T3- BD + Probiotic; T4, T5 & T6 - BD + postbiotics supplementation of 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% (v/w) respectively. The chicks were raised under an intensive, deep litter system with standard protocol for 6 weeks. Results showed that 0.2% of postbiotics (T4) had significantly (P < 0.001) higher body weight (1677.52 g) with better FCR (1.75) and immune response. Postbiotic supplementation altered various serum attributes positively, in this study. Significant (P < 0.001) reductions in total plate counts (TPC), coliform counts, and maximum Lactobacillus counts were recorded in all postbiotic-supplemented groups. The villus height (1379.25 mu m), width (216.06 mu m) and crept depth (179.25 mu m) showed significant (P < 0.001) improvement among the treatment groups on the 21st and 42nd day of the experimental trial, with the highest value in the T4 group (0.2% postbiotic supplementation). Jejunal antioxidant values also noted significantly (P < 0.001) higher values in T4 group. The study concludes that 0.2% postbiotic supplementation can act as a substitute to antibiotic growth promoters and also combat the disfavour activity of probiotics in broilers.