BLUEBERRIES AND FRUIT POLYPHENOLS MODULATE THE GUT MICROBIOME AND MAY PREVENT AGE-RELATED DYSBIOSIS

The incidence of chronic diseases is increasing during aging in association with low-grade inflammation in a syndrome called “inflammaging(definition)”. In the gut, inflammaging disturbs homeostasis and reduces epithelium tightness, the thickness of the mucus layer and weakens the immune barrier, leading to the diffusion of pro-inflammatory LPS. Aging people have an altered microbiota and a reduced barrier function. Recently, we have shown that obese mice fed with cranberry polyphenols had reduced intestinal inflammation and insulin resistance, while displaying a modulated gut microbiota. One specific bacteria, Akkermansia muciniphila, was identified and shown to stimulate mucus production and improve the barrier function. Our results suggest that the consumption of berry polyphenols maintains a well-balanced microbiota and improve intestinal and underlying metabolic functions. During this presentation, data on the loss of gut microbiota homeostasis during aging will be presented and discussed in light of the preventative role of berry polyphenols on chronic diseases.