Gut Microbiome Impact on Healthy Aging

Akkermansia muciniphila was initially described as a member of our microbiome that eats away at the mucin layer in our intestine that is supposed to keep our commensals from entering our bloodstream. So, it was a surprising finding that it also improved the responsiveness of cancer patients towards immune checkpoint inhibitor (PD-1) blockade. Interestingly, a protein produced by akkermansia called Amuc_1409 stimulates intestinal stem cells to rejuvenate intestinal villi as shown. "Amuc_1409 increased intestinal stem cell (ISC) proliferation and regeneration in ex vivo intestinal organoids and in vivo models of radiation- or chemotherapeutic drug-induced intestinal injury and natural aging [within] male mice. Mechanistically, Amuc_1409 promoted E-cadherin/β-catenin complex dissociation via interaction with E-cadherin, resulting in the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Our results demonstrate that Amuc_1409 plays a crucial role in intestinal homeostasis by regulating ISC activity in an Ecadherin-dependent manner and is a promising biomolecule for improving and maintaining gut health." https://lnkd.in/esNJTPWK

Here's an interesting recently published study finding that transplanting aged gut microbiota into young mice triggered inflammation in both the gut and brain, leading to cognitive decline, depression, and anxiety. Reduced mucin levels and increased gut permeability were observed in mice receiving the aged microbiota. These changes were associated with reduced gut #butyrate levels, and a decreased abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria. Also, the expression of butyrate receptors, specifically free fatty acid receptors 2 and 3 (FFAR2/3) was found to be reduced in mice with aged microbiota. suppressed. Interestingly, it was found that treatment with butyrate (sodium butyrate via drinking water) reduced markers of #inflammation, restored mucin expression, and increased gut barrier function. It would be interesting to see if similar results could be obtained using different forms of butyrate such as butyrate glycerides administered via the diet or through the use of #prebiotics to stimulate microbial butyrate production. #butyrate #guthealth #aging #inflammation https://lnkd.in/g-Z-eE-Y

🧠 - The more we learn about the impact of gut health and the microbiome on the brain and cognitive health, the more interesting it becomes. Maybe it should not be surprising given that we know gut bacteria produce significant amounts of many of our most important neuro-chemicals like GABA, norepinephrine, histamine, dopamine, acetylcholine and melatonin. A full 90% of the body's serotonin is produced in the gut. Research is starting to paint a picture that proper care and feeding of the microbiome can have a significant impact on cognition and memory - perhaps not just playing a role in prevention but in the treatment of cognitive decline. In this recent study, a daily prebiotic (inulin 3.375 mg and fructo-oligosaccharides 3.488 mg) was given to adults over the age of 60 for 3 months. Compared to the placebo group (taking maltodextrin) the intervention group performed better on a common test used as an early identifier of Alzheimer’s dementia. Food for thought? I think so. #fiber #prebiotics #FOS #inulin #cognition #brainhealth #healthaging #microbiome #gutbrainaxis #nutrition #foodismedicine https://lnkd.in/gbS8Vu2c