Gut Microbiota Pattern of Centenarians

Numerous studies have identified the possible contributors to healthy ageing and longevity, including genetics, epigenetics, immunity, metabolism and gut microbiota. Gut microbiota not only can be comparatively easily manipulated, such as by diet intervention and calorie restriction, but also can shape the function of the host immune system and exert systemic metabolic effects. Thus, gut microbiota might be a contributor to the human longevity and a promising target for diagnostics of the health status. Since gut microbiota composition and function can be modulated, it has great promise in promoting healthy ageing. Gut microbiota has already been proved to affect the host longevity in animal models; however, relevant results need to be confirmed in further human studies. Thus, in order to determine the possible causative relationship between gut microbiota and longevity in humans, it is critical to obtain insights into the gut microbiota pattern in centenarians. In this chapter, we focus on the diverse patterns of gut microbiota in centenarians across populations and describe the possible network of longevity associated with gut microbiota regarding host immunity and metabolism.