Frailty and the Microbiome
Meehan, Conor J. ; Langille, M.G.I. ; Beiko, R.G.
Meehan, Conor J.
Langille, M.G.I.
Beiko, R.G.
Publication Date
2015
End of Embargo
Supervisor
Keywords
Rights
Peer-Reviewed
Yes
Open Access status
closedAccess
Accepted for publication
Institution
Department
Awarded
Embargo end date
Collections
Additional title
Abstract
From the moment of birth, the human body plays host to a rich diversity of microbes. Body sites such as the skin, the gut and the mouth support communities of microorganisms (collectively known as the microbiome) that are both numerous and diverse. As our understanding of the microbiome advances, it is evident that these microbial populations participate in a multitude of symbiotic associations with us. The disruption of these associations can lead to a range of diseases beyond mere pathogenesis as microbial nutrition, signaling, and immune defense break down. It is known that changes in microbial composition occur as the human host ages and that diet and living conditions influence the microbiome of older individuals. However, the link between the microbiome and frailty is as yet mostly unexplored. Although the microbiome is likely to influence health factors that contribute to frailty, further work is needed to determine whether overall microbial signatures of frailty exist and, if so, what the diagnostic and therapeutic utility of these signatures might be.
Version
No full-text in the repository
Citation
Meehan CJ, Langille MGI and Beiko RG (2015) Frailty and the Microbiome. In: Frailty in Aging, Clinical and Social Implications by Rockwood K and Theou O (Eds) Basel, Switzerland: Karger. Vol 41: 54-65.
Link to publisher’s version
Link to published version
Link to Version of Record
Type
Book chapter