Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharides shield a D-galactose-induced aging model via gut microbiota modulation

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Microbiology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Aging is associated with cognitive decline and oxidative stress.
• Gut microbiota dysbiosis is implicated in the aging process.
• Heteropolysaccharides are being investigated for their potential health benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the antiaging effects of a heteropolysaccharide (RAMP) in a mouse model.
• To explore the role of gut microbiota modulation by RAMP in mitigating aging phenotypes.
• To identify specific microbial and metabolic changes associated with RAMP's antiaging effects.

Main Methods:

• D-galactose induced aging mouse model.
• Behavioral tests (Morris water maze), organ index measurements, histological and ultrastructural analyses of brain tissue.
• 16S rRNA gene sequencing for gut microbiota profiling.
• Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) for functional analysis.
• Metabolomics analysis to identify key metabolites.

Main Results:

• RAMP administration ameliorated cognitive deficits and reduced oxidative stress in aging mice.
• RAMP treatment altered gut microbiota composition, notably affecting the abundance of specific bacterial taxa.
• PICRUSt analysis indicated RAMP's influence on 27 metabolic pathways, including those in the nervous system.
• Metabolomics identified four RAMP-regulated metabolites linked to lipid metabolism.

Conclusions:

• RAMP demonstrates significant protective effects against D-galactose-induced aging in mice.
• RAMP's antiaging mechanism involves the regulation of gut microbiota and associated metabolic pathways, particularly lipid metabolism.
• RAMP holds potential as a therapeutic agent for antiaging interventions.