In a new study published in Nature Microbiology, researchers examined 195 centenarians from Japan and Sardinia and discovered a distinct gut microbiome that may unlock the secret to this population’s exceptional longevity.
This research represents a significant leap forward in understanding the pivotal role played by the gut microbiome in safeguarding health and combating diseases.
“We are always eager to find out why some people live extremely long lives,” first author of the study Joachim Johansen from the Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, said in a statement. “Previous research has shown that the intestinal bacteria of old Japanese citizens produce brand-new molecules that make them resistant to pathogenic—that is, disease-promoting—microorganisms.”
Johansen further emphasized that the protective properties of these people’s unique microbiome likely contribute to their extended lifespans.
The gut microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) in the human digestive system. Unlike other parts of the body, it is highly dynamic and responsive to environmental factors like diet, medication, and stress.
Researchers found that viruses are crucial in maintaining a healthy microbiome and overall health.
Comparing the gut virus populations of younger adults, individuals over 60, and centenarians, centenarians had a more diverse virome (collection of viruses), including previously unknown viruses associated with the gut bacteria Clostridia, according to the study.
These viruses primarily infect bacterial cells, and given the many bacterial types in our intestines, there are numerous bacterial viruses. Researchers believe that uncovering the secrets of the distinctive microbiome found in centenarians will bring them closer to enhancing the life expectancy of others.
The researchers have already used a specially designed algorithm to map the intestinal bacteria and bacterial viruses in centenarians, aiming to understand the dynamics of the gut flora and identify beneficial bacteria for promoting health and longevity.
Previous research has linked the gut microbiome to various health outcomes such as obesity, heart disease, and mental health. Although the mechanisms are not fully understood, microorganisms in the gut likely influence the immune system and other organs to maintain healthy functioning and protect against disease.
According to the recent study, when a virus infects a gut bacterium, it can enhance the bacterium’s strength. The viruses found in healthy Japanese centenarians contained genes that boosted bacteria and facilitated the transformation of specific molecules in the intestines, stabilizing the gut flora and reducing inflammation.
In an email interview with The Epoch Times, Colby Kash, chief operating officer and co-founder of Camelot BioCapital and author of “The Autoimmune Plague: How to Regain Sovereignty Over Your Body and Life,” noted the importance of a specific substance associated with a virus identified in the centenarian microbiome study. “The additional genes [found in the viruses] supported the production of hydrogen sulfide, which is known to have a beneficial longevity effect in the right amounts,” he said.
According to research, fasting encourages hydrogen sulfide production, which may be why it shows certain health benefits.
This compound supports intestinal resilience and resistance to gut pathogens.
Does the degradation of the microbiome cause the aging process, or does the aging process cause the degradation of the microbiome?
Similar to how the microbiome differs in those who are overweight or have certain autoimmune diseases, it seems there is a two-way relationship, Kash told The Epoch Times.
“Aging may contribute to a shift in microbiome, and microbiome shifts may contribute to aging,” he said. Kash further explained that the disease state and signaling in the rest of the body can influence the microbiome, and an imbalanced microbiome can contribute to overall health issues.
For example, individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder experience the chronic release of neurotransmitters and hormones due to psychological trauma, which can potentially alter the microbial environment. “While in the opposite direction, an overgrowth of a pathogenic bacteria can inhibit vagal nerve stimulation to the brain, resulting in anxiety or insomnia,” he added.
Several factors stand out as potential causes for microbiome changes as people age, including a sedentary lifestyle, decreased production of hormones like testosterone and growth hormone, and antibiotics use.
A recent study revealed that although antibiotic use has revolutionized medical care, these drugs can significantly impact microbiome health, adversely affecting overall well-being.
Antibiotics disrupt the microbial balance, compromising both the networking within the bacterial community and the host-microbiota relationship. This disruption leads to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making clinical treatment challenging.
Kash highlighted the significance of a diverse and robust microbiome, explaining that it fosters stability and enables beneficial microbes to outcompete harmful ones.
According to Kash, the study published in Nature Microbiology identified a health-boosting effect that can be promoted by modifying eating patterns. “The paper mentioned the virome led to an increase in lytic activity,” he said. “This is when the body recycles old damaged cells and organelles. This can also be achieved via fasting.”
Other ways to improve the gut microbiome include: