Specific Gut Microbes Linked to Changes in Biological Aging Rates, Study Finds
核心洞察
University of Hawaiʻi researchers found gut microbial composition explains approximately 15% of differences in biological aging rates among study participants.
Bifidobacterium adolescentis (搜索) showed the strongest association with slower biological aging, while Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens (搜索) was linked to accelerated aging.
The study used DunedinPACE, a next-generation biomarker, to estimate the pace of biological aging rather than relying on chronological age.
A new study from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (搜索)'s John A. Burns School of Medicine has identified specific gut bacteria significantly associated with how quickly the body ages at the molecular level. Published July 14 in Scientific Reports, the research found that differences in gut microbial composition explained about 15% of the variation in biological aging rates among participants.
"This study advances our understanding of the relationship between the gut microbiome and biological aging," said senior study author Alika K. Maunakea. "We found that microbial patterns in the gut were significantly associated with molecular measures of aging, even after accounting for chronological age. These findings open important new directions for understanding how modifiable biological systems influence long-term health trajectories and longevity."
Study Design and Methodology
The research team analyzed stool and blood samples from 123 participants spanning a broad adult age range. Rather than relying on chronological age — which simply measures years lived — the investigators used biological aging biomarkers to capture how rapidly participants' bodies were aging physiologically. Specifically, the team employed DunedinPACE, a next-generation biomarker designed to estimate the pace of biological aging.
By comparing the types of bacteria present in stool samples with the biological markers identified in blood samples, the researchers were able to assess associations between gut microbial composition and aging trajectories.
Key Microbial Signatures
Several bacterial species demonstrated particularly strong associations with aging outcomes. Bifidobacterium adolescentis (搜索) emerged as one of the strongest microbial signatures associated with slower biological aging. In contrast, Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens (搜索) showed one of the strongest associations with accelerated aging.
"The gut microbiome is highly responsive to lifestyle, diet, environment and other everyday exposures," said lead author Braden P. Kunihiro. "Our findings suggest that the microbiome may reflect important aspects of biological resilience and aging in ways that could eventually help inform future wellness and healthy aging strategies."
Representation and Broader Implications
The study notably included a group of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander participants, populations that have been historically underrepresented in both aging and microbiome research. Co-author Ruben Juarez highlighted the significance of this inclusion, noting that the work might help researchers better understand how environmental and social factors become biologically embedded over time.
"The microbiome exists at the intersection of behavior, environment and human biology," Juarez said. "Studies like this help illuminate potential pathways through which lived experiences and social factors influence long-term health outcomes."
Limitations and Future Directions
The researchers emphasized that the study establishes an association — not causation — between gut bacteria and biological aging. It remains unclear whether altering the gut microbiome can directly influence how the body ages.
"This is an important early step toward understanding the gut microbiome's relationship with healthy aging," Maunakea said. "Future research will help clarify the mechanisms involved and whether these microbial signatures may eventually contribute to precision approaches for promoting long-term health and wellness."