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Microbial translocation and skeletal muscle in young and old vervet monkeys
Kylie Kavanagh1, Richelle N Brown2, Ashley T Davis2
1Department of Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA. kkavanag@wakehealth.edu.
Abstract:
Intestinal barrier dysfunction leads to microbial translocation (MT) and inflammation in vertebrate and invertebrate animal models. Age is recently recognized as a factor leading to MT, and in some human and animal model studies, MT was associated with physical function. We evaluated sarcopenia, inflammation, MT biomarkers, and muscle insulin sensitivity in healthy female vervet monkeys (6-27 years old). Monkeys were fed consistent diets and had large and varied environments to facilitate physical activity, and stable social conditions. Aging led to sarcopenia as indicated by reduced walking speeds and muscle mass, but general metabolic health was similar in older monkeys (n = 25) as compared to younger ones (n = 26). When older monkeys were physically active, their MT burden approximated that in young monkeys; however, when older monkeys were sedentary, MT burden was dramatically increased. MT levels were positively associated with inflammatory burden and negatively associated with skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity. Time spent being active was positively associated with insulin sensitivity as expected, but this relationship was specifically modified by the individual monkey's MT, not inflammatory burden. Our data supports clinical observations that MT interacts with physical function as a factor in healthy aging.
Insights
Aging increases microbial translocation (MT) and inflammation, impacting physical function. Physical activity in older monkeys mitigated MT, preserving muscle insulin sensitivity and supporting healthy aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Microbiology
- Physiology
Background:
- Intestinal barrier dysfunction causes microbial translocation (MT) and inflammation.
- Aging is a risk factor for MT, which is linked to physical function decline.
- Sarcopenia, inflammation, and MT biomarkers are relevant to aging and physical health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between aging, sarcopenia, inflammation, MT, and muscle insulin sensitivity.
- To determine how physical activity influences MT and metabolic health in aging monkeys.
- To explore the interaction between MT and physical function in the context of healthy aging.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated sarcopenia, inflammation, MT biomarkers, and muscle insulin sensitivity in female vervet monkeys aged 6-27 years.
- Monitored diet, environment, and physical activity levels.
- Compared MT burden and metabolic parameters between younger and older monkeys, and across activity levels.
Main Results:
- Aging led to sarcopenia (reduced walking speed, muscle mass) but not general metabolic decline.
- Physically active older monkeys showed MT levels similar to younger monkeys.
- Sedentary older monkeys exhibited significantly increased MT, positively correlated with inflammation and negatively with muscle insulin sensitivity.
- Physical activity's positive effect on insulin sensitivity was modulated by individual MT levels.
Conclusions:
- Physical activity is crucial for mitigating MT and maintaining muscle insulin sensitivity in aging.
- MT interacts with physical function, playing a role in healthy aging.
- Findings support clinical observations linking MT and physical function to aging processes.
