Taipei: Chang Gung Memorial Hospital has announced the creation of Taiwan's first comprehensive gut microbiome database, spanning individuals from newborns to 93 years old. This innovative project maps the evolution of intestinal bacteria throughout a person's life, providing a crucial foundation for advancing microbiome-based medicine in the region.
According to Focus Taiwan, the gut microbiome is often referred to as the body's "second genome" due to its significant role in digestion, metabolism, immune function, and even cardiovascular health. The Chang Gung Microbiota Therapy Center (CGMTC) unveiled these findings during a press conference on Friday, emphasizing the project's potential impact on healthcare.
The center's researchers analyzed samples from 1,005 participants across Taiwan to construct a comprehensive life-course map of the local gut microbiome. This map serves as a valuable reference for understanding health patterns within Taiwan's population. Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Vice President Chiu Cheng-hsun noted that previous gut microbiome studies predominantly relied on data from Europe and the United States. Due to differences in diet and lifestyle, those findings may not fully align with Taiwan's unique context.
Chiu further highlighted the significance of a locally developed microbiome database in enhancing the accuracy of future assessments for gastrointestinal, metabolic, and neurodegenerative disease risks. This development is expected to support the creation of more personalized healthcare solutions tailored to Taiwan's population.
The study revealed that infancy and childhood are pivotal periods for establishing the gut microbiome. During early life, Bifidobacterium species are predominant, aiding in immune development. As individuals age, bacteria associated with fiber digestion and anti-inflammatory functions become more common.
Additionally, researchers employed artificial intelligence to create a model that predicts a person's "microbiome age," according to CGMTC Deputy Director Yeh Yuan-ming. The AI model identifies age-related signals within adult gut bacteria, suggesting that the microbiome may reflect certain aspects of biological aging and lifestyle. However, researchers caution that the model is still experimental, with an average prediction error of approximately 11.56 years. It is not yet suitable for determining an individual's biological age, assessing disease risk, or providing clinical diagnoses.