Exploring the Relationship between the Gut Microbiota and Ageing: A Possible Age Modulator

Abstract

The gut microbiota (GM) has been the subject of intense research in recent years. Therefore, numerous factors affecting its composition have been thoroughly examined, and with them, their function and role in the individual’s systems. The gut microbiota’s taxonomical composition dramatically impacts older adults’ health status. In this regard, it could either extend their life expectancy via the modulation of metabolic processes and the immune system or, in the case of dysbiosis, predispose them to age-related diseases, including bowel inflammatory and musculoskeletal diseases and metabolic and neurological disorders. In general, the microbiome of the elderly tends to present taxonomic and functional changes, which can function as a target to modulate the microbiota and improve the health of this population. The GM of centenarians is unique, with the faculty-promoting metabolic pathways capable of preventing and counteracting the different processes associated with age-related diseases. The molecular mechanisms by which the microbiota can exhibit anti-ageing properties are mainly based on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. This review focuses on analysing the current knowledge of gut microbiota characteristics and modifiers, its relationship with ageing, and the GM-modulating approaches to increase life expectancy.

Abnormalities in microbiota/butyrate/FFAR3 signaling in aging gut impair brain function

“…In agreement with previous studies ( 20 ), we demonstrate that the composition of the gut microbiome significantly differs between older mice (≥80 weeks of age) and young mice (≥12 weeks of age) ( Figure 1 ). In brief, the microbiome β-diversity clustering was notably distinct in old and young mice ( Figure 1A ).…”

Alteration of Gut Microbiota Composition in the Progression of Liver Damage in Patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)

“…Certain bacterial taxa were effectively associated with MASLD and the severity of liver damage, suggesting that they could be used to predict MASLD progression. Nevertheless, some confounding variables, such as age and BMI, also influence gut microbiota composition, eventually masking the bacterial taxa predictor associated with MASLD progression [10,11]. Indeed, intestinal dysbiosis predisposes individuals to age-related diseases, among them MASLD [10], which an increased prevalence, particularly at an advanced stage, has been reported principally in older patients with this disease [12].…”

Pesticides: Unintended Impact on the Hidden World of Gut Microbiota

“…Methanosphaera stadtmanae and Methanobrevibacter smithii are examples of Archaea, whereas yeast predominates the Eukarya in the gut [ 7 ]. However, various individual differences and underlying variables such as food, pregnancy, hormonal changes, age, illness, gender, and medication (e.g., antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors) result in variations in the composition and concentration of gut microbes [ 8 ]. Gut microbes play a significant role in regulating metabolism (e.g., bile acids) and body homeostasis by controlling immune, digestive, and neurological processes with the help of the gut–brain axis (GBA–a network of highly interrelated complicated physiological pathways).…”