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Functional microbiome deficits associated with ageing: Chronological age threshold
Susana Ruiz-Ruiz1,2, Sergio Sanchez-Carrillo3, Sergio Ciordia4
1Unidad Mixta de Investigación en Genómica y Salud, Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO) and Instituto de Biología Integrativa de Sistemas, Universitat de València and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), València, Spain.
Aging Cell
|November 16, 2019
Summary
Gut microbiota function declines with age, particularly tryptophan and indole metabolism. A significant decrease occurs between ages 34-54, suggesting early dietary interventions for healthy aging.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gerontology
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Gut microbiota composition shifts with aging.
- The functional consequences and progression of these age-related changes remain unclear.
- Understanding these deficits may inform strategies for healthy aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate age-associated changes in gut microbiota function and metabolism.
- To identify potential age thresholds for functional deficits.
- To explore dietary interventions for healthy aging.
Main Methods:
- Shotgun proteomics was employed to analyze gut microbiota and metabolic functions.
- Three age groups (infants, adults, elderly) of healthy volunteers were studied.
- Samples were collected over time for validation.
Main Results:
- Gut bacteria diversity and protein synthesis increased with age.
- A significant, progressive decline in tryptophan and indole metabolism was observed with aging (p < 2.8e-8).
- A 50% decrease in these metabolites was noted between 11-31 years, and >90% reduction from 34-54 years.
Conclusions:
- Ageing is associated with progressive deficits in gut microbiota function, specifically tryptophan and indole metabolism.
- Dietary interventions targeting tryptophan deficits are recommended from middle age (34 years) onwards, especially for the elderly, to promote healthy aging.
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