Aging is a universal and complex process affecting all organisms, characterized by several genetic hallmarks such as telomere attrition, genomic instability, and epigenetic changes. Over time, aging brings about physical, biochemical, and metabolic shifts in the human body. One significant yet understudied factor in this process is the gut microbiome (GM)-;a diverse microbial community that profoundly influences health.
This review delves into the dynamic interplay between the gut microbiome and aging, highlighting microbiota-dependent mechanisms that regulate aging, and examines interventions aimed at promoting healthy aging through microbiome modulation. Dynamics of gut microbiome across lifespan From birth, the gut microbiome evolves, influenced by childbirth mode, breastfeeding, and early-life exposure to microbes. In infancy, the microbiome is less diverse, dominated by Bifidobacterium in breastfed babies and Bacteroides in formula-fed infants.
By adulthood, a robust "core microbiome" develops, modulating immune and metabolic functions. Puberty introduces sex-related changes in the microbiome, primarily due to hormonal influences. In older adults, microbial diversity decreases, leading to an abundance of frailty-linked microbes like Christensenellaceae and reduced SCFA producers.
These changes impact age-related conditions such as sarcopenia and osteoporosis. Gut microbiome and aging-related disorders Aging-associated shifts in the gut microbiome are linked to various ag.