Gut microbiota influence frailty syndrome in older adults: mechanisms and therapeutic strategies

Biogerontology. 2024 Feb;25(1):107-129. doi: 10.1007/s10522-023-10082-7. Epub 2023 Dec 27.

Abstract

Frailty syndrome denotes a decreased capacity of the body to maintain the homeostasis and stress of the internal environment, which simultaneously increases the risk of adverse health outcomes in older adults, including disability, hospitalization, falls, and death. To promote healthy aging, we should find strategies to cope with frailty. However, the pathogenesis of frailty syndrome is not yet clear. Recent studies have shown that the diversity, composition, and metabolites of gut microbiota significantly changed in older adults with frailty. In addition, several frailty symptoms were alleviated by adjusting gut microbiota with prebiotics, probiotics, and symbiosis. Therefore, we attempt to explore the pathogenesis of frailty syndrome in older people from gut microbiota and summarize the existing interventions for frailty syndrome targeting gut microbiota, with the aim of providing timely and necessary interventions and assistance for older adults with frailty.

Keywords: Frailty syndrome; Gut microbiota; Inflammation; Insulin resistance; Oxidative stress; Therapeutic strategies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Frail Elderly
  • Frailty* / therapy
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Humans
  • Prebiotics
  • Probiotics* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Prebiotics