Mesaconic acid as a key metabolite with anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties produced by Lactobacillus plantarum 124 from centenarian gut microbiota

The gut microbiota of centenarians plays a vital role in promoting healthy longevity. We performed a cross-sectional study of 224 people from Jiaoling, China, which is globally recognised for the longevity of its residents. Compared with younger people, centenarians showed significantly increased alpha-diversity, enrichment of the beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus, Akkermansia, and Christensenella, and increased redox capacity in the gut microbiota. Serum metabolomics of centenarians showed significant enrichment of antioxidant metabolites, including L-ascorbic acid 2-sulphate and lipoic acid. Finally, we isolated and screened a strain of Lactobacillus plantarum 124 (LP124) with a good antioxidant effect on the gut microbiota of centenarians. Animal experiments further verified that mesaconic acid from LP124 regulates the gut microbiota, is anti-inflammatory, relieves oxidative stress, maintains the intestinal barrier, and is the best-known anti-aging molecule. LP124 derived from the gut microbiota of centenarians and its metabolite mesaconic acid, have a significant positive effect on health and longevity.