The composition of the human fecal microbiota might be significantly associated with fecal SCFA levels under hyperbaric conditions.

The fecal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) play important roles in the human body. This study examined how hyperbaric conditions affect the fecal microbiota and fecal SCFAs. Fecal samples were obtained from 12 divers at three points during deep-diving training (before the diving training, at 2.1 MPa, and after decompression). At 2.1 MPa, the changes in the frequency of cluster IV and fecal iso-valerate levels were positively correlated, and the changes in the frequencies of and subcluster XIVa were inversely correlated. After decompression, positive correlations were detected between the changes in the frequency of and fecal n-valerate levels and between the changes in the fecal levels of iso-butyrate and iso-valerate. On the other hand, inverse correlations were detected between the changes in the frequency of cluster IX and fecal iso-butyrate levels, between the changes in the frequency of cluster IX and fecal iso-valerate levels, and between the changes in the frequencies of and cluster IV plus subcluster XIVa. During the study period, the changes in fecal iso-butyrate and iso-valerate levels were positively correlated, and inverse correlations were seen between the changes in the frequency of cluster IV and fecal propionate levels and between the changes in the frequencies of and subcluster XIVa. These findings suggest that hyperbaric conditions affect the fecal microbiota and fecal SCFA levels and that intestinal conditions reversibly deteriorate under hyperbaric conditions.