Links between bone fractures and the gut microbiota

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Microbiology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Global aging populations are experiencing a rise in fracture incidence, increasing disease burden and healthcare costs.
• Bone mineral density (BMD), bone quality, and muscle function are critical determinants of fracture risk, with muscle function playing a vital role in fall prevention.
• The gut microbiota is recognized for regulating these parameters in rodents, mediated by the immune system and short-chain fatty acids.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of gut microbiota in bone health and muscle function.
• To evaluate the efficacy of current and future gut microbiota-based interventions for reducing fracture risk.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on gut microbiota, bone mineral density, muscle function, and fracture risk.
• Analysis of first-generation probiotic trial data for BMD effects.
• Assessment of human studies associating gut microbiota with muscle mass, function, and fracture risk.

Main Results:

• First-generation probiotics showed modest effects on BMD in clinical trials.
• The association between gut microbiota and muscle mass, muscle function, and fracture risk appears stronger in humans than the link with BMD.
• Gut microbiota significantly influences bone and muscle health, impacting overall fracture risk.

Conclusions:

• Targeted gut microbiota interventions are needed to improve both BMD and muscle function.
• Future research should focus on developing advanced strategies like second-generation probiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, and personalized nutrition.
• Species-specific antibiotics targeting the gut microbiota may offer a novel approach to fracture risk reduction.