Gut microbiota transfer from old mice accelerates aging in adults

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Gerontology

Background:

• The gut microbiota plays a role in aging, but its specific influence is unclear.
• Aging is associated with increased oxidative stress, impacting homeostatic systems and the gut microbiota.
• The communication between the gut microbiota and host systems (nervous, immune, endocrine) deteriorates with age.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of transferring microbiota from old to adult mice.
• To assess changes in behavioral, immune, and redox parameters.
• To evaluate the effects on biological aging rate and longevity.

Main Methods:

• Adult female mice received fecal microbiota transplants from old or adult mice.
• Behavioral tests, immune cell analysis, and redox parameter measurements were conducted.
• Biological age was quantified, and longevity was recorded.

Main Results:

• Mice receiving old microbiota showed increased anxiety, impaired immune function, and heightened oxidative-inflammatory stress.
• Specific bacterial genera (Akkermansia, Anaerostipes, Dubosiella, Ruminococcus) increased in the old microbiota group.
• These negative effects persisted into old age, leading to increased biological age and reduced longevity.

Conclusions:

• Microbiota transfer from old to adult mice disrupts neuroimmune homeostasis.
• This transfer exacerbates oxidative-inflammatory stress and accelerates the aging process.
• The accelerated aging is associated with a significant reduction in longevity.