HUNTINGTON, W.Va.,– Researchers at Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine say microscopic particles produced in the gut may play a role in driving inflammation and chronic disease linked to aging.
The study, published in Aging Cell, examined gut luminal exosomes—tiny vesicles that transport proteins and genetic material between cells.
The team found that exosomes from older animals carried signals associated with insulin resistance, inflammation, and gut barrier disruption. When transferred to younger animals, the particles triggered similar effects. Conversely, exosomes from younger animals appeared to mitigate metabolic aging markers in older ones.
“These findings help clarify how physiological stressors associated with biological aging may accelerate processes linked to disease,” said Abdelnaby Khalyfa, professor of biomedical sciences and lead author. “Understanding these mechanisms is essential to identifying new targets for intervention.”
The research suggests weakened gut barriers may allow inflammatory substances to leak into the bloodstream, raising risks for heart and metabolic diseases. Investigators also identified specific molecules within exosomes that could aid in detecting and treating age-related conditions.
The study was conducted by Khalyfa, Trupti Joshi, and David Gozal of Marshall University, along with Lyu Zhen of the University of Missouri.
This research was supported by Marshall University Research Corporation start-up funds, NIH grants, and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences through the West Virginia IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence.
