Research: Projects

PCBs

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of environmental persistent organic pollutant posing long-term threat to human health. The gastrointestinal tract is the primary site of PCB exposure and gut inflammation is associated with the development of chronic disorders such as the metabolic syndrome. Substantial animal model studies and epidemiological studies have suggested that PCB exposure increases the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and induces colonic inflammation; however, the underlying mechanism has been scarcely studied. The probiotic secretome consists of bacterial cell free metabolites generated during their growth. The anti-inflammatory effects of lactic acid producing bacteria (LAB) against pathogen or pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α-induced colonic inflammation has been proven in several in vitro and in vivo studies. We are investigating:

• The potential mechanism by which PCBs induce colonic inflammation

• Whether the probiotic secretome from LAB could alleviate PCB-induced inflammation in colonic epithelial cells

• The metabolic profile of the LAB secretome and how it affects the metabolism of colonic epithelial cells exposed to PCBs

Student in charge of this project: Fang Lu

Cocoa polyphenols and a zebrafish model of autism

This study, in collaboration with Dr. Patten (INRS), evaluated the therapeutic potential of polyphenol-rich cocoa powder in a valproic acid (VPA)-induced zebrafish model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We found that VPA treatment resulted in the manifestation of an ASD-like phenotype characterized by elevated stress-related behavior and severe gastrointestinal abnormalities. Co-treatment with cocoa powder significantly ameliorated these behavioral and physiological symptoms, restoring gut morphology and reducing hyperactivity. Metabolomic and proteomic analyses revealed that cocoa polyphenols modulated metabolic pathways implicated in ASD, providing evidence for their efficacy in mitigating ASD-related symptoms.

Students in charge of this project: Jeffrey Li and Amélie Légaré

Carotenoids and the microbiome

Carotenoids are plant pigments with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential that are primarily obtained from dietary fruit and vegetable intake. Despite a consistent association between carotenoid intake and status and a reduced risk of chronic and age-related diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration), controlled interventions studies suggest that various host-related factors, such as sex, lifestyle, and gut microbiome composition, can influence carotenoid absorption. We conducted a double-blind, randomized controlled trial to see whether a probiotic may enhance carotenoid absorption.

Student in charge of this project: Lucas Roldos

Osteogenesis imperfecta: uncovering intestinal alterations in a brittle bone disease

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is an inherited connective tissue disorder predominantly characterized by fragile bones. Although the primary focus in OI patient care is on skeletal health, children with OI often experience hypermetabolism, frequent gastrointestinal issues, and malnutrition. Collagen-I, the most abundant collagen protein in the intestine, raises questions about the impact of OI on intestinal health. Our research reveals, for the first time, a previously unrecognized sex-dependent intestinal phenotype in mice with moderate-to-severe OI. This discovery provides new insights into the pathophysiology of OI and establishes a foundation for exploring tailored nutritional strategies to address the unique metabolic challenges faced by OI patients.

Student in charge of this project: Karina Zhang

Cannabidiol and inflammation

Cannabis sativa L. contains numerous bioactive compounds, of which cannabidiol (CBD) is a key component with promising therapeutic potential. We are evaluating the impact of CBD on the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites using our human-simulated gastrointestinal digestion model and multi-omics integration. We believe that a multi-omics approach is essential to comprehensively understand the potential therapeutic effects of CBD and its metabolites.

Postdoctoral fellow in charge of this project: Leila Khorraminezhad

Anthocyanins: protection against PCB-induced gut dysbiosis

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of environmental persistent organic pollutants, posing long-term threat to human health. Emerging animal model studies have demonstrated that PCB exposure alters gut microbial diversity and species richness. Blue potatoes are rich in anthocyanins (ACN), which is a class of polyphenols that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and increase the production of the bioactive compounds, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Our simulated gut model containing human fecal microbial communities was utilized to assess whether human gut microbiota composition and SCFA production are affected by PCB exposure and ACN-rich digests in the presence and absence of the PCB congeners.

Student in charge of this project: Fang Lu

Osteoarthritis is an age-related degenerative disease characterized by joint inflammation and cartilage breakdown. Collagen hydrolysates are broken down collagen, containing bioavailable peptides that can enter the bloodstream and reach the target tissues. We’re interested in exploring whether the bioactive peptides derived from collagen hydrolysates, after digestion, possess anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective potential.

Student in charge of this project: Sirui Shan

Population studies have consistently demonstrated protection by fiber-rich food against metabolic diseases such as cancer. Clinical interventions based on high-fiber diet or precise prebiotic approaches could be effective but not all people benefit from high fiber intake, as some show gastrointestinal disturbances and inflammation. Precision interventions with specific fibers are likely to depend on the metabolic capacity of the individual microbiome. The goal of this project is to determine whether interpersonal differences in microbiome-dependent fiber fermentation can be predicted to improve gut health and personalized cancer treatment.