Oral Microbiome-SASP-Aging Axis: Mechanisms And Targeted Intervention Strategies For Age-Related Diseases
As the global population ages, the burden of age-related diseases is growing. A key factor in this process is cellular senescence, where cells stop dividing and accumulate, leading to a state called the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). These senescent cells release a mix of inflammatory molecules that drive chronic inflammation throughout the body, contributing to many age-related conditions.
Our mouths host the second largest community of microbes in the human body, known as the oral microbiome. An imbalance in these oral microbes, or “dysbiosis,” plays a crucial role in systemic aging. This imbalance can contribute to chronic health problems through their metabolic activities, the release of harmful substances, and by activating our immune system.
SASP acts as a central link, connecting this microbial imbalance to chronic inflammation, which is implicated in various conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, bone disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Oral pathogens, or harmful bacteria, can directly influence the release of these SASP molecules through their byproducts and harmful factors, thereby fueling the progression of age-related diseases.
Understanding this intricate connection opens doors for new treatment strategies. Interventions that target this pathway, such as using substances that inhibit SASP, beneficial bacteria (probiotics), and traditional Chinese medicine, show promise in managing age-related diseases. Future advancements are expected in precise delivery methods and combination therapies to more effectively modulate this cascade and offer new ways to prevent and treat age-related conditions.
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