Longevity & Aging

Gut Bacteria Strain Cuts Lung Fibrosis by 30% in Aging Mice

Researchers discovered that a specific Lactobacillus gut bacteria strain, L9, can dramatically reduce age-related lung fibrosis in mice. Administered between 15 and 24 months of age, L9 cut total lung fibrosis scores by 30% and reduced collagen fibers by 40%. The bacteria works through the gut-lung axis, sending chemical signals into the bloodstream that suppress a long chain of inflammatory and molecular signals — including SASP-related cytokines — ultimately reducing the production of collagen protein Col-I by 59%. The strain was originally identified in centenarians and has previously shown benefits against allergies. This study adds pulmonary fibrosis to its list of potential therapeutic targets, suggesting gut microbiome interventions may one day help prevent or slow age-related lung decline.