The Oral–Gut Microbiota Axis as a Mediator of Frailty and Sarcopenia
Domenico Azzolino, Margherita Carnevale Schianca, Lucrezia Bottalico, Marica Colella, Alessia Felicetti, Simone Perna, Leonardo Terranova, Franklin Garcı́a-Godoy, Mariangela Rondanelli, Pier Carmine Passarelli, Tiziano Lucchi
Abstract
Traditionally studied in isolation, the oral and gut microbiota are now being recognized as interconnected through anatomical and physiological pathways forming a dynamic "oral-gut microbiota axis". Both oral and gut microbiota undergo changes with aging, characterized by a decline in microbial diversity and a shift toward potentially harmful species. The aim of this review is, therefore, to provide an overview of oral-gut communications in mediating frailty and sarcopenia. PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus databases were searched for relevant articles. We limited our search to manuscripts published in the English language. Interactions between oral and gut microbiota occur mainly through three pathways namely the enteral, the bloodstream and the fecal-oral routes. Alterations in the oral-gut microbiota axis contribute to chronic low-grade inflammation (i.e., "inflamm-ageing") and mitochondrial dysfunction, key mechanisms underlying frailty and sarcopenia. Microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids and modified bile acids, appear to play an emerging role in influencing microbial homeostasis and muscle metabolism. Furthermore, poor oral health associated with microbial dysbiosis may contribute to altered eating patterns that negatively impact gut microbiota eubiosis, further exacerbating muscle decline and the degree of frailty. Strategies aimed at modulating the microbiota, such as healthy dietary patterns with reduced consumption of ultra-processed foods, refined carbohydrates and alcohol, ensuring an adequate protein intake combined with physical exercise, as well as supplementation with prebiotics, probiotics, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, are increasingly recognized as promising interventions to improve both oral and gut microbiota health, with beneficial effects on frailty and sarcopenia. A better understanding of the oral-gut microbiota axis offers promising insights into nutritional interventions and therapeutic strategies for the age-related muscle decline, frailty and systemic health maintenance.