Differential gut microbiota and intestinal permeability between frail and healthy older adults: A systematic review

• Published in: Ageing research reviews 2022-12, Vol.82, p.101744-101744, Article 101744
• Main Authors: Rashidah, Nur Hannah, Lim, Siong Meng, Neoh, Chin Fen, Majeed, Abu Bakar Abdul, Tan, Maw Pin, Khor, Hui Min, Tan, Ai Huey, Rehiman, Siti Hajar, Ramasamy, Kalavathy
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Biomarkers; Cohort Studies; Cytokines; Frail Elderly; Frailty; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Gut microbiota; Humans; Inflammaging; Leaky gut; Permeability
• ISSN: 1568-1637; 1872-9649
• DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101744

This systematic review appraised previous findings on differential gut microbiota composition and intestinal permeability markers between frail and healthy older adults. A literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect and the Cochrane Library. Relevant studies were shortlisted based on inclusion and exclusion criteria as well as assessed for risk of bias. The primary outcome was the differential composition of gut microbiota and/ or intestinal permeability markers between frail and healthy older adults. A total of 10 case-control studies and one cohort study were shortlisted. Based on consistent findings reported by more than one shortlisted study, the microbiota of frail older adults was characterised by decreased phylum Firmicutes, with Dialister, Lactobacillus and Ruminococcus being the prominent genera. Healthy controls, on the other hand, exhibited higher Eubacterium at the genera level. In terms of intestinal permeability, frail older adults were presented with increased serum zonulin, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, HMGB-1, IL-6, IL1-ra, MIP-1β) and amino acids (aspartic acid and phosphoethanolamine) when compared to healthy controls. Altogether, frail elderlies had lower gut microbiota diversity and lower abundance of SCFA producers, which may have led to leaky guts, upregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines, frailty and sarcopenia. •Frail older adults exhibit relatively lower gut microbiota diversity.•Frail elderlies have higher abundance of Ruminococcus, Dialister and Lactobacillus.•Frail elderlies show increased zonulin, pro-inflammatory cytokines and amino acids.•Healthy elderlies have higher abundance of short chain fatty acid producers.