Researchers from the APC Microbiome, Ireland, in the University College Cork have developed a gut microbiome method to slow brain aging. The team experimented on a group of mice to come to their conclusion. However, they think it is still too early to know if it will work on humans.
How researchers conducted the study
Researchers carried out their experiment on a group of old and young mice. They used Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT), a method for treating Clostridium difficile to transplant gut microbiome from donors aged 3-4 months and 19-20 months to others aged 19-20 months
The researchers concluded that transplanting microbiome from young mice reversed age-related changes in the brain and peripheral immunity. It also reversed changes in the hippocampus. Researchers believe that the hippocampal immunity, linked to the gut, was restored, reversing age-associated cognitive decline.
According to John F. Cryan, numerous studies have shown the role played by the gut microbiome in the aging process. This new study further shows that the gut microbiome can reverse aging and improve cognitive function and learning ability. However, Cryan points out that the investigation is still in its early stages.
Scientists have come to realize that gut composition is vital to brain health and immunity. During the aging process, changes to the gut microbiome occur. These changes lead to health deterioration in the aging population.
It is still unclear if the findings will apply to humans
From the findings, one could think that FMT will soon become popular in reversing the aging process. However, some study authors do not believe it will. Katherine Guzzetta, one of the study authors and a Ph.D. student from University College Cork, says there is currently no evidence that FMT would have the same effect in humans. FMT has only worked in treating C.difficile.
However, the study highlights the importance of the brain-gut axis and how gut composition affects brain health. Therefore, controlling gut health could be used to improve cognitive function in the future.
This study is not the first conducted by the University College Cork on the effect of the gut microbiome on aging. In 2012, they conducted a study that showed that a more diverse gut microbiome population led to a healthier life in old age.
