Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Exercise and gut microbiota synergistically delay aging, with combined intervention yielding greater benefits than either alone. • Exercise modulates gut microbiota composition and function, promoting short-chain fatty acid production and reducing inflammation. • Different exercise modalities (aerobic, resistance, combined) differentially affect aging through distinct gut microbiota alterations. • Exercise-regulated gut-organ axes (e.g., gut-brain, gut-muscle) play critical roles in aging-related disease prevention.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The benefits of exercise as a classical intervention for aging have been widely recognized. The homeostatic balance of a wide range of microorganisms in the intestinal flora indirectly regulates aging, and the bidirectional association between exercise and the intestinal flora can collectively influence the process of aging. OBJECTIVE: To sort out the effects of exercise, intestinal flora and their interactions on aging, and to explore the specific physiological mechanisms involved. METHODS: A computer-based search in CNKI, WanFang, VIP, PubMed, MedReading, and Web of Science, with the time limit of 1976-01-01/2025-02-28, was conducted to collect the relevant studies on the effects of exercise and intestinal flora on aging. The search terms were “intestinal flora, gut microbiota, physical exercise, age, aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, low intensity exercise, moderate intensity exercise, high intensity exercise” in Chinese and English. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Exercise and intestinal flora are both means to intervene in aging, and the combined benefits of exercise and gut microbiota in intervening in aging are even more pronounced. (2) Exercise changes the composition and function of intestinal flora, stimulates intestinal production of short-chain fatty acids, regulates host metabolism and immune function, reduces inflammatory response, and promotes the synthesis of vitamins and neurotransmitters. (3) The specific manifestations of aging, when the intestinal flora is regulated via different exercise modes, are different. (4) Different gut-organ axis regulated by exercise has different effects on aging.
1. Introduction
Under the background of active aging, silver sports have emerged, and the health issues of the elderly remain a hot research topic. The physiological functional degeneration of aging is reflected in changes in body appearance and decline in organ function, providing a basis for the occurrence of aging-related diseases. For a long time, researchers have been committed to revealing the molecular mechanisms of aging and finding effective intervention strategies. Exercise, as an economical and labor-saving means, has been recognized by the majority of the elderly population. Studies have shown that exercise can increase muscle strength, improve muscle function, enhance bone density [1], promote cardiovascular health [2], regulate blood glucose metabolism [3], and reduce inflammation [4], which contribute to delaying the aging process.
Intestinal flora refers to a complex microbial community inhabiting the human digestive tract, including bacteria, fungi, viruses (phages), archaea, and protists [5]. Studies have shown that with age, the composition and function of the intestinal flora change, specifically manifested in a higher proportion of Bacteroidetes and a lower proportion of Firmicutes [6]. Changes in the homeostasis of the intestinal flora can cause alterations in immune [7], metabolic, and neural functions [8-9], which can lead to the occurrence of aging-related diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases.
With the development of microbial single-cell sequencing, research on the regulation of aging by intestinal flora has become more in-depth, discussing different physiological mechanisms by which intestinal flora intervenes in aging. The current research hotspot focuses on the targeted anti-aging effects of different gut-organ axes. Studies have found that the bidirectional interaction between exercise and intestinal flora is reflected in the fact that exercise can alter the composition and function of the intestinal flora [10], and different types, intensities, and durations of exercise have certain differences in their effects on the intestinal flora [11]. Conversely, changes in the homeostasis of the intestinal flora can also affect exercise performance and health levels, stimulating different aging phenotypes in individuals [12]. This interactive mechanism will delay the aging process, prevent the degeneration of multiple organ functions, and reduce the probability of aging-related diseases.
Currently, the mechanisms by which exercise regulates intestinal flora to cause changes in the body are still unclear, and the effects of different exercise modes on the intestinal flora still need further in-depth research. Therefore, this article will systematically review the interactive effects of exercise and intestinal flora and further summarize the overall benefits of exercise plus intestinal flora on aging, providing certain theories and strategies for the physiological changes of anti-aging and intervention in aging-related diseases.
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WANG Yinfeng, YAO Lijuan, MA Zhennan, CHEN Leqin (2026). Exercise-intestinal flora and aging. Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research. https://doi.org/10.12307/2026.21302
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does exercise influence the gut microbiota?
Exercise can alter the composition and function of the gut microbiota, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and increasing microbial diversity. It stimulates the production of short-chain fatty acids, which are crucial for host metabolism, immune regulation, and reducing inflammation.
What is the relationship between gut microbiota and aging?
With aging, the composition of gut microbiota changes, typically with an increase in Bacteroidetes and a decrease in Firmicutes. This dysbiosis can lead to immune dysfunction, metabolic disorders, and increased inflammation, contributing to aging-related diseases.
Can exercise and gut microbiota together delay aging?
Yes, exercise and gut microbiota have a synergistic effect on delaying aging. Exercise modulates the gut microbiota, and a healthy gut microbiota can enhance the benefits of exercise, leading to improved overall health and reduced risk of aging-related diseases.
What are the different effects of exercise modes on gut microbiota?
Different exercise modes, such as aerobic, resistance, and combined training, have distinct effects on gut microbiota composition and function. These differences may lead to varying impacts on aging-related outcomes, such as muscle function, cognitive health, and metabolic regulation.
What are gut-organ axes and how do they relate to aging?
Gut-organ axes refer to the bidirectional communication pathways between the gut and other organs, such as the brain, muscle, and liver. Exercise can regulate these axes through gut microbiota, influencing aging processes and the development of aging-related diseases.
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