All Articles

Exploring microbiome diversity as a contributor to frailty

News
November 15, 2022
By
Ehab Naim, MBA.

To evaluate the effect of microbiota diversity on health, Rashidah et al. reviewed microbiota composition, intestinal permeability, and inflammatory biomarkers in older adults.

Frailty is a consequence of the aging process in which the body loses its ability to maintain a stable internal environment. Research indicates that changes in the gut microbiota composition could influence muscle protein synthesis, which, when downregulated, leads to impaired muscle function, muscle mass, and weakened bones. For example, a reduction in Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (the main producers of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the gut) population could decrease energy production, muscle fibers’ metabolic efficiency, and lean muscle mass. 

Previous research showed that gut dysbiosis in patients with sarcopenia (muscle weakening due to aging) resulted in reduced muscle mass and strength, leading to physical frailty. However, there is insufficient evidence exploring the impact of medications, dietary habits, and body mass index on gut microbiota composition or intestinal epithelial barrier markers. In their systematic review, Rashidah et al. aimed at comparing gut microbiota composition, intestinal permeability, and inflammatory biomarkers between frail older adults and healthy controls. Their review included 11 studies spanning ten case-control studies and one cohort trial.

Highlights of study are: 

  • Frail individuals displayed significantly higher counts of Ruminococcus, Proteobacteria, Synergistes, and Verrucomicrobia and decreased Firmicutes compared to healthy controls. 
  • Healthy subjects displayed higher Eubacterium counts compared to frail older adults.
  • Frail older adults had higher inflammatory biomarkers and gut permeability (leaky gut) than healthy older adults, evidenced by higher serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, HMGB-1, IL-6, IL1-ra, MIP-1β), amino acids (aspartic acid and phosphoethanolamine), and zonulin (a biomarker of gut barrier).
  • The strains Eubacterium and Roseburia were significantly and positively correlated to muscle mass (it means that reduced abundance could contribute to sarcopenia). Moreover, results mentioned that microbiota diversity is inversely related to biological aging.

The authors concluded that frail individuals had lower gut microbiota diversity, decreased Firmicutes abundance, and lower SCFA producers, contributing to gut dysbiosis. Research results suggest that increased zonulin levels could lead to a leaky gut, increasing levels of pro-inflammatory mediators. The outcome is chronic low-grade inflammation associated with frailty seen in older adults. Future studies should better understand the relationship between gut microbiota and inflammation in older adults. 

Source: Rashidah NH, Lim SM, Neoh CF, Majeed AB, Tan MP, Khor HM, Tan AH, Rehiman SH, Ramasamy K. Differential gut microbiota and intestinal permeability between frail and healthy older adults: A systematic review. Ageing Research Reviews. 2022 Oct 4:101744.

Frailty is a consequence of the aging process in which the body loses its ability to maintain a stable internal environment. Research indicates that changes in the gut microbiota composition could influence muscle protein synthesis, which, when downregulated, leads to impaired muscle function, muscle mass, and weakened bones. For example, a reduction in Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (the main producers of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the gut) population could decrease energy production, muscle fibers’ metabolic efficiency, and lean muscle mass. 

Previous research showed that gut dysbiosis in patients with sarcopenia (muscle weakening due to aging) resulted in reduced muscle mass and strength, leading to physical frailty. However, there is insufficient evidence exploring the impact of medications, dietary habits, and body mass index on gut microbiota composition or intestinal epithelial barrier markers. In their systematic review, Rashidah et al. aimed at comparing gut microbiota composition, intestinal permeability, and inflammatory biomarkers between frail older adults and healthy controls. Their review included 11 studies spanning ten case-control studies and one cohort trial.

Highlights of study are: 

  • Frail individuals displayed significantly higher counts of Ruminococcus, Proteobacteria, Synergistes, and Verrucomicrobia and decreased Firmicutes compared to healthy controls. 
  • Healthy subjects displayed higher Eubacterium counts compared to frail older adults.
  • Frail older adults had higher inflammatory biomarkers and gut permeability (leaky gut) than healthy older adults, evidenced by higher serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, HMGB-1, IL-6, IL1-ra, MIP-1β), amino acids (aspartic acid and phosphoethanolamine), and zonulin (a biomarker of gut barrier).
  • The strains Eubacterium and Roseburia were significantly and positively correlated to muscle mass (it means that reduced abundance could contribute to sarcopenia). Moreover, results mentioned that microbiota diversity is inversely related to biological aging.

The authors concluded that frail individuals had lower gut microbiota diversity, decreased Firmicutes abundance, and lower SCFA producers, contributing to gut dysbiosis. Research results suggest that increased zonulin levels could lead to a leaky gut, increasing levels of pro-inflammatory mediators. The outcome is chronic low-grade inflammation associated with frailty seen in older adults. Future studies should better understand the relationship between gut microbiota and inflammation in older adults. 

Source: Rashidah NH, Lim SM, Neoh CF, Majeed AB, Tan MP, Khor HM, Tan AH, Rehiman SH, Ramasamy K. Differential gut microbiota and intestinal permeability between frail and healthy older adults: A systematic review. Ageing Research Reviews. 2022 Oct 4:101744.

Article reviewed by
Dr. Ana Baroni MD. Ph.D.
SCIENTIFIC & MEDICAL ADVISOR
Quality Garant
Close

Dr. Ana Baroni MD. Ph.D.

Scientific & Medical Advisor
Quality Garant

Ana has over 20 years of consultancy experience in longevity, regenerative and precision medicine. She has a multifaceted understanding of genomics, molecular biology, clinical biochemistry, nutrition, aging markers, hormones and physical training. This background allows her to bridge the gap between longevity basic sciences and evidence-based real interventions, putting them into the clinic, to enhance the healthy aging of people. She is co-founder of Origen.life, and Longevityzone. Board member at Breath of Health, BioOx and American Board of Clinical Nutrition. She is Director of International Medical Education of the American College of Integrative Medicine, Professor in IL3 Master of Longevity at Barcelona University and Professor of Nutrigenomics in Nutrition Grade in UNIR University.

DISCOVER
HealthyLongevity.guide
4.6 / 5
Professional science-based education
250+ Articles, video lectures, webinars
Community of 1000+ verified professionals
Sign Up

Read the latest articles

News
HealthyLongevity.guide

Longevity Conferences 2023

January 19, 2023

Curated list of Longevity Conferences, where you can explore the latest research and developments in the field of aging and longevity.

Ehab Naim, MBA.
News
Body
Diagnostics
Medicine

Vascular endothelial senescence: Exploring current and future diagnostic and therapeutic potential

January 18, 2023

Researchers examined endothelial dysfunction, and identified its causes and effects. They evaluated the use of senotherapeutics in fighting age-related ailments.

Ehab Naim, MBA.
News
Nutrition

A Controlled Trial: Eating Almonds May Help in Reducing Obesity

January 4, 2023

Almond consumption might affect appetite and reduce obesity. Researchers analyzed the blood of obese people after eating almonds to find out more.

Reem Abedi
News
Technology
Lifestyle

Physical activity trackers: Shaping behavior to promote healthy aging among older adults

December 29, 2022

Wearing physical activity tracking devices can promote healthy aging, improve population's quality of life, and reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases.

Ehab Naim, MBA.
News
Body
Longevity

Gut microbiota taxa analysis could offer a better definition of a healthy microbiome

December 26, 2022

One of the drivers behind the age-related decline is the gut microbiome. In their study, Ghosh et al. analyzed over 21,000 microbiome profiles from seven databases across five continents.

Ehab Naim, MBA.
News
Nutrition

Flavonols consumption from fruit and vegetables delays cognitive decline

December 23, 2022

Flavonols are a type of flavonoids that slow down the decline in episodic and semantic memory, perceptual speed, and working memory. A study anaylzed what exactly is their impact on cognitive health.

Agnieszka Szmitkowska, Ph.D.
News
Disease

Saffron Combined with Aerobic Exercise to address Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

December 21, 2022

Rajabi et al. conducted extensive research on type-2 diabetes patients to investigate the effect of aerobic training and Saffron supplementation for two months.

Reem Abedi
Article
Body
Lifestyle

Which Sport is Best for Longevity?

December 20, 2022

Researchers evaluated which sport is best for longevity. Key components of highly beneficial sports are including a social aspect, engaging both arms and legs, or including whole-body movements.

Jiří Kaloč
News
Aging
Lifestyle
Prevention

Simple lifestyle modifications could reduce the risk of dementia

December 16, 2022

American Heart Association defined ideal values and levels for seven modifiable factors that directly affect cardiovascular health. They include physical activity, smoking, or fasting plasma glucose.

Ehab Naim, MBA.
Video
Lifestyle
Longevity

NATURE EXPOSURE & LONGEVITY (Webinar with Sarah Nielson follow-up + recording)

December 15, 2022

Sarah Nielsen explained the impact of nature exposure on heart rate and blood pressure; how it affects cortisol, inflammation, or anti-cancer proteins; and what you can recommend to your clients.

Reem Abedi
News
No Tag Added

Lower birth weight vs. cardiovascular disease in adulthood

December 15, 2022

A recent article published in the Heart journal demonstrates a connection between lower birth weight, the incidence of myocardial infarction, and adverse left ventricular remodeling.

Agnieszka Szmitkowska, Ph.D.
Article
Lifestyle
Prevention
Aging
Longevity
Nutrition

Key Blue Zones patterns could help with physician burnout

December 6, 2022

There are five areas on Earth where people live significantly longer and disease-free into their late years. What makes them so special? People who live there follow nine simple rules.

Agnieszka Szmitkowska, Ph.D.
News
Medicine
Prevention

Daylight saving time (DST) and mortality patterns in Europe

December 5, 2022

Researchers examined whether daylight saving time affects European mortality patterns. They compared the daily death rates (DDR) for 2 months prior to and after each DST transition.

Reem Abedi
News
Disease

Prostaglandin E2 potentially increases susceptibility to influenza A infection in the elderly

November 30, 2022

A new study tested whether age-related elevation in Prostaglandin E2 is a driver that impairs host defense against influenza.

Ehab Naim, MBA.
Article
Lifestyle
Prevention

Future healthy longevity starts at conception

November 29, 2022

The habits we develop as children significantly impact lifespan and healthspan in adulthood. Dietary choices, exercise, or for example daily screen time can lead to lasting changes in the organism.

Agnieszka Szmitkowska, Ph.D.
Article
No Tag Added

Every move counts: Non-exercise physical activity for cardiovascular health and longevity

December 13, 2022

Increasing movement and reducing sedentary time lead to significant reductions in the occurrence of many diseases. It is important to encourage people to increase their non-exercise physical activity.

Reem Abedi
No items found.