[Methods] Prematurely aging mice (PAM), old and adult mice (females ICR-CD1) were divided into two groups (N = 8-10), which received LGG (109 CFU/mice/day; lyophilized in skim milk and added to drink water) or skim milk without the probiotic LGG (controls). After 4 weeks of LGG supplementation, mice were analysed for several innate immune parameters (chemotaxis, phagocytosis and natural killer activity). Faecal samples were collected for microbiota analysis at 0, 2 and 4 weeks of LGG supplementation.

[Results] Ageing in ICR-CD1 female mice was related with increase of Lactobacillus and Blautia coccoides/Eubacterium rectale and decrease of Akkermansia. LGG supplementation was related with changes in Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium and Ruminococcus counts. PAM and old mice showed lower values of the immune functions analysed than adult mice. After 4 weeks of LGG ingestion all these functions improved, achieving values similar to those in adults.

[Background and Aims] Ageing is characterized by an impairment of the homeostatic (nervous and immune) systems and by changes in the intestinal microbiota. The objective of the study was to analyse differences in the gut microbiota and in several innate immune functions in old and prematurely ageing mice (PAM) when compared with adults, and the modulatory effects of supplementing with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.

FIS (PI15/01787) of Health Institute Carlos III – Regional Developing Aid European Funds (ISCIII-FEDER), AGL2016-75951-R, CDTI (ADAPTEA IDI-20150753) and CYTED (P916PTE0233).

[Conclusion] L. rhamnosus GG can be considered a probiotic supplement useful for upgrading the immune system in ageing and, consequently, for reaching a healthy longevity.

Resumen del trabajo presentado al 10th Workshop on Probiotics and Prebiotics, celebrado en Las Palmas de Gran Canaria del 6 al 8 de febrero de 2019.

Peer reviewed