Intestinal microbiota of indigenous peoples of the North: a systematic review

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: The microbiota of the indigenous population of the North may play a pivotal role in the development of the polar (northern) type of metabolism supporting increased energy demands and maintaining body homeostasis in extreme cold climates. However, this area remains relatively understudied. Sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA allows for establishing the full taxonomic composition of microbial communities, thereby facilitating novel insights into the interplay between microbiota, environmental conditions, and the formation of health in different populations.

AIM: The aim of this review is to evaluate the factors and principles of microbiota development in extreme climatic conditions and its potential impact on health in the indigenous peoples of the North.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was conducted based on the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. Original studies were searched for across the PubMed, eLibrary, and Google Scholar databases using Russian keywords “микробиота кишечника” (“intestinal microbiota”), “Север” (“North”), and English “gut microbiome,” “16S rRNA,” and “Arctic.”

RESULTS: Having filtered the results of the primary selection of articles in accordance with the search criteria, five publications were identified that presented the results of intestinal microbiota 16S rRNA studies in Canadian Inuit, Alaska Natives, and Yakuts of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). The intestinal microbiota of native residents of the North differs is characterized by inter- and intra-population variability in the diversity and taxonomic composition. Despite similar climatic conditions and dietary patterns, microbiota composition of different Northern populations reflects differences in traditional activities, dietary habits, and surrounding animals.

CONCLUSION: Results of available studies are insufficient to form a comprehensive understanding of the northern microbiome and its role in maintaining the health of the indigenous peoples of the North. Nevertheless, the composition of the intestinal microbiota of the northern populations is shown to be diverse and favorable for the metabolic health; further studies are required to identify the mechanisms of the metabolic health formation in cold climate conditions.

About the authors

Tatyana M. Sivtseva

North-Eastern Federal University named after M.K. Ammosov

Author for correspondence.
Email: tm.sivtseva@s-vfu.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-1501-7433
SPIN-code: 9571-3044

Cand. Sci. (Biology)

Russian Federation, Yakutsk

Michiye A. Stepanova

North-Eastern Federal University named after M.K. Ammosov

Email: michiyastepanov@gmail.com

Undergraduate Student

Russian Federation, Yakutsk

Raisa N. Zakharova

North-Eastern Federal University named after M.K. Ammosov

Email: prn.inst@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-1395-8256
SPIN-code: 8399-6329

MD, Cand. Sci. (Medicine)

Russian Federation, Yakutsk

Sergey I. Semenov

North-Eastern Federal University named after M.K. Ammosov

Email: insemenov@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-8099-2270
SPIN-code: 4442-3374

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine)

Russian Federation, Yakutsk

Vladimir L. Osakovsky

North-Eastern Federal University named after M.K. Ammosov

Email: iz_labgene@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-9529-2488
SPIN-code: 2730-0390

Cand. Sci. (Biology)

Russian Federation, Yakutsk

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