Two bacterial strains extended lifespan in worms
The bacterial strains MKMB04 and MKMB05 extended wild-type worms’ mean lifespan by 28.6% and 17.9%, respectively.
Limit: Intestinal barrier function was measured in cell models, not in worms
Edited by Boris Djordjevic · AgingResearch.News
In experiments with Caenorhabditis elegans worms, researchers tested two strains of the bacterium Levilactobacillus brevis, MKMB04 and MKMB05, as dietary supplements. Both extended average lifespan in normal worms. The effects were smaller in worms carrying mutations in daf-2, a gene involved in insulin-related signaling. The authors said this suggested that the pathway was involved in the lifespan effects.
The researchers also tested the strains in intestinal lining and immune cell models challenged with Salmonella bacteria. Both strains reduced reactive oxygen molecules and inflammatory signals. In the intestinal cell models, they also restored proteins that help seal gaps between cells and improved electrical resistance across the cell layer, a measure of barrier function.
Why it matters
Intestinal barrier impairment and chronic inflammation accompany aging. The authors highlighted the strains as potential probiotic candidates—microbes intended to benefit health—for supporting healthy aging and intestinal function.
Caveats
These experiments used worms and lab-grown cell models, not people. They do not establish that either strain extends human life or improves intestinal health in people.
The paper
Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, May 8, 2026, Open access
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