Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Gait Analysis of Age-dependent Motor Impairments in Mice with Neurodegeneration
Published on: June 18, 2018
Age-dependent changes in GI physiology and microbiota: time to reconsider?
Ran An1, Ellen Wilms2, Ad A M Masclee2
1Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
As people age, changes in the gastrointestinal (GI) system and gut microbiota occur. This review explores these age-related GI and microbiota shifts and potential interventions.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Increasing life expectancy leads to a larger aging population.
- Aging is linked to decreased physiological function and adaptive capacity.
- Gastrointestinal (GI) physiology changes with age, affecting nutrient absorption and the gut microbiota.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review age-related changes in GI physiology and function.
- To examine alterations in the intestinal microbiota associated with aging and frailty.
- To explore the relationship between GI changes and the gut microbiota in the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on aging, GI function, and intestinal microbiota.
- Analysis of studies on age-related shifts in gut microbial composition.
- Examination of the interplay between GI health and microbiota in older adults.
Main Results:
- Aging impacts GI function, nutrient digestion, and absorption.
- Significant changes in intestinal microbiota composition are observed with advancing age.
- Frailty in the elderly is associated with specific alterations in gut microbiota.
Conclusions:
- Understanding age-related GI and microbiota changes is crucial for elderly health.
- Intestinal microbiota-targeted interventions may help mitigate negative effects of aging.
- Further research is needed to develop effective interventions for the aging gut.
More Related Videos
08:46Studying Age-dependent Genomic Instability using the S. cerevisiae Chronological Lifespan Model
Published on: September 29, 2011
06:48Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Evaluation of MicroRNA Expression in Kidney and Serum of Mice with Age-Dependent Renal Impairment
Published on: April 29, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Chronopharmacokinetics: Time-Dependent Pharmacokinetics
Time-dependent pharmacokinetics refers to non-cyclical changes in drug rate processes over a period of time. It can lead to nonlinear pharmacokinetics, where the relationship between drug concentration and time is not proportional. Non-cyclical...
The Integrated Rate Law: The Dependence of Concentration on Time
Aging
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Frequency-dependent Selection
The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Drug Dependence