Aging and gut microbiome are closely linked, with centenarians (people over 100) having higher bacterial diversity and increased levels of certain bacteria like Clostridium, Parabacteroides, and Alistipes. Frailty in older adults is also associated with lower gut microbial diversity.
Studies suggest that gut microbiome exposure in early life can increase lifespan, but the effects of microbiota in later life might outweigh these benefits. For instance, Escherichia coli accumulation can lead to age-associated death in some organisms. Microbiome-based interventions in mouse models of a human premature aging syndrome (called progeria) have shown potential for extending lifespan.
The microbiome plays a role in age-associated diseases like cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and Parkinson’s. For example, Fusobacterium nucleatum has been linked to colon cancer, and fecal microbiota transplantation can impact the response to immunotherapy in melanoma patients.
Sex, aging, and the microbiome are also interconnected, with sex hormones potentially mediating this relationship. Future research should explore the role of the microbiome in aging and related diseases, as well as sex-specific effects on host-microbiome interactions throughout the lifespan.
GIbiome 