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Alterations in intestinal microbiota diversity, composition, and function in patients with sarcopenia
Lin Kang1, Pengtao Li2, Danyang Wang3
1Department of Geriatrics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China. kanglin@xhyy.pumc.edu.cn.
Scientific Reports
|February 26, 2021
Summary
The gut microbiome is altered in sarcopenia, with reduced diversity and fewer beneficial bacteria. These changes may impair nutrient processing and promote inflammation, contributing to muscle loss.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gerontology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- 16S rRNA sequencing successfully identifies microbiome changes linked to aging and disease.
- Previous studies noted microbial alterations in aging, frailty, and nursing home residents.
- A gut-muscle axis influencing skeletal muscle is hypothesized, but the microbiome in sarcopenia remains unexamined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the intestinal microbiota composition and function in sarcopenia.
- To explore the relationship between gut microbiome alterations and sarcopenia.
Main Methods:
- Collected fecal samples from 60 healthy controls (CON) and 27 sarcopenic (Case)/possibly sarcopenic (preCase) individuals.
- Analyzed the intestinal microbiota using 16S rRNA sequencing.
Main Results:
- Reduced microbial diversity was observed in Case and preCase samples.
- Key butyrate-producing genera (Lachnospira, Fusicantenibacter, Roseburia, Eubacterium, Lachnoclostridium) were less abundant, while Lactobacillus was more abundant.
- Underrepresented pathways included nutrient transporters and amino acid biosynthesis; overrepresented pathways included lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, indicating a pro-inflammatory metagenome.
Conclusions:
- Sarcopenia is associated with structural and functional alterations in the intestinal microbiota.
- These microbiome changes may contribute to the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function.
- The findings suggest a potential role for the gut microbiome in sarcopenia pathogenesis.
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