Metabolomics India 2016 Agenda

Gut Microbial Degradation of OP-Insecticides-Induces Glucose Homeostatic Dysfunctions

Subbiah Ramasamy, Assistant Professor, Madurai Kamaraj University

Organophosphates (OP) are the largely used insecticides in the world and every human is being exposed to OP via food, water and air. Due to their biodegradable nature Organophosphates are considered comparatively harmless but studies revealed their association with neuronal and other disorders. Here, we prove that chronic exposure to Organophosphates is associated with hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance mediated by Organophosphates metabolizing potential of gut microbiota. Intestinal metatranscriptomics and metabolomics analysis revealed that gut microbial degradation of Organophosphates produces acetic acid, which induces intestinal and hepatic gluconeogenesis and thus accounts for glucose intolerance. We also identified a similar association of plasma Organophosphate residues and faecal acetate level with diabetic status of humans. Collectively, our results established the diabetogenic nature of Organophosphates mediated by gut microbiota and thereby calling for reconsideration of Organophosphates usage and switch from chemical-based agriculture to traditional agricultural farming.