A recent study published in Nature Communications has uncovered significant changes in the gut bacteria of octogenarians, shedding light on their role in aging. Conducted by researchers at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research Genome Institute of Singapore (A*STAR GIS), the study found that a decrease in specific gut bacteria, such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, is associated with reduced butyrate production.
Butyrate, an essential short-chain fatty acid, plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health, reducing inflammation, and facilitating communication between the gut and brain. Researchers observed a decline of F. prausnitzii in older adults, which was compensated by increased levels of Alistipes and Bacteroides species that produce butyrate.
The study also revealed surprising similarities in functional enrichments across different host species, suggesting that similar microbial functions may be involved in promoting healthy aging. Additionally, the researchers identified specific gut bacteria linked to health markers such as inflammation, blood sugar, and vitamin levels.
These findings offer new avenues for exploring the biology of aging and developing targeted probiotic and prebiotic therapies to promote healthy aging. The study’s lead scientist noted that this research opens exciting new opportunities for understanding the unique aspects of the gut microbiome in Asian populations.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-11-dna-sequencing-reveals-significant-decrease.html