Gerobiotics and Telomere Extension: Exploring Telomerase’s Role in Aging Interventions

Ramtin Kalanaki; Mahtab Beyrami

doi:10.63053/ijhes.151

Authors

Ramtin Kalanaki Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Mahtab Beyrami Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63053/ijhes.151

Keywords:

Gerobiotics, Probiotics, Telomeres, Telomerase, Aging

Abstract

Telomere attrition, the gradual loss of protective DNA repeats at chromosome ends, is especially significant among the various molecular mechanisms influencing aging. Repeated cellular divisions result in telomere attrition, which pushes cells towards senescence and helps to cause various age-related disorders. The emerging field of gerobiotics—probiotic formulations aiming to change biological aging pathways—has gained more scientific attention in this context. This systematic review evaluates findings from over 30 clinical and preclinical studies addressing the potential effects of gerobiotics on telomere dynamics and promotion of healthy aging.

A notable 24-week randomized controlled trial including type 2 diabetes patients who received a multistrain probiotic supplement shown a statistically significant drop in telomere shortening (p = 0.036). Animal and in vitro research, including those on Lactobacillus fermentum DR9, provide more evidence to support the idea that probiotics might influence telomerase activity by means of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. However, given telomerase’s association with oncogenic processes, the long-term safety of such interventions requires careful assessment.

Though present data is still early, gerobiotics seem to be a good path for age-related health treatments. To find efficacy, evaluate risk, and define clinical relevance, large-scale, longitudinal studies in various populations are absolutely vital. This review emphasizes the need of more rigorous studies to confirm the role of gerobiotics in geroscience and the therapeutic promise of gerobiotics.

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