25 reported that probiotics exhibit common effects on the regulation of gut microbiota during ship voyage. Although not all of these findings were optimistic, Zhang et al. Functional effects of probiotic strains on gut microbiota composition and related diseases have been clearly illustrated however, some studies have shown that intestinal microbiota have a less prominent response to oral probiotics, possibly due to inter-individual variation in the composition of microbiota produced by diet, genetics, antibiotic use, health history, age, and other environmental factors. Probiotics alter the composition of gut microbiota by increasing beneficial microbes and decreasing pathogen colonization 23, 24. Probiotic intervention could be the most suitable, convenient and appropriate approach which could help maintain the balance of micro-ecology and prevent secondary infections. Limited studies available regarding the ship voyage and stay at Antarctica have reported alterations in both gut 22 and salivary microbiome 4 but its fixation/restoration via any means has not been explored yet. However, studies on health management during Antarctic expedition by ship voyage remains to be explored in detail. The role of the human microbiome in human health is essential for the regulation of immune system 9, 10, nutrient absorption 11, maintaining homeostasis 12, functions of vital organs, including the liver 13, 14, 15, kidney 16 and the brain 17, 18, 19, 20 etc. Since, most of the expedition members in 38th expedition were travelling for first time by ship in the extreme stressful environment of Antarctica, various health issues were prominent in most of the members.Įvidences from recent studies suggest the importance of diversity in gut microbial species and functional genes in various chronic metabolic diseases 21. Sea-sickness, loss of appetite, nausea, and fear of unknown are also possible threats for the development of adverse health problems that could be related to altered gut microbiome. In addition, septicemia caused by vitamin deficiency is the greatest danger to sailor’s health 8. Environmental factors could lead to alterations of the immune 6, 7 and digestive system. Also, the challenging conditions encountered during the ship voyage to Antarctica greatly affect human performance due to the presence of various environmental and social factors such as isolation, fear and confinement 4, 5. Expedition members under these conditions are exposed to health complications as compared to mainland workers 3. The Antarctic and Southern Ocean environment includes low temperature, blizzards, intense UV radiations, high humidity and salinity, isolation, sleep deprivation, altered circadian rhythms, sea sickness and unavailability of fresh fruits and vegetables which leads to psychological and physiological stress 1, 2. However, it maintains the supply of essential goods and other necessities to Antarctic expedition members who work at Antarctic stations and on-board. The present study is first of its kind, providing a feasible approach for protecting gut health during Antarctic expedition involving ship voyage.Īntarctic ship voyage can increase risks to personal health and wellbeing. Suggesting thereby the possible mechanism of probiotic in stabilizing and restoring gut microflora during stressful ship journey. Carbohydrate-active enzymes analysis represented functional genes involved in glycoside hydrolases, glycosyltransferases and carbohydrate binding modules, for maintaining gut microbiome homeostasis. Functional analysis revealed significant alterations in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism.
The gut microbiome in placebo group members on day 0 and day 24, indicated significant alteration compared to a marginal change in the microbial composition in probiotic group. Probiotic intervention reduced the sea sickness by 10% compared to 44% in placebo group. Fecal samples collected on day 0 as baseline and at the end of ship voyage (day 24), were analyzed using whole genome shotgun sequencing. The present findings describe a 24-day long longitudinal study involving 19 members from 38th Indian Antarctic Expedition, to investigate the impact of ship voyage and effect of probiotic intervention on gut microbiota. The response of human gut microbiota to ship voyage and a feasible approach to maintain gut health, is still unexplored. Ship voyage to Antarctica is a stressful journey for expedition members.
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