Roseburia inulinivorans increases muscle strength

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Muscle Physiology
• Aging Research

Background:

• Gut microbiota's role in health is recognized, but its connection to muscle-wasting disorders is understudied.
• Age-related muscle decline (sarcopenia) is a significant health concern with limited therapeutic options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify specific gut microbial species associated with human muscle strength.
• To investigate the mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influences muscle health and function.
• To explore the potential of Roseburia inulinivorans as a probiotic for muscle health.

Main Methods:

• Metagenomic analysis of gut bacteria in young and older adults.
• Correlation analysis between bacterial taxa and muscle strength performance measures.
• Causality assessment via oral supplementation of Roseburia species in mice.
• Metabolomic profiling and muscle tissue analysis to understand mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Roseburia inulinivorans abundance positively correlated with handgrip, leg press, and bench press strength in humans.
• Oral supplementation of R. inulinivorans enhanced grip strength in mice; other Roseburia species had no effect.
• R. inulinivorans altered gut and plasma amino acid levels and activated muscle pathways (purine and pentose phosphate).
• These metabolic changes were associated with increased muscle fiber size and a shift towards type II fibers.
• R. inulinivorans abundance was lower in older adults compared to younger adults.

Conclusions:

• Roseburia inulinivorans is a species-specific modulator of muscle strength, connecting gut microbiota to muscle metabolism.
• Findings suggest R. inulinivorans' potential as a probiotic for preventing or treating age-related muscle wasting.
• This research opens avenues for novel nutraceutical interventions targeting gut-muscle axis in aging.