Bama County Research Articles

Integrated Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis Reveal the Dynamic Process of Bama Hemp Seed Development and the Accumulation Mechanism of α-Linolenic Acid and Linoleic Acid.

Bama County is a world-famous longevity county in the Guangxi Province, China. Bama hemp is a traditional seed used in hemp cultivation in the Bama County. The seeds contain abundant unsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid (LA) and linolenic acid in the golden ratio. These two substances have been proven to be related to human health and the prevention of various diseases. However, the seed development and seed oil accumulation mechanisms remain unclear. This study employed a combined analysis of physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic parameters to elucidate the fatty acid formation patterns in Bama hemp seeds throughout development. We found that seed oil accumulated at a late stage in embryo development, with seed oil accumulation following an "S″-shaped growth curve, and positively correlated with seed size, sugar content, protein content, and starch content. Transcriptome analysis identified genes related to the metabolism of LA, α-linolenic acid (ALA), and jasmonic acid (JA). We found that the FAD2 gene was upregulated 165.26 folds and the FAD3 gene was downregulated 6.15 folds at day 21. Metabolomic changes in LA, ALA, and JA compounds suggested a competitive relationship among these substances. Our findings indicate that the peak period of substance accumulation and nutrient accumulation in Bama hemp seeds occurs during the midstage of seed development (day 21) rather than in the late stage (day 40). The results of this research will provide a theoretical basis for local cultivation and deep processing of Bama hemp.

Widely targeted metabolomics analysis reveals the major metabolites in the hemp seeds from the longevity village of Bama, China

Hemp seed is an important food and medicine source in Bama County, Guangxi Province, China, where has been renowned as the Land of Centenarians and Holy Land of Chinese Longevity. In order to clarify the metabolic characteristics of hemp seeds and analyze their medicinal and nutritional value, the metabolites and relative contents of hemp seeds in seven villages in Bama County were quantified by a widely targeted metabolomics method based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). A total of 1021 metabolites were identified, including 177 flavonoids, 156 phenolic acids, 134 lipids, 113 amino acids and derivatives, 106 alkaloids, 85 organic acids, 65 nucleotides and derivatives, 39 lignans and coumarins, 12 terpenoids and 7 tannins. Then differential metabolite analysis and weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) were performed, and the key metabolites of each module were determined by cytoscape software. Finally, DPPH free radical scavenging experiment was carried out. The metabolomics data and analysis results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the development of hemp seed industry in food production and medical research in Bama.

The Age-Accompanied and Diet-Associated Remodeling of the Phospholipid, Amino Acid, and SCFA Metabolism of Healthy Centenarians from a Chinese Longevous Region: A Window into Exceptional Longevity.

As centenarians provide a paradigm of healthy aging, investigating the comprehensive metabolic profiles of healthy centenarians is of utmost importance for the pursuit of health and longevity. However, relevant reports, especially studies considering the dietary influence on metabolism, are still limited, mostly lacking the guidance of a model of healthy aging. Therefore, exploring the signatures of the integrative metabolic profiles of the healthy centenarians from a famous longevous region, Bama County, China, should be an effective way. The global metabolome in urine and the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the feces of 30 healthy centenarians and 31 elderly people aged 60–70 from the longevous region were analyzed by non-targeted metabolomics combined with metabolic target analysis. The results showed that the characteristic metabolites related to longevity were mostly summarized into phosphatidylserine, lyso-phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, bile acids, and amino acids (p < 0.05). Six metabolic pathways were found significant relevant to longevity. Furthermore, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, and total SCFA were significantly increased in the centenarian group (p < 0.05) and were also positively associated with the dietary fiber intake (p < 0.01). It was age-accompanied and diet-associated remodeling of phospholipid, amino acid, and SCFA metabolism that expressed the unique metabolic signatures related to exceptional longevity. This metabolic remodeling is suggestive of cognitive benefits, better antioxidant capacity, the attenuation of local inflammation, and health-span-promoting processes, which play a critical and positive role in shaping healthy aging.

Gentrifying rural community development: A case study of Bama Panyang River Basin in Guangxi, China

Rural gentrification is deeply characterized by institutional context and spatiotemporal heterogeneity. Based on a diachronic field investigation, this paper constructs an analytical framework for gentrifying rural community development (GRCD) with a “community” theoretical perspective and analytical approach, defines the concept of GRCD, and analyzes the main characteristics, formation mechanism and regulation path of a typical gentrifying rural community in the Panyang River Basin of Bama County, Guangxi. Driven by factors such as the complex flow and heterogeneous living space practices of the host-guest community, the longevity “myth” led by commercial capital and consumption demand, and multiple action logics and desertification community governance, great changes have occurred in the social space and material landscape of the rural longevity community. Such changes include comprehensive reconstruction of the resident population, surface interaction and social separation of the host-guest community, residential structure change and settlement landscape renewal, and delocalization of the healing landscape and lifestyle changes. We propose policy insights in three areas: public and localization institutional arrangements, shared and comfortable gentrifying rural community making, and inclusive and synergistic gentrifying rural community governance. Through these aspects, we provide insights from the Chinese case for the gentrification and community development of rural areas in the Global South.

Morphological and molecular evidence for the recognition of Caloglossa fonticola sp. nov. (Delesseriaceae, Rhodophyta) from an underground spring in Guangxi, China

Caloglossa (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) is a globally distributed euryhaline red macroalgal genus. However, only a few Caloglossa species have been documented in permanent freshwater habitats. Here, a new Caloglossa species, Caloglossa fonticola sp. nov., is described and illustrated from an underground spring in Bama County, Guangxi, China, based on morphological observations and molecular phylogenetic analysis. The new species is morphologically distinguishable from other species in the genus by a unique combination of character states, including thallus internodal blades linear, hardly or slightly constricted at nodes, adventitious branches and endogenous branches both absent, and unicellular rhizoids forming from clusters of wing cells arising from the first three axial cells of the main axis and lateral axis. Phylogenetic analysis based on rbcL and LSU rRNA DNA sequences indicated that Caloglossa fonticola was nested in a well-supported clade with Caloglossa bengalensis (Bootstrap supports for ML/posterior probabilities for BI: rbcL-98/1.00, LSU-100/1.00), with high sequence divergence between these two species (8.2–8.4% for rbcL and 3.2% for LSU), supporting its specific status. This is the first species of the genus Caloglossa reported in spring water habitats. The description of C. fonticola expands the known diversity of Caloglossa.

Early genetic diagnosis of clarithromycin resistance in Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUNDThe drug resistance rate of clinical Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) isolates has increased. However, the mechanism of drug resistance remains unclear. In this study, drug-resistant H. pylori strains were isolated from different areas and different populations of Chinese for genomic analysis.AIMTo investigate drug-resistant genes in H. pylori and find the genes for the early diagnosis of clarithromycin resistance.METHODSThree drug-resistant H. pylori strains were isolated from patients with gastritis in Bama County, China. Minimal inhibitory concentrations of clarithromycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin were determined and complete genome sequencing was performed with annotation. Hp1181 and hp1184 genes were found in these strains and then detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The relationships between hp1181 or hp1184 and clarithromycin resistance were ascertained with gene mutant and drug-resistant strains. The homology of the strains with hp26695 was assessed through complete genome detection and identification. Differences in genome sequences, gene quantity, and gene characteristics were detected amongst the three strains. Prediction and analysis of the function of drug-resistant genes indicated that the RNA expression of hp1181 and hp1184 increased in the three strains, which was the same in the artificially induced clarithromycin-resistant bacteria. After gene knockout, the drug sensitivity of the strains was assessed.RESULTSThe strains showing a high degree of homology with hp26695, hp1181, and hp1184 genes were found in these strains; the expression of the genes hp1184 and hp1181 was associated with clarithromycin resistance.CONCLUSION Hp1181 and hp1184 mutations may be the earliest and most persistent response to clarithromycin resistance, and they may be the potential target genes for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of clarithromycin resistance.

Research on Characteristic Industry Development and Rural Revitalization of Longtian Village in Bama County, Guangxi

Research on Characteristic Industry Development and Rural Revitalization of Longtian Village in Bama County, Guangxi

Specific Differentially Methylated and Expressed Genes in People with Longevity Family History.

Background:We attempt to identify specific differentially methylated and expressed genes in people with longevity family history, it will contribute to discover significant features about human longevity.Methods:A prevalence study was conducted during October 2017 to January 2019 in Bama County of Guangxi, China and individuals were recruited and grouped into longevity family (n=60) and non-longevity family (n=60) to identify differentially methylated genes (DMGs). The expression profile dataset GSE16717 was downloaded from the GEO database in which individuals were divided into 3 groups, namely longevity (n=50), longevity offspring (n=50) and control (n=50) for identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs). It was considered significantly different when P or adjusted P≤0.05.Results:In total, 117 longevity-related hypermethylated genes enriched in interleukin secretion/production regulation, chemokine signaling pathway and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Another 296 significant key longevity-related DEGs primarily involved in protein binding, nucleus, cytoplasm, T cell receptor signaling pathway and Metabolic pathway, H19 and PFKFB4 were found to be both methylated and downregulated in people with longevity family history.Conclusion:Human longevity-specific genes involve in many immunity regulations and cellular immunity pathways, H19 and PFKFB4 show hypermethylated and suppressed status in people with longevity family history and might serve as longevity candidate genes.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated MSTN disruption accelerates the growth of Chinese Bama pigs.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing technology is a simple and highly efficient and specific genome modification approach with wide applications in the animal industry. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing combined with somatic cell nuclear transfer rapidly constructs gene-edited somatic cell-cloned pigs for the genetic improvement of traits or simulation of human diseases. Chinese Bama pigs are an excellent indigenous minipig breed from Bama County of China. Research on genome editing of Chinese Bama pigs is of great significance in protecting its genetic resource, improving genetic traits and in creating disease models. This study aimed to address the disadvantages of slow growth and low percentage of lean meat in Chinese Bama pigs and to knock out the myostatin gene (MSTN) by genome editing to promote growth and increase lean meat production. We first used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing to conduct biallelic knockout of the MSTN, followed by somatic cell nuclear transfer to successfully generate MSTN biallelic knockout Chinese Bama pigs, which was confirmed to have significantly faster growth rate and showed myofibre hyperplasia when they reached sexual maturity. This study lays the foundation for the rapid improvement of production traits of Chinese Bama pigs and the generation of gene-edited disease models in this breed.

Analysis of difference in oral bacteria flora in saliva among elderly people in longevity zone of Guangxi

Objective To investigate the bacterial species, characteristics and differences of oral bacteria flora of saliva in the longevous elderly between in Bama county and in Debao county in Guangxi, in order to explore the relationship between longevity and oral salivary bacteria flora in the elderly. Methods The saliva was taken from the longevous elderly in Bama county(BM group)and people aged over 60 years in Debao county(BS group)separately, and the total DNA was extracted.The 16S rDNA-V4 region was amplified by PCR and analyzed by sequencing.The main species and diversity of bacterial colonies were recorded for difference analysis. Results A total of 14 saliva samples were collected from 7 cases in BM group and 7 cases in BS group.A total of 369 OTUs were generated by cluster analysis of 14 samples.At the genus level, the dominant salivary bacteria flora were Ctinomyces, Capnocytophaga, Chryseobacterium, Fusobacterium, Haemophilus, Lactobacillus, Leptotrichia, Neisseria, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Rothia, Streptococcus, Veillonella in both BM group and BS group.The OTU PCA analysis showed that some evidence for indeterminate differences was found, but statistically significant differences did not exist in the dominant components of oral flora between the two groups(P>0.05). Also, the same tendency toward the diversity(P>0.05)was presented.Similarly, the species annotation analysis and the heat map showed that there were no significant differences(P>0.05)in oral salivary flora composition between the two groups.Lactobacillu was always the prevailing flora in the Phylume, Class, Order, Family and Genus, but the abundance ratio was different between the two groups as following: Lactobacillus abundance in salivary bacteria flora was higher in BM Group than in the BS group, while Mycoplasma abundance was lower in BM Group than in the BS group(P<0.05). Conclusions The dominant salivary bacteria flora is Lactobacillus in both BM and BS group, while, the abundance of Lactobacillus is higher in the BM group than in the BS group, which indicates that the longevity of population in Bama county may be related to Lactobacillus. Key words: Longevity; Saliva; DNA, bacterial

A contribution to Dongodytes (s. str.) Deuve, 1993 (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Trechinae).

The hypogean genus Dongodytes Deuve, 1993, one of the most cave-adapted genera of ground beetles, is distributed in northern Guangxi, ranging from Mashan through Du’an, Bama, and Fengshan to Tian’e. Review of nominate subgenus Dongodytes Deuve, 1993, with new records for D. fowleri Deuve, 1993 and D. grandis Uéno, 1998 are provided. Meanwhile, Dongodytes tonywhitteni sp. n. is described from a limestone cave in Bama County. This interesting species is dedicated to the late Dr. Tony Whitten, a well-known cave biodiversity conservationist in Asia. A key to all species of Dongodytes (s. str.) is also provided.

Seniors’ seasonal movements for health enhancement

ABSTRACTSeasonal migration is an emerging trend among seniors in China. In comparison with the lifestyle-oriented migrations of seniors in much of the western world, Chinese seniors often travel with a focus on improving their health and longevity. Adapting the concept of a therapeutic landscape, the changes experienced by seniors with health problems who visit Bama County, a remote area in southwest China well-known for the longevity of its residents, are explored through personal observation and in-depth interviews. All seniors reported improvements, to different degrees, in their physical, mental and social health. These positive transformations were attributed to the therapeutic physical, social and symbolic landscapes of Bama, as well as to the seniors’ proactive actions and their positive mindset. Implications are offered to the service industry, especially the broad tourism and hospitality industry, that is interested in attracting and catering to the aging Chinese population.

Apolipoprotein C-I Polymorphism and Its Association with Serum Lipid Levels and Longevity in the Bama Population.

This study aims to determine the association between the apolipoprotein C-I polymorphism and the longevity and genetic variants in ApoC-I that can influence the serum lipid levels in Bama. ApoC-I genotypes were determined by Taqman single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping assays in 178 long-lived inhabitants (longevity group aged from 90 to 110 years), 147 healthy controls (Control 1 group aged from 40 to 79 years old) from Bama County, and 190 healthy controls (Control 2 group aged from 40 to 79 years old) from Nandan County without a family history of longevity. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 16.0. All genotype distributions of rs584007 and rs4420638 were consistent with the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (p > 0.05). Significant differences were observed in the frequencies of the three genotypes (GG, AG, and AA) among the longevity and the two control groups (χ2 = 11.238, p = 0.024) for rs584007. No significant differences were observed in the frequencies of the three genotypes (GG, AG, and AA) among the longevity and the two control groups (χ2 = 4.587, p = 0.318) for rs4420638. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) were not different among the three genotypes of rs584007 in the three groups. The levels of HDL-c for GG, AG, and AA were significantly different (the highest being in the longevity group), while the levels of TG for AA and AG genotypes (the lowest being in the longevity group) and the levels of LDL-c for AG were significantly different (p < 0.05) among the three groups for rs584007. The levels of TG and HDL-c were significantly different among the three rs4420638 genotypes in the longevity group. The levels of TC for GG, AG, and AA were significantly different in the Control 2 group, while the levels of TG and HDL-c for AA and AG genotypes were significantly different (p < 0.05) among the three groups for rs4420638. The level of HDL-c was highest in the longevity group for AA and AG genotypes, and the level of TG was highest in the Control 2 group for rs4420638. Serum lipid parameters were related to environmental factors, including age, gender, BMI, DBP, SBP, rs4420638, and rs584007. The ApoC-I polymorphism might be one of the genetic factors of longevity in Bama. The ApoC-I rs4420638 and rs584007 SNPs are associated with serum TG and HDL-c levels in the longevous population.

DNA Methylation in NFATC1 Gene Promoter is Related to Longevity in Chinese Population

Background: NFATC1 gene is associated with age-related complex traits, including longevity, when it overexpresses. DNA methylation in the NFATC1 gene promoter can downregulate the gene expression. This study aims to examine the association between DNA methylation profile in the NFATC1 promoter and family history of longevity in Chinese population. Methods: We recruited 87 individuals in Bama County, Guangxi in China who were grouped into cases with family history of longevity (n=59, mean age=75.6 years) and controls without family history of longevity (n=28, mean age=57.5 years). The DNA methylation profile in the NFATC1 gene promoter was analyzed by pyro sequencing approach. Results: DNA methylation levels were significantly, positively correlated with age at the sites of 77157888, 77157891, and 77157898 and significantly, negatively correlated with age at the site 77157909. The methylation levels at chromosomal position 77157891 were significantly higher in the case group (β value=0.943) than in the control group (β value=0.911) with p=0.02 for the difference, adjusting for age, gender, smoking, alcohol use and cardiovascular risk factors. DNA methylation levels at site 77157909 were significantly lower in females than in males (p=0.02). Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that the DNA methylation profile in NFATC1 gene promoter is associated with family history of longevity in the Chinese population.

Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) rs662 Polymorphism and Its Association with Serum Lipid Levels and Longevity in the Bama Zhuang Population.

BackgroundThe present study was performed to identify the association of PON1 rs662 polymorphism with serum lipid levels and human longevity in the Bama Zhuang population.Material/MethodsPON1 genotypes were determined by Taqman SNP Genotyping Assays in 110 long-lived inhabitants (longevity group, aged 90–110 years), 110 healthy inhabitants in Bama County (control 1 group, aged 43–82 years) and 110 healthy inhabitants in Nandan County (control 2 group, aged 28–82 years) without family history of longevity.ResultsBMI (body mass index) and TG (serum total triglyceride) level were lower in the longevity group than in the two control groups, while the contents of serum LDL-c (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and HDL-c (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and the levels of SBP (systolic blood pressure) and DBP (diastolic blood pressure) in the longevity group were higher than in the two control groups (p<0.01). Significant differences in the frequencies of three genotypes (GG, AG, and AA) were observed between the longevity group and control 2 group (χ2=15.190, p=0.001). The minor allele frequency (MAF) of rs662 was significantly higher in the longevity group than in the two control groups. The levels of HDL-c in the longevity group were different among the three genotypes (p<0.05). The levels of TG for GG and GG+AG genotypes were significantly different, while the levels of TC (total cholesterol) and HDL-c for AG and GG+AG genotypes were significantly different among the three groups (p<0.05). Serum lipid parameters were correlated with several environmental factors, including age, gender, DBP, SBP, and BMI. The association of PON1 rs662 polymorphism and serum lipid levels was different among the three groups.ConclusionsPON1 polymorphism might be one of the genetic factors of longevity in the Bama Zhuang population. The PON1 rs662 SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) was associated with serum HDL-c levels in the longevity group.

Nutrient Intake Is Associated with Longevity Characterization by Metabolites and Element Profiles of Healthy Centenarians.

The relationships between diet and metabolites as well as element profiles in healthy centenarians are important but remain inconclusive. Therefore, to test the interesting hypothesis that there would be distinctive features of metabolites and element profiles in healthy centenarians, and that these would be associated with nutrient intake; the short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), total bile acids and ammonia in feces, phenol, p-cresol, uric acid, urea, creatinine and ammonia in urine, and element profiles in fingernails were determined in 90 healthy elderly people, including centenarians from Bama county (China)—a famous longevous region—and elderly people aged 80–99 from the longevous region and a non-longevous region. The partial least squares-discriminant analysis was used for pattern recognition. As a result, the centenarians showed a distinct metabolic pattern. Seven characteristic components closely related to the centenarians were identified, including acetic acid, total SCFA, Mn, Co, propionic acid, butyric acid and valeric acid. Their concentrations were significantly higher in the centenarians group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the dietary fiber intake was positively associated with butyric acid contents in feces (r = 0.896, p < 0.01), and negatively associated with phenol in urine (r = −0.326, p < 0.01). The results suggest that the specific metabolic pattern of centenarians may have an important and positive influence on the formation of the longevity phenomenon. Elevated dietary fiber intake should be a path toward health and longevity.

Risk factors for measles in children younger than age 8 months: A case-control study during an outbreak in Guangxi, China, 2013

Following a period (2009-2012) during which zero measles cases were reported, a measles outbreak occurred in 2013 in Bama County, Guangxi, China, that involved more than 100 children younger than age 8 months. We aimed to identify the pitfalls and risk factors while implementing the control measures. An outbreak investigation and a case-control study was conducted among children younger than age 8 months. The serum specimens of the study subjects and their mothers were tested for measles immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G. The attack rate was 2.3/1,000 population. The median (interquartile range) age was 18.6 months (7.9-52.8 months). The coverage of 2-dose measles-containing vaccine was only 34%. The case-control study revealed 2 independent risk factors: low education level of main caregiver (odds ratio [OR], 2.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-6.22) and visiting a hospital 7-21 days before the date of symptoms onset (OR, 9.84; 95% CI, 4.27-22.67). The population attributable fraction of the latter was 52.8%. The mothers of the cases had nonsignificantly higher levels of immunoglobulin M and were significantly more likely to have protective levels of immunoglobulin G than those of the controls. This suggests a reactive rather than protective role of the antibody to the child's infection. In a near-elimination but low measles-containing vaccine coverage community, supplementary immunization activities should be emphasized for children and women who are potential future mothers. The minimum age of measles-containing vaccine should be further reduced. Hospital measles transmission must also be strictly prevented.

Gut Microbiota Community and Its Assembly Associated with Age and Diet in Chinese Centenarians.

Increasing evidence suggests that gut microbiota underpin the development of health and longevity. However, our understanding of what influences the composition of this community of the longevous has not been adequately described. Therefore, illumina sequencing analysis was performed on the gut microbiota of centenarians (aged 100-108 years; RC) and younger elderlies (aged 85-99 years; RE) living in Bama County, Guangxi, China and the elderlies (aged 80-92 years; CE) living in Nanning City, Guangxi, China. In addition, their diet was monitored using a semiquantitative dietary questionary (FFQ 23). The results revealed the abundance of Roseburia and Escherichia was significantly greater, whereas that of Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium, Parabacteroides, Butyricimonas, Coprococcus, Megamonas, Mitsuokella, Sutterella, and Akkermansia was significantly less in centenarians at the genus level. Both clustering analysis and UniFraq distance analysis showed structural segregation with age and diet among the three populations. Using partial least square discriminate analysis and redundancy analysis, we identified 33 and 34 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) as key OTUs that were significantly associated with age and diet, respectively. Age-related OTUs were characterized as Ruminococcaceae, Clostridiaceae, and Lachnospiraceae, and the former two were increased in the centenarians; diet-related OTUs were classified as Bacteroidales, Lachnospiraceae, and Ruminococcaceae. The former two were deceased, whereas the later one was increased, in the high-fiber diet. The age and high-fiber diet were concomitant with changes in the gut microbiota of centenarians, suggesting that age and high-fiber diet can establish a new structurally balanced architecture of gut microbiota that may benefit the health of centenarians.

Qualitative and Semiquantitative Analysis of Fecal Bifidobacterium Species in Centenarians Living in Bama, Guangxi, China.

Centenarians constitute a significant subpopulation in the Bama County of Guangxi province in China. The beneficial effects of intestinal microbiota, especially bifidobacteria of centenarians, have been widely accepted; however, knowledge about Bifidobacterium species in centenarians is not adequate. The aim of this study was to investigate the quantity and prevalence of fecal Bifidobacterium in healthy longevous individuals. Fecal samples from eight centenarians from Bama (aged 100 to 108years), eight younger elderlies from Bama (aged 80 to 99years), and eight younger elderlies from Nanning (aged 80 to 99years) were analyzed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, species-specific clone library, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction technology (qPCR). A total of eight different Bifidobacterium species were detected. B. dentium, B. longum, B. thermophilum, B. pseudocatenulatum/B. catenulatum, and B. adolescentis were common in fecal of centenarians and young elderly. B. minimum, B. saecularmay/B. pullorum/B. gallinarum, and B. mongoliense were found in centenarians but were absent in the younger elderlies. In addition, Bifidobacterium species found in centenarians were different from those found in Bama young elderly and Nanning young elderly, and the principal differences were the significant increase in the population of B. longum (P<0.05) and B. dentium (P<0.05) and the reduction in the frequency of B. adolescentis (P<0.05), respectively. Centenarians tend to have more complex fecal Bifidobacterium species than young elderlies from different regions.

A correlation between diet and longevity characterization by means of element profiles in healthy people over 80 years from a Chinese longevous region.

Monitoring the element concentrations in the human body is of critical importance for health and longevity. In order to explore the formation mechanism of longevity from the perspective of the body's element loads, this study investigated the prominent feature of element profiles in healthy people over 80 years from Bama County (China), a famous longevous region (LR). The element profiles in nails of elderly people from the LR and a non-longevous region were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, using orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) for pattern recognition. As a result, four characteristic elements closely related to the healthy elderly people from LR, including Cr, Fe, Mn, and Co, were identified. The concentrations of Cr, Fe, Mn, and Co were significantly increased in the LR group (p < 0.05). The values of fold change of Cr, Fe, Mn, and Co were 3.00, 2.46, 2.24, and 2.21, respectively. These characteristic elements could provide an important material guarantee for health and longevity of elderly people in the LR. The further correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations between the Sr (r = 0.886), Mn (r = 0.873), Ni (r = 0.786), and Co (r = 0.738) concentrations in nails of elderly people and those in drinking water. Furthermore, significant positive correlations were found between the Se (r = 0.940), Mn (r = 0.833), and Fe (r = 0.733) concentrations in nails and their dietary intake. Consequently, the observations suggested that diet could provide extraordinary reference information in terms of reflecting the feature of element profiles in healthy elderly people over 80 years from the LR.