Intestinal Microbes Can Help Reverse Brain Aging
Research from APC Microbiome Ireland (APC) at University College Cork (UCC) published August 9, 2021, no leading international scientific journal Nature Aging, presents a new approach to reversing aspects of brain deterioration and cognitive function related to mid-ageing of the microbes in the intestine.
Microbe-Based Interventions: A Promising Approach to Reverse Brain Deterioration in Mid-Ageing
As our population ages, one of the main global challenges is to develop strategies to maintain healthy brain function. This groundbreaking research opens up potentially new therapeutic avenues in the form of microbe-based interventions to slow down brain aging and associated cognitive problems.
The work was carried out by researchers from the Brain-Gut-Microbiota laboratory at APC, led by Prof John F. Cryan, Vice President of Research and Innovation, University College Cork, as well as Principal Investigator at APC Microbiome Ireland and SFI Research Centre, based at University College Cork and Teagasc Moorepark.
Gut Microbes: Reversing Age-Related Brain Deterioration in Mice
There is a growing appreciation of the importance of microbes in the gut in all aspects of physiology and medicine. In this latest study with mice, the authors show that, by transplanting microbes from young to old animals, they can rejuvenate aspects of the brain and immune function. Professor John F. Cryan says: “Previous research published by the APC and other international groups has shown that the gut microbiome plays a key role in aging and the aging process. This new research is a potential game changer, as we have established that the microbiome can be harnessed to reverse age-related brain deterioration. We also see evidence of improvement in learning ability and cognitive function. ” While it’s very exciting, Cryan warns that “it’s still early and much more work is needed to see how these discoveries can be translated into humans.”
APC Director Prof Paul Ross stated that “This research by Prof. Cryan and colleagues further demonstrate the importance of the gut microbiome in many aspects of health, and particularly across the brain/gut axis, where brain function can be positively influenced. The study opens up possibilities in the future to modulate the gut microbiota as a therapeutic target to influence brain health.” The study was conducted by co-authors, Dr. Marcus Boehme, along with doctoral students Katherine E. Guzzetta and Thomaz Bastiaansen.
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