The Use of Gut Microbial Modulation Strategies as Interventional Strategies for Ageing

Abstract

Gut microbial composition codevelops with the host from birth and is influenced by several factors, including drug use, radiation, psychological stress, dietary changes and physical stress. Importantly, gut microbial dysbiosis has been clearly associated with several diseases, including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea, and is known to affect human health and performance. Herein, we discuss that a shift in the gut microbiota with age and reversal of age-related modulation of the gut microbiota could be a major contributor to the incidence of numerous age-related diseases or overall human performance. In addition, it is suggested that the gut microbiome of long-lived animals such as reptiles should be investigated for their unique properties and contribution to the potent defense system of these species could be extrapolated for the benefit of human health. A range of techniques can be used to modulate the gut microbiota to have higher abundance of "beneficial" microbes that have been linked with health and longevity.

Keywords: FMT; faecal microbiota transplantation; gut microbiota; microbiota development; microbiota modulation; prebiotics; probiotics.

Figure 1

Development and modulation of the gut microbiota. Gut microbiota is initially influenced by prenatal factors, including maternal diet, antibiotic use during pregnancy, maternal stress, smoking status, obesity and type of birth. Breastfeeding, diet and antibiotic usage are the factors that affect the development of the gut microbiota into its stable adult composition. The adult composition of the gut microbiota may be modulated by drug usage, dietary changes, psychological stress and physiological stress.

Figure 2

Voluntary modulation of the gut microbiota to improve health and longevity. Gut microbiota composition and abundance of specific microbes have been linked to health and longevity. Faecal microbiota transplant, prebiotics usage, the use of probiotics and dietary interventions can be exploited to modulate the gut microbiota to have higher abundances of microbes linked with health and longevity.