Abstract

Aging is influenced by a combination of genetic, metabolic, environmental, and social factors. The gut microbiome has recently been recognized as an active and modifiable factor of human health span and longevity. Once considered a passive entity, the microbiome is now understood to play a crucial role in immune, metabolic, and cognitive functions-areas that are particularly vulnerable to the aging process. This review examines recent findings indicating that microbial dysbiosis-characterized by reduced diversity and the loss of beneficial species-not only results from aging but also actively contributes to agerelated physiological decline. Epigenetic reprogramming is impacted by changes in microbial balance, which also disrupt systemic signalling pathways (such as gut-brain and gut-heart) and cause chronic inflammation, or “inflammaging.” Age-related phenotypes can be improved by restoring microbial equilibrium by dietary treatments, gut-centric probiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation, according to research from both human and animal models. Metagenomic and metabolomic profiling-based precision microbiome techniques are being developed to enable tailored treatments. However, there are still issues with population heterogeneity, standardizing procedures, and establishing causality. Together, a promising and underexplored therapeutic target in geroscience is the gut microbiota. The ability to modulate microbial populations may greatly extend life expectancy and prevent age-related illnesses, offering a groundbreaking approach to encouraging healthy aging.

Keywords: Gut microbiome; Aging; Dysbiosis; Healthspan; Inflammaging; Geroscience