Bacillus coagulans (Weizmannia coagulans) XY2 attenuates Cu-induced oxidative stress via DAF-16/FoxO and SKN-1/Nrf2 pathways and gut microbiota regulation

Copper (Cu) pollution has become a serious environmental problem especially in recent decades. In this study, the mechanisms of Bacillus coagulans (Weizmannia coagulans) XY2 against Cu-induced oxidative stress were explored through a dual model. In mice, Cu disturbed microbial community structure, revealing an increased level of Enterorhabdus abundance and decreased levels of Intestinimonas, Faecalibaculu, Ruminococcaceae and Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002 abundance. Meanwhile, B. coagulans (W. coagulans) XY2 intervention reversed this trend along with alleviated Cu-induced metabolic disturbances by increasing levels of hypotaurine and L-glutamate and declining levels of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. In Caenorhabditis elegans, nuclear translocation of DAF-16 and SKN-1 was inhibited by Cu, which in turn suppressed antioxidant-related enzymes activities. XY2 mitigated biotoxicity associated with oxidative damage caused by Cu exposure via regulating DAF-16/FoxO and SKN-1/Nrf2 pathways and intestinal flora to eliminate excess ROS. Our study provides a theoretical basis formulating future strategy of probiotics against heavy metal contamination.