Gut microbiome alterations from infancy to old age in humans (IMAGE)
Caption
The composition of the gut microbiome exhibits genus-level variations across different age groups. The early-age gut microbiome is shaped by the embryonic environment, type of delivery, and exposure to microbes through breast/formula feeding. During weaning, the microbiome undergoes changes from a simple (less diverse) to a complex (more diverse) microbial mixture and attains stability until adulthood. During puberty, the microbiota differentiates based on the sex of the host due to associated hormonal changes. In elderly individuals, the microbiota is affected by lifestyle, dietary habits, and immunosenescence of the intestinal immune system. In this age group, the microbiome is mainly dominated by pathogenic and opportunistic microbes. The major changes in the metabolites associated with human GM and the length of the intestine concerning the aging process are also shown. Created by biorander.com. GM, gut microbiota; HMOs, human milk oligosaccharides; IgA, immunoglobulin A; SCFA, short-chain fatty acids; TGF-β, transforming growth factor-β.
Credit
Tulika Prakash
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License
CC BY-NC