Antibiotic reprograms gut bacteria to produce longevity compounds
8 days ago
- #microbiome
- #longevity
- #antibiotics
- Cephaloridine, an antibiotic primarily used in veterinary medicine, was found to extend life by stimulating gut bacteria to produce colanic acid.
- Originally used in humans in the '60s and '70s, cephaloridine fell out of favor due to poor absorption and kidney toxicity risks.
- Low doses of cephaloridine caused E. coli in the gut to produce colanic acid, which extended the lifespan of roundworms by up to 30%.
- Mice treated with colanic acid showed reduced aging markers, improved gut health, lower inflammation, and better mitochondrial function.
- Male mice experienced improved cholesterol levels, while female mice had lower insulin levels.
- Cephaloridine is poorly absorbed when administered orally, minimizing systemic exposure and potential toxicity.
- Researchers suggest focusing on drugs that target the gut microbiome to produce beneficial compounds, rather than directly targeting the body.
- This approach could revolutionize drug development, including longevity treatments, by leveraging the microbiome as a 'factory' for needed compounds.
- Previous studies have shown gut microbiome manipulation can help with multiple sclerosis, cancer immunotherapy, and insomnia.