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The Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction as Driving Factor of Inflammaging
Eva Untersmayr1, Annette Brandt2, Larissa Koidl1
1Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
Nutrients
|March 10, 2022
Summary
The intestinal barrier
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Aging Research
Background:
- The intestinal barrier, comprising microbiota, mucus, and epithelial/immune cells, is crucial for health and disease.
- Aging significantly impacts gastrointestinal physiology and barrier function, including cellular junctions and microbial composition.
- Distinguishing physiological aging from pathology is challenging, but centenarian studies offer insights into longevity-associated barrier features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the intestinal barrier during aging.
- To explore age-related changes in gastrointestinal physiology and microbial composition.
- To identify intestinal barrier features associated with longevity for disease prevention strategies in the elderly.
Main Methods:
- This is a narrative review article.
- It synthesizes existing knowledge on the intestinal barrier and aging.
- It draws insights from studies on centenarians.
Main Results:
- Aging alters intestinal barrier composition and function, affecting cellular junctions and microbial communities.
- Significant differences in microbial composition are observed across the lifespan.
- Centenarian studies highlight specific intestinal barrier characteristics linked to exceptional longevity.
Conclusions:
- Understanding age-related intestinal barrier changes is vital for distinguishing physiological aging from disease.
- Targeted interventions to enhance intestinal barrier function are key for preventing diseases in older adults.
- Improving barrier function holds promise as a strategy for promoting healthy aging and longevity.
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