
The image shows a confocal microscope image of immune cells in the epithelial lining of the intestine of a young mouse. The cells are localised within specialised lymphoid tissue in the epithelial lining of the intestine called a Peyer’s patch. Here, B and T cells interact to mediate an effective antibody response against the gut microbiota. Naïve B cells are shown in orange, while proliferating cells – including germinal centre B cells – are blue. All T cells are stained green and regulatory Foxp3+ T cells can be recognised by their purple centre. Image credit: Marisa Stebegg, Babraham Institute.
- Faecal transplants from young mice replenishes the gut microbiome and boosts the gut immune system in older mice.
- The study demonstrates that the decline in the gut immune response due to age is not irreversible and that it can be boosted in older individuals.
- The gut microbiome could be a target for the treatment of a range of age-associated symptoms to facilitate healthy ageing.
Faecal transplants from young to aged mice can stimulate the gut microbiome and revive the gut immune system, a study by immunologists at the Institute has shown. The research is published in the journal Nature Communications today.
The gut is one of the organs that is most severely affected by ageing and age-dependent changes to the human gut microbiome have been linked to increased frailty, inflammation and increased susceptibility to intestinal disorders. These age-dependent changes to the gut microbiome happen in parallel with a decrease in function of the gut immune system but, until now, it was unknown whether the two changes were linked.
“Our gut microbiomes are made up of hundreds of different types of bacteria and these are essential to our health, playing a role in our metabolism, brain function and immune response,” explains lead researcher Dr Marisa Stebegg. “Our immune system is constantly interacting with the bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. As immunologists who study why our immune system doesn’t work as well as we age, we were interested to explore whether the make-up of the gut microbiome might influence the strength of the gut immune response.”
Co-housing young and aged mice (mice naturally like to sample the faecal pellets of other mice!) or more directly performing faecal transfer from young to aged mice boosted the gut immune system in the aged mice, partly correcting the age-related decline.
“To our surprise, co-housing rescued the reduced gut immune response in aged mice. Looking at the numbers of the immune cells involved, the aged mice possessed gut immune responses that were almost indistinguishable from those of the younger mice.” commented Dr Michelle Linterman, group leader in the Immunology programme at the Babraham Institute.
The results show that the poor gut immune response is not irreversible and that the response can be strengthened by challenging with appropriate stimuli, essentially turning back the clock on the gut immune system to more closely resemble the situation in a young mouse.
The results of the study have relevance for treating age-related symptoms, confirming a link between the effects of the ageing immune system and age-associated changes in the gut microbiome. By demonstrating the effectiveness of interventions that have a positive impact on the composition of the gut microbiome, this research suggests that faecal transplants, probiotics, co-habitation and diet might all prove to be ways to facilitate healthy ageing.
Learn more: Could boosting the gut microbiome be the secret to healthier older age?
The Latest on: Gut microbiome
[google_news title=”” keyword=”gut microbiome” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Gut microbiome
- Gut Microbiome Composition associated with future onset of Crohn’s Disease in Healthy First-Degree Relativeson June 4, 2023 at 7:30 am
Gut Microbiome Composition is associated with future onset of Crohn’s Disease in Healthy First-Degree Relatives suggests a new study published in the GastroenterologyThe cause of Crohn’s ...
- 7 Best Probiotics for Men to Improve Gut Health in 2023on June 4, 2023 at 5:17 am
Probiotics are the "good guys" that help keep your gut healthy, which in turn helps to improve your digestion and overall energy and health. But with all the options out there, deciding which one to ...
- Gut microbiome changes linked to precancerous colon polypson June 3, 2023 at 3:01 pm
A new study by investigators from Mass General Brigham has linked certain types of gut bacteria to the development of precancerous colon polyps. Their results are published in Cell Host & Microbe.
- Link Between Gut Microbiome and Precancerous Colon Polyps Identifiedon June 2, 2023 at 3:58 pm
Comprehending the association between the gut microbiome and polyp growth sheds insights into potential screenings and treatments.
- Bacteria-eating viruses in the gut may help us live to a healthy 100on June 1, 2023 at 10:10 pm
We’re all told that to live longer, we must exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, maintain an optimal weight, not smoke, and manage stress. But why do some people naturally make it ...
- 7 Signs That Indicate You Have an Unhealthy Guton June 1, 2023 at 12:46 pm
“Deficiency in either vitamins or nutrients can be a sign that either your diet is inadequate, or you’re having issues absorbing nutrients from food,” says Dr. Amati. “One of the reasons most people ...
- Can consuming grapes daily increase certain gut bacteria?on June 1, 2023 at 7:57 am
Consuming the equivalent of three servings of grapes daily may help increase some gut bacteria and influence health, a new study suggests.
- Gut microbiome changes associated with precancerous colon polyps: Studyon June 1, 2023 at 12:16 am
The study connects specific types of gut bacteria that are responsible for the growth of precancerous colon polyps.
- Your Gut Microbiome Could Be Worsening Your Depression & Making You Feel More Aloneon May 31, 2023 at 11:05 am
That’s because poop transplants supply “good bacteria” to the colon and restore a healthy balance to the gut microbiome. Scientists are understanding the importance of taking care of your gut. Think ...
- Your Gut Microbiome Could Be Worsening Your Depression & Making You Feel More Aloneon May 31, 2023 at 8:39 am
That’s because poop transplants supply “good bacteria” to the colon and restore a healthy balance to the gut microbiome. Scientists are understanding the importance of taking care of your gut.
via Bing News