The gut, that second brain, is essential to our health. And it also plays a big role in aging. We already knew that the older we get, the more the digestive tract admits certain particles and bacteria that accelerate the aging of the body.

Scientists from the Nice Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging (CNRS/Inserm/Université Côte d’Azur) have discovered that it is possible to extend the life span of fish by delaying the aging of their intestines. They reactivated the gene in zebrafish cells, which share 70% of their genes with humans. And an amazing result: the aging of all organs has slowed down!

Telomere length

That it is possible ? In this fish, as well as in humans, the length of telomeres, that is, the ends of chromosomes, shortens faster in intestinal cells during life than in other organs. This process largely explains aging. In addition, 84% of genes associated with human diseases are equivalent in zebrafish. In both cases, aging is associated with age-related diseases and cancer.

This work thus opens up the prospect of fighting aging disorders or neurodegenerative diseases of the immune system and gastrointestinal tract. In short, it’s better to take care of your gut than spoil yourself with anti-aging creams…