Postbiotic Parabacteroides Distasonis Supplementation Enhances Intestinal and Skeletal Muscle Function in Aged Mice

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gerontology
• Metabolic Health

Background:

• Parabacteroides distasonis (Pd) is a gut microbe linked to longevity.
• Its role in mitigating aging-related decline is unknown.
• Previous studies show Pd benefits in cancer and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of postbiotic Pd supplementation on aging mice.
• To assess Pd's impact on metabolic health, gut function, and muscle strength.

Main Methods:

• Supplementation of 18- and 26-month-old mice with Pd for three months.
• Analysis of blood glucose, ketone bodies, gut histology, and inflammation markers (NFκB).
• Microbiome sequencing, intestinal permeability assays, cell culture studies (mitochondrial function, PGC1α, CHOP), and muscle strength tests.

Main Results:

• Pd supplementation lowered blood glucose and increased ketones.
• It reduced colon shortening, decreased NFκB, and improved gut barrier function.
• Mice showed enhanced mitochondrial function, increased muscle strength, and better weight management on a high-fat diet.

Conclusions:

• Postbiotic Pd supplementation offers multifaceted benefits for aging mice.
• It improves metabolic parameters, gut health, mitochondrial function, and muscle strength.
• Pd shows potential as a therapeutic for healthy aging and age-related diseases.