2023-06-08 11:24:46
Researchers at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research at the University of Copenhagen have found that people above 100 have unique viruses in their gut, which make them more likely to blow out 100 candles.
In the study, the researchers looked at special viruses and bacteria in the guts of 176 Japanese 100-year-olds.
‘We found great biological diversity in both the bacteria and the bacterial viruses of the 100-year-olds. High microbial diversity is associated with a healthy gut microbiome, and we believe that people who have it are better protected against age-related diseases,’ says co-author Joachim Johansen.
The viruses in the guts of the 176 100-year-olds contain extra genes that could promote the conversion of certain molecules in the guts of the elderly.
The viruses usually infect and influence bacteria in such a way that they can fight inflammation better.
A great diversity in the intestines therefore better protects us against infections, which has a beneficial effect on the intestinal flora and therefore our health.
The researchers hope that this new insight will help to increase the life expectancy of other people in the long term.
It is impossible to change the genetic makeup of the gut, but according to the lead researcher, Simon Rasmussen, the new knowledge about the balance between viruses and bacteria may be used to modify the non-hereditary composition in the gut .
‘If we discover bacteria and viruses with a positive effect on the intestinal flora, we first have to see whether everyone has them, or just some people. It could be very beneficial if we could also give the bacteria and viruses to people who don’t have them yet,’ says Simon Rasmussen.
#Researchers #find #special #trait #100yearolds