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Distinct intestinal microbial signatures linked to accelerated systemic and intestinal biological aging
Shalini Singh1, Leila B Giron1, Maliha W Shaikh2
1Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
Microbiome
|February 21, 2024
Summary
People with HIV (PLWH) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) show accelerated biological aging in the gut and blood, linked to gut microbial changes and inflammation. Understanding these microbial shifts may help combat age-related complications in PLWH.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Aging Research
Background:
- People living with HIV (PLWH), even on effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), experience persistent inflammation, potentially linked to gut dysbiosis and microbial translocation.
- This inflammation may contribute to non-AIDS-related aging comorbidities, but the impact of HIV and ART on intestinal biological aging is not well understood.
- The specific role of microbial dysbiosis and translocation in the accelerated aging of PLWH requires further investigation.
Discussion:
- PLWH exhibit accelerated biological aging across the colon, ileum, and blood compared to HIV-negative controls.
- Increased intestinal permeability and microbial translocation in PLWH correlate with faster biological aging and heightened inflammation.
- Specific pro-inflammatory gut bacteria are more abundant in PLWH and associated with accelerated aging, while beneficial anti-inflammatory bacteria are less abundant.
Key Insights:
- A distinct microbial signature, including specific bacterial genera and altered metabolic pathways (e.g., tryptophan metabolism), is associated with intestinal and systemic biological aging in PLWH.
- Microbial dysbiosis, characterized by an increase in pro-inflammatory bacteria and a decrease in anti-inflammatory bacteria, is a significant factor in accelerated aging.
- Correlation networks highlight the intricate links between gut microbiota composition, microbial metabolites, and biological aging markers in PLWH.
Outlook:
- Identifying the specific microbial compositions and metabolic pathways driving biological aging in PLWH offers potential therapeutic targets.
- Further research into these mechanisms could lead to strategies for mitigating accelerated aging and associated health issues in the PLWH population.
- Understanding the interplay between HIV, ART, gut microbiome, and aging is crucial for improving long-term health outcomes for people living with HIV.
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