Gut bacterium and its metabolite found to delay aging
A new study published in Nature Aging on Aug. 25 reports that a single gut bacterium—Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum (BP)—together with a small molecule it produces, 5-aminovaleric acid betaine (5-AVAB), can alleviate multiple hallmarks of aging and extend healthy lifespan in mice, opening a promising avenue toward healthier aging in humans.
A groundbreaking study published in Nature Aging on August 25 reveals that a specific gut bacterium, Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum (BP), and its metabolite, 5-aminovaleric acid betaine (5-AVAB), can delay aging and extend healthy lifespan in mice. Led by Chinese researchers from the China National Center for Bioinformation, the study highlights the potential for healthier aging in humans.
The researchers found that BP and 5-AVAB alleviate multiple hallmarks of aging in mice, improving memory, motor coordination, and mood-related behaviors. The study also discovered that higher levels of BP were associated with a younger biological age in humans, based on routine clinical health indicators. The researchers suggest that replenishing the missing microbe or supplementing its key metabolite could be a simple and powerful strategy for promoting healthy aging. Further research is needed to validate these findings in humans.
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