PectAge - Pectin and pectin-based synbiotics for healthy aging

The project PectAge aims to elucidate the health-promoting potential of pectin, its derivatives and synbiotics for improving imbalances of the gut microbiota and immunosenescence associated with elderly.

Pectins can be degraded by the gut microbiota, leading to selective stimulation of microbial populations with production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and other essential metabolites, affecting mucosal and systemic immunity. PectAge focuses on the elderly population, which is characterized by age-associated dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and immunosenescence.

Immunosenescence in elderly is accompanied by chronic systemic inflammation with elevated levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines and other systemic markers. The project will employ pectins and pectic derivatives to explore their potential to reshape the age-related microbiota dysbiosis towards more balanced microbiota profiles. Interactions and possible synergy between pectins and probiotic bacteria in relation to inflammatory responses will be explored for various synbiotic mixtures.

The project will provide new knowledge of the potential of pectin and pectin-based synbiotics to counteract age-related imbalances in humans, which can facilitate selection and development of new products targeting elderly population and extend the currently existing market for pectins into the field of prebiotic ingredients.

Focus areas

The impact of pectin and pectin derivatives on age-related alterations in composition and diversity of the gut microbiota using colon models;
Metabolic activity of the gut microbiota as affected by pectins;
The effect of pectins and synbiotics on the inflammatory markers, using human monocyte cell line models;
Synergistic interactions between pectins and probiotic bacteria in relation to related to the inflammatory responses in vitro.