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Socioeconomic position links circulatory microbiota differences with biological age
Hannah Craven1, Dagmara McGuinness1, Sarah Buchanan1
1Wolfson Wohl Translational Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, MVLS, Garscube Estate, University of Glasgow, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK.
Scientific Reports
|June 17, 2021
Summary
Dietary imbalances impact aging, potentially through gut bacteria. This study found pathogenic bacteria linked to faster biological aging and beneficial bacteria to slower aging, suggesting diet can improve healthspan.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Imbalanced nutrition is linked to accelerated aging.
- The gut microbiota may mediate the relationship between nutrition and aging.
- Understanding the circulatory microbiota's role in aging is crucial for healthspan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the circulatory microbiota composition in relation to biological aging.
- To investigate the association between specific bacteria and healthspan.
- To explore the role of one-carbon metabolism and socioeconomic position in aging.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of circulatory microbiota from leukocytes in the MRC Twenty-07 cohort.
- Quantification of pathogenic and salutogenic bacteria.
- Assessment of one-carbon metabolism markers like betaine levels.
Main Results:
- Individuals with accelerated biological aging showed higher levels of pathogenic bacteria (Neisseria, Rothia, Porphyromonas).
- Individuals with slower biological aging had more salutogenic bacteria (Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae UCG-004, Kocuria), potentially metabolizing Nrf2 agonists.
- Betaine levels, linked to diet and healthspan, varied with socioeconomic position but not chronological age.
Conclusions:
- Circulatory microbiota composition is associated with biological aging.
- Salutogenic bacteria may contribute to a healthier aging process.
- Dietary modulation of the microbiota presents a viable strategy for enhancing age-related health and resilience.
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