Identification of gut microbiome signatures associated with longevity provides a promising modulation target for healthy aging

Abstract

The world population is aging, which poses a significant burden to the economy and health care system. As people age, so do their gut microbiomes. Age-related changes in gut microbiome have been reported, including decreased microbial diversity and increased Proteobacteria. Recently, we characterized the gut microbiome of a group of long-living (≥ 90 years old) Chinese people. Interestingly, the diversity of their gut microbiome was greater than that of a young adult control group. We also identified several potentially beneficial bacteria enriched in the long-living Chinese group. These results were validated using data from an independent Italian cohort that included a group of long-living individuals. Other recent studies have found similar results. Here, we provide a summary of these discoveries and discuss their implications in healthy aging.