Aging and Intestinal Fibrosis: Mechanisms, Implications, and Therapeutic Strategies

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Gerontology
• Immunology
• Fibrosis Research

Background:

• The global aging population necessitates understanding age-related organ decline.
• The gastrointestinal tract is crucial for immunity and harbors gut microbiota, but its aging process is understudied.
• Intestinal fibrosis, a key factor in gut diseases, is less understood in aging compared to other organs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms linking aging to intestinal fibrosis.
• To explore the role of immunosenescence, cellular senescence, gut dysbiosis, and growth factor signaling in aging-related intestinal fibrosis.
• To summarize current and novel therapeutic strategies for intestinal fibrosis in aging.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on aging, gastrointestinal function, and fibrosis.
• Analysis of mechanisms including immunosenescence, cellular senescence, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and growth factor signaling.
• Synthesis of traditional and emerging therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

• Aging contributes to intestinal fibrosis through multiple interconnected pathways.
• Key mechanisms include immune system aging (immunosenescence), cellular aging (senescence), altered gut bacteria (dysbiosis), and abnormal signaling.
• Existing and novel treatments offer potential for managing age-related intestinal fibrosis.

Conclusions:

• Aging is a significant risk factor for intestinal fibrosis.
• Understanding the multifaceted mechanisms is crucial for developing effective interventions.
• Targeting aging-related pathways presents a promising avenue for treating intestinal fibrosis.