Abstract
The current trend for the rapid growth of the global aging population poses substantial challenges for society. The human aging process has been demonstrated to be closely associated with changes in gut microbiota composition, diversity, and functional features. During the first 2 years of life, the gut microbiota undergoes dramatic changes in composition and metabolic functions as it colonizes and develops in the body. Although the gut microbiota is nearly established by the age of three, it continues to mature until adulthood, when it comprises more stable and diverse microbial species. Meanwhile, as the physiological functions of the human body deteriorated with age, which may be a result of immunosenescence and “inflammaging,” the guts of elderly people are generally characterized by an enrichment of pro-inflammatory microbes and a reduced abundance of beneficial species. The gut microbiota affects the development of the brain through a bidirectional communication system, called the brain-gut-microbiota (BGM) axis, and dysregulation of this communication is pivotal in aging-related cognitive impairment. Microbiota-targeted dietary interventions and the intake of probiotics/prebiotics can increase the abundance of beneficial species, boost host immunity, and prevent gut-related diseases. This review summarizes the age-related changes in the human gut microbiota based on recent research developments. Understanding these changes will likely facilitate the design of novel therapeutic strategies to achieve healthy aging.
Highlights
The average human lifespan expectancy in most countries is longer than ever before, benefiting from the achievements of modern medicine and lifestyle improvements
This study indicated that a correlation existed between changes in the gut microbiota of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients and the severity of their clinical phenotype
It was demonstrated that a 12-week consumption for probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Lactobacillus fermentum) can positively affect cognitive function and some metabolic statuses in the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients through a randomized, double-blind, and controlled clinical trial (Akbari et al, 2016)
Summary
The average human lifespan expectancy in most countries is longer than ever before, benefiting from the achievements of modern medicine and lifestyle improvements. We highlight the link between bacterial communities and human health and the mechanisms underlying how the gut microbiota influence the development of age-related diseases, cognitive impairment disorders, as well as the contribution of diet and probiotics/prebiotics to the maintenance of a beneficial gut microbiome to achieve healthy aging.
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