Alterations in the Gut Microbiota and Metabolomics of Seafarers after a Six-Month Sea Voyage
Chun‐Hui Jiang, Fang Xue, Wen Huang, Ji‐Yao Guo, Jia-Yun Chen, Hongyu Wu, Zhao‐Shen Li, Wen‐Bin Zou, Zhuan Liao
Abstract
Maintaining the health of seafarers undertaking long-term voyages is a difficult task. Apart from the alterations in the gut microbiome and fecal metabolites after a long-term voyage, our study also revealed that 20 differential metabolites within six differentially enriched human metabolic pathways are worthy of attention. Moreover, we found close relationships between the 14 differential microbiota members and the six differential fecal metabolites that might impact specific human metabolic pathways. Accordingly, preventative measures, such as adjusting the gut microbiota by decreasing potential pathobionts or increasing potential probiotics as well as offsetting the decrease in B vitamins and beneficial metabolites (e.g., d-glucuronic acid and citrulline) via dietary adjustment or nutritional supplements, might improve the health of seafarers during long-term sea voyages. These findings provide valuable clues about gut microbiome-host interactions and propose potential targets for maintaining the health of seafarers engaged in long-term sea voyages.