Impact of High-Sugar Diet-Induced Hyperglycemia on Gut Microbiota and Reproductive Fitness in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

This research aims to determine how hyperglycemia caused by high-sugar diet affects gut microbiota composition and reproductive fitness of Drosophila melanogaster. The experimental groups were kept in controlled conditions and evaluated through various age periods. It was found that there was a clear decrease in microbial diversity with the loss of beneficial taxa such as Lactobacillus and enrichment of opportunistic bacteria such as Enterobacter and Serratia under high-sugar conditions. There was an increase in bacterial load and strong dysbiosis, especially as one gets older. Physiological examination revealed a decrease in the thorax length, the body size index, and the change in metabolic pattern, pointing to the inadequacy of nutrient utilization. This had a significant impact on reproductive performance with reduced fecundity, ovariole number, and egg-to-adult viability in hyperglycemic groups. Statistical analyses revealed that diet and age, and their interaction, have a significant effect on microbial and physiological parameters. the findings highlight the importance of diet in terms of host-microbe interactions, and in accelerating physiological and reproductive decline.