Mendelian randomization is a powerful strategy that uses genetic variants linked to specific phenotypes to establish causal relationships between them. Researchers are exploring how variations in gut microbiome populations can influence the rate of aging, as indicated by aging clocks based on health measures. Studies show that shifts in microbial populations in the gut as we age have negative effects, with an increase in pro-inflammatory microbes and a decrease in beneficial ones. While interventions like fecal microbiota transplants from younger individuals can rejuvenate the gut microbiome, they are not widely used yet.
Recent evidence suggests that the composition and function of gut microbiota play a crucial role in the aging process. Dysbiosis, or imbalances in the gut microbiota, have been linked to age-related diseases and aging itself. Mendelian randomization studies have identified causal relationships between gut microbiota and various age-related conditions, but no study has specifically linked gut microbiota to biological aging. This study using two-sample Mendelian randomization found associations between specific gut microbiota species and the acceleration of biological aging, shedding light on how these populations may influence the aging process. Further research, including randomized controlled trials, is needed to better understand the role of gut microbiota in aging.
