Abstract

Background: Age-related physiological changes result in higher susceptibility to infections and geriatric emergency. Gut microbiota are accepted as an essential factor in the aging and shown geographydependent.

Methods: Faecal samples of 81 volunteers (40 elderly aged 60-78 years, 41 young adult aged 21-38 years) living in Shenyang were collected and bacterial DNA was extracted for 16S rRNA gene PCR - denaturation gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis. Maker genes related to aging were identified through gene sequencing and some were quantified by quantitative PCR (qPCR).

Results: The alternations in microbiota diversity and composition between young adult and elderly groups were demonstrated by 16S rRNA gene PCR - DGGE analysis, eight markers related to aging were found. Putative species corresponding to these markers were identified through gene sequencing, which might have potential association with the common digestive dysfunction and susceptibility to infections in elderly people. The qPCR methods of three species were established, two were testified to be significantly changed in the elderly.

Conclusion: The changed bacterial species in our study suggested the role of gut microbiota in Chinese aging and supported the location-dependent microbial alternation in aging. It provide a better understanding of microbial factors related to aging in Chinese guts, and provided suggestion for healthy aging.