A Connection Between the Gut Microbiome and Epigenetic Modification in Age-Related Cancer: A Narrative Review

As individuals age, physiological changes influence the composition and function of the gut microbiome, significantly impacting the onset and progression of various illnesses, including cancer. Notably, the gut microbiome affects epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation and histone alterations. Furthermore, it contributes to the age-related decline in immune system efficiency, increasing susceptibility to infections and cancers. This dual role of the gut microbiome-both a protective factor and a risk factor-is a key aspect of its importance in maintaining long-term health, making it a significant topic of discussion in this review. Moreover, a challenge faced by the elderly is the concurrent use of multiple medications. Polypharmacy can interact with the gut microbiome, potentially altering its efficacy, leading to adverse drug reactions, and affecting vital microbiome diversity. The effects of these interactions on cancer therapies and the overall health of elderly patients are becoming increasingly important. Understanding the complex relationship between aging, the gut microbiome, cancer, and polypharmacy is crucial for developing more effective therapeutic strategies and improving patient outcomes. Here, we discuss recent advances in understanding age-related physiological changes in the microbiome and their significance in cancer development and therapy. Specifically, we will explor how epigenetic changes acquired during aging, along with ongoing prescriptions of multiple medications and the decline of immune function, contribute to the intricate relationship between aging and cancer.