A Role for the Gut Microbiome in the Aging of the Ovaries
As is the case for the thymus, aging and loss of function in the ovaries is interesting for (a) occurring at an accelerated pace relative to the rest of the body, and (b) producing meaningful downstream consequences in later life. What causes this comparatively early loss of function? Here, researchers look at changes in the balance of microbial populations in the gut microbiome as a contributing factor. The gut microbiome also shows age-related changes comparatively early in adult life, in which pro-inflammatory microbes expand in number whilst those producing beneficial metabolites decline in number.
Altered composition and function of the gut microbiota play an important role in the pathogenesis of reproductive aging. Experimental and clinical studies have uncovered the relationship between gut dysbiosis and ovarian follicle development, as well as a disturbed immune response. Results from fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) studies provide a new insight to anti-ovarian aging, that is the maintenance of youthful gut microbiota helps to preserve ovarian function and prevent ovarian-related diseases. Microbiota-based intervention to delay or reserve ovarian aging is an appealing approach and may offer new therapeutic strategies for intestinal microbiota regulation to improve female fertility.
Furthermore, investigation of antiaging interventions such as antiaging drugs and calorie restriction may improve the gut microbial imbalance and promote a healthier intestinal ecological environment. However, evidence from the current scientific literature cannot offer direct conclusions regarding these measures. The majority of the relevant studies were conducted in animal models, which cannot simply apply to human beings. Therefore, future studies should shift from simple correlation analysis to large-scale cohort research and focus on the potential causes and underlying mechanisms to verify the beneficial effects of these interventions in ovarian aging.
Given the wide alterations in the gut microbiota composition and function throughout ovarian aging, it has been suggested that the gut microbiota may be suitable for deciphering the processes of expected and unexpected ovarian aging in women. Imbalance in the gut microbiota may lead to the progression of various ovarian aging-related conditions. Although ovarian aging is unavoidable, maintenance of a balanced gut microbiota is a potential way to delay ovarian aging and subsequent adverse outcomes.