Humans may have finally uncovered the secret to a long life, which is concealed in our intestines.
Scientists from the University of Copenhagen analyzed the gastrointestinal (GI) tracts of 176 healthy Japanese centenarians – a rare population that lives at least 100 years – and discovered that they all contained a mixture of bacteria and viruses.
The study demonstrated that certain viruses in the intestines are beneficial to the microbiome and, consequently, our health.
Although it is impossible to alter a person’s genetic predispositions, the researchers hypothesize that they may be able to alter a person’s intestinal biome to include the unique mixture.
The author of the study, Johansen Johansen, stated, “We are always eager to learn why some individuals live extraordinarily long lives.
Previous research has demonstrated that the intestinal microbes of elderly Japanese produce brand-new molecules that confer resistance to pathogenic, or disease-causing, microorganisms.
They may live longer due to better gut infection protection.
The team devised an algorithm to map the intestinal bacteria and viruses of centenarians.
These results were then compared to a cohort of 18-to-60-year-old adults.
Mr. Johansen reported that the researchers discovered ‘great biological diversity in both bacteria and bacterial viruses’ in centenarians.
High microbial diversity is typically associated with a healthy gastrointestinal microbiome, he explained. And we anticipate that individuals with a robust gut microbiome will be more resistant to age-related diseases.’
He added that the information could be used to increase the life expectancy of others by engineering the microbiome to contain the optimal proportion of viruses and bacteria to prevent disease.
Mr. Johansen stated, “We have discovered that when a virus visits a bacterium, it may strengthen the bacterium.
“The viruses we discovered in healthy Japanese centenarians contained additional genes that could strengthen bacteria,”
As found, increasing intestinal molecule transmutation may stabilise gut flora and minimise inflammation.
For instance, the study paper noted that centenarians had a higher metabolic output of microbial hydrogen sulfide. Which may “support mucosal integrity and resistance to pathobionts.”
Mucosal integrity refers to the resilience of the GI tract — the digestive system pathway from the mouth to the anus.
Pathobionts are pathogens originating in the gastrointestinal tract.
