Comparative Analysis of Gut Microbiota of Native Tibetan and Han Populations Living at Different Altitudes

Abstract

The factors driving the composition of gut microbiota are still only partly understood but appear to include environmental, cultural, and genetic factors. In order to obtain more insight into the relative importance of these factors, we analyzed the microbiome composition in subjects of Tibetan or Han descent living at different altitudes. DNA was isolated from stool samples. Using polymerase chain reaction methodology, the 16S rRNA V1–V3 regions were amplified and the sequence information was analyzed by principal coordinates analysis and Lefse analyses. Contrasting the Tibetan and Han populations both living at the 3600 m altitude, we found that the Tibetan microbiome is characterized by a relative abundance of Prevotella whereas the Han stool was enriched in Bacteroides. Comparing the microbiome of Han stool obtained from populations living at different altitudes revealed a more energy efficient flora in samples from those living at higher altitude relative to their lower-altitude counterparts. Comparison of the stool microbiome of Tibetan herders living at 4800 m to rural Tibetans living at 3600 m altitude shows that the former have a flora enriched in butyrate-producing bacteria, possibly in response to the harsher environment that these herders face. Thus, the study shows that both altitude and genetic/cultural background have a significant influence on microbiome composition, and it represents the first attempt to compare stool microbiota of Tibetan and Han populations in relation to altitude.

Changes in intestinal microbiota across an altitudinal gradient in the lizard Phrynocephalus vlangalii

“…Our results are distinctly different from the observations in humans (Li & Zhao, ; Li, Gesang, et al. ), but are similar to the findings in pikas (Li et al., a). Despite observations in these different species are dissimilar, it is possible that the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio is determined by the diet.…”

“…Comparative studies in pikas and humans living at different altitudes also confirmed that gut microbiota composition is influenced by altitude (Li & Zhao, 2015;Li, Gesang, et al 2016).…”

“…Comparative studies in pikas and humans living at different altitudes also confirmed that gut microbiota composition is influenced by altitude (Li & Zhao, ; Li, Li et al., ; Li, Gesang, et al. ). However, the response of intestinal microbiota during highland adaptation in reptiles has been rarely reported.…”

“…A growing number of studies have indicated that animals inhabiting high‐altitude environments possess distinct gastrointestinal microbiota compared to that of representatives of the same species that live at low altitude (Li & Zhao, ; Li, Li et al., ; Li, Gesang, et al. ). In the present study, we also found that P. vlangalii lizards inhabiting different altitudes have relatively different intestinal microbiota and confirmed that geography and climate are significant factors regulating gut microbiota of the reptiles on the Tibetan Plateau.…”

The Effect of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin on Bacterial Growth: A Dual-Edged Sword

“…Anecdotal evidence of EPO affecting bacteria is present in the form of differences in gut microbiome of people who reside at high altitudes. Such populace has a high EPO level, which has been implicated as one of the reasons for altered microbiome [30]. However, it is too early to comment more specifically on the issue, and more focused studies must be done in the field.…”