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Gut Microbiota Affects Age-Related Plasma Metabolites
Jayanta K Das1, Chee W Chia1, Qu Tian1
1Longitudinal Studies Section, Translation Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
Microorganisms
|March 28, 2026
Summary
Aging alters the gut microbiome and blood metabolites, influencing disease risk and mortality. This study links specific gut bacteria and metabolites to aging and survival outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Metabolomics
- Gerontology
Background:
- Aging is a significant risk factor for chronic diseases, with underlying biological mechanisms incompletely understood.
- The gut microbiome and plasma metabolome undergo age-related changes, potentially explaining increased disease susceptibility.
- The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) provides a valuable cohort for investigating aging processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate associations between age-related gut microbiota and metabolomic biomarkers.
- To identify specific microbial taxa and metabolites linked to aging and mortality risk.
- To explore the mediating role of gut microbes in the relationship between aging, metabolites, and mortality.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gut microbiota composition (phylum and genus levels) and plasma metabolome in BLSA participants (age 27-98).
- Statistical examination of associations between microbial taxa, metabolites, and chronological age.
- Correlation analysis to determine the influence of microbial taxa on aging-related metabolites.
Main Results:
- Four phyla (Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Euryarchaeota, Verrucomicrobia) and six genera (Akkermansia, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Methanobrevibacter, Oscillibacter, Ruthenibacterium) showed significant age-related associations.
- Specific microbial taxa were found to influence various aging-related metabolites, including bile acids, amino acids, and lipids.
- Three metabolites (Asparagine, Sphingomyelin C26:0, Dihydroceramide) were linked to decreased mortality risk, while six (Glycoursodeoxycholic acid, Triacylglycerides, Phosphatidylcholines, Cholesteryl ester) were linked to increased risk.
Conclusions:
- Age-associated shifts in gut microbial composition are linked to alterations in the plasma metabolome.
- Gut microbial taxa may mediate the impact of aging on circulating metabolites associated with mortality.
- These findings provide insights into the biological pathways connecting aging, the gut microbiome, and health outcomes.
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