Chen, S., Chen, L., Qi, Y., Xu, J., Ge, Q., Fan, Y., Chen, D., Zhang, Y., Wang, L., Hou, T., Yang, X., Xi, Y., Si, J., Kang, L., Wang, L. (2021). Bifidobacterium adolescentis regulates catalase activity and host metabolism and improves healthspan and lifespan in multiple species.  Nat Aging 1(11): 991--1001.

FBrf0256388

Research paper

To identify candidate bacteria associated with aging, we performed fecal microbiota sequencing in young, middle-aged and older adults, and found lower Bifidobacterium adolescentis abundance in older individuals aged ≥60 years. Dietary supplementation of B. adolescentis improved osteoporosis and neurodegeneration in a mouse model of premature aging (Terc[-/-]) and increased healthspan and lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans. B. adolescentis supplementation increased the activity of the catalase (CAT) enzyme in skeletal muscle and brain tissue from Terc[-/-] mice, and suppressed cellular senescence in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Transgenic deletion of catalase (ctl-2) in C. elegans abolished the effects of B. adolescentis on the lifespan and healthspan. B. adolescentis feeding also led to changes in oxidative stress-associated metabolites in Terc[-/-] mouse feces. These results suggest a role for B. adolescentis in improving the healthspan and lifespan through the regulation of CAT activity and host metabolism.