Bacillus subtilis TO-A suppresses the age-related decline in locomotion in Caenorhabditis elegans.
Abstract
Research on the role of probiotics in maintaining locomotor function in aged Caenorhabditis elegans is limited. Therefore, we investigated whether a probiotic strain, Bacillus subtilis TO-A (BSTOA), which extends the lifespan of worms can prevent age-related declines in the locomotor functions of aged worms. This study revealed that aged worms fed BSTOA (BSTOA_day13) maintained better locomotor function than those fed Escherichia coli OP50 (OP50_day13). BSTOA_day13 exhibited better activity than OP50_day13 in maintaining actin structure during age-related changes in body wall muscles. Notably, the expression levels of oxidative stress-related genes fluctuated in BSTOA_day13; these worms also displayed high survival rates based on the paraquat assay. An examination of the locomotor function of aged gpx-7 mutants revealed that even worms fed BSTOA had a reduced thrashing rate. Therefore, consuming BSTOA may prevent the decline in age-related locomotor functions, such as symptoms of sarcopenia in humans, by inhibiting the decrease in gpx-7 expression in aged worms.
The following analysis is generated by AI and may contain errors. It is separate from the authors’ abstract and is not peer review.
Research summary
The paper claims that Bacillus subtilis TO-A can prevent age-related declines in locomotor functions in Caenorhabditis elegans. This research is relevant as it explores a potential intervention (probiotics) that may address aspects of aging and longevity by maintaining locomotor function, which is a significant concern in age-related decline.
Author of this paper? Send a correction.