Lifelong Consumption of Freeze-Dried Parabacteroides Distasonis Improves Gut Barrier Integrity and Extends Lifespan and Health Span in Drosophila Melanogaster

Chronic inflammation has been shown to be associated with aging. In Drosophila melanogaster, age-related inflammation in the gut results in a disruption of gut barrier integrity, which can lead to reduced intestinal function and death. The anaerobic bacterium Parabacteroides distasonis (Pd) has anti-inflammatory properties and can attenuate tumorigenesis and promote intestinal barrier integrity in a mouse model of colorectal cancer. Here, we show that administration of Pd to adult Drosophila significantly increases median lifespan and promotes maintenance of climbing ability throughout adult life. Furthermore, Pd supplementation enhances gut barrier integrity in aged adults. RNA-Seq analysis of adult gut tissue revealed that the elevated healthspan in Pd supplemented flies is accompanied by transcriptional upregulation of genes involved in DNA replication and maintenance of genome integrity. These results suggest that Pd supplementation may induce a transcriptional shift towards augmented DNA repair in the aging gut that prevents the breakdown of gut barrier integrity and promotes healthy aging.