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Updated: Feb 8, 2026

A Gut-on-a-Chip Model to Study the Gut Microbiome-Nervous System Axis
Published on: July 28, 2023
Gut microbiome and aging: Physiological and mechanistic insights
Ravinder Nagpal1, Rabina Mainali1, Shokouh Ahmadi1,2
1Center for Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolism (Internal Medicine-Molecular Medicine), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
The human gut microbiome changes throughout life, especially in infancy and old age. These shifts impact immune health, suggesting a connection between gut microbes and aging.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The human gut microbiome, a complex microbial community, is established early in life and evolves throughout lifespan.
- Gut microbiota composition fluctuates naturally but can be perturbed, impacting host health and disease.
- Significant microbial and immune system changes occur during infancy and old age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review age-associated changes in the human gut microbiota.
- To explore the bidirectional relationship between gut microbiota and host health across the lifespan.
- To discuss potential microbiota-based interventions for healthy aging.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on gut microbiota and aging.
- Analysis of evidence for age-related microbial shifts.
- Examination of mechanisms underlying host-microbiota interactions.
Main Results:
- Gut microbiota composition significantly deviates during infancy and old age.
- Host immune system development and aging are closely linked to microbial changes.
- Mechanisms governing the microbiota-health axis during aging are beginning to be understood.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota and host health are interconnected throughout life, particularly during aging.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing interventions.
- Microbiota-based strategies, like probiotics, show promise for promoting healthy aging.
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