Recent advancements in public health and hygiene have significantly increased the average human lifespan. In the U.S., the average lifespan is currently 77 years. Although some individuals reach the impressive age of 100 years, the reasons for such exceptional longevity are not fully understood. A research team has discovered that gut bacteria may hold the key to unlocking the mystery behind long life. This groundbreaking research provides new insight into the factors that contribute to human longevity.
As part of the project, scientists closely studied 176 Japanese individuals that were healthy and aged 100 or above. The team made a fascinating discovery – the intestinal bacteria and viral population in these centenarians was distinctly different from that found in the average population. This finding piqued curiosity about why some individuals live longer than others. Earlier studies have revealed that some of the older Japanese people have intestinal bacteria that produce unique molecules that provide resistance against pathogenic microorganisms. This discovery suggests that enhanced intestinal protection against infection may be one of the primary factors contributing to their longevity.
This study reveals that specific viruses residing in our gut can have a positive impact on the gut flora, leading to better health outcomes. The viruses coexist with the billions of bacteria living inside and on the intestinal cells, their primary targets being the bacterial cells rather than human cells. A wide range of bacterial viruses exists due to the hundreds of bacterial types present in our gut. Researchers found that Japanese centenarians displayed a unique composition of gut flora, containing a rich diversity of both bacteria and bacterial viruses. This high level of microbial diversity is typically associated with a healthier gut microbiome, which may in turn provide greater defense against disorders associated with aging.
In order to increase the life expectancy of non-centenarians, it is important for the research team to understand the composition of intestinal flora in centenarians. With the aid of an algorithm created by the team, mapping the intestinal bacteria and viruses of centenarians has become a possibility. By analyzing the dynamics of the intestinal flora, including its various interactions and the effectiveness of the different bacterial strains, we can learn how to create a microbiome that supports long and healthy lives. The algorithm also aids in determining the balance between viruses and bacteria. Understanding the Japanese centenarians’ connection between viruses and bacteria could serve as a model for determining the optimal balance.
Through the research, it was found that when a virus infects a bacterium, it may actually enhance the bacterium’s capability to benefit the body. Upon analyzing the viruses present in healthy centenarians, they discovered that they contained supplementary genes responsible for improving bacterial function within the intestines. Specifically, these genes enabled the transformation of specific molecules, leading to a more stable intestinal flora and a reduction in inflammation.
As the research continues, the next step is to determine whether these beneficial bacteria and viruses are present in certain individuals or all individuals. If they are not present universally, efforts can be made to introduce them to those who do not have them, potentially benefiting a larger portion of the population. Overall, these findings are significant as they have the potential to modify the intestinal flora and improve our understanding of its impact on overall health. Further research is necessary to fully understand the implications of these discoveries. The hope is that this new knowledge in intestinal bacteria can help modern science and medicine optimize the human body’s bacteria to defend against disease.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Centenarians have a diverse gut virome with the potential to modulate metabolism and promote healthy lifespan
