Faecal intestinal permeability and intestinal inflammatory markers in older adults with age-related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

• Published in: Ageing Research Reviews
• Main Author: Ahmad Fadzuli N.I.; Lim S.M.; Neoh C.F.; Majeed A.B.A.; Tan M.P.; Khor H.M.; Tan A.H.; Ramasamy K.
• Format: Review
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ireland Ltd 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85204794379&doi=10.1016%2fj.arr.2024.102506&partnerID=40&md5=7c239515a2c78ed37e3d2c78365b569b

This systematic review and meta-analysis appraised previous findings to uncover potential faecal intestinal permeability and intestinal inflammatory markers in older adults. A comprehensive literature search led to the identification of ten eligible studies with findings of potential faecal intestinal permeability (zonulin and alpha-1-antitrypsin) and intestinal inflammatory markers [calprotectin, lactoferrin and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL)]. Most of the cases (n > 2) [Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD)] exhibited higher faecal alpha-1-antitrypsin, zonulin and calprotectin levels. The present meta-analysis confirmed significantly higher faecal alpha-1-antitrypsin in older persons with PD compared to non-PD [MD = 22.92 mg/dL; 95 % CI = 14.02–31.81, p < 0.00001; I2 = 0 % (p = 0.73)]. There was, however, no significant difference in faecal zonulin between PD and non-PD individuals [MD = 26.88 ng/mL; 95 % CI = −29.26–83.01, p = 0.35; I2 = 94 % (p < 0.0001)]. Meanwhile, faecal calprotectin was higher in older adults with GI symptoms, multiple system atrophy (MSA) or PD than the healthy controls [MD = 9.51 μg/g; 95 % CI = 0.07–18.95, p = 0.05; I2 = 84 % (p < 0.00001)]. Altogether, faecal calprotectin appears to be a potential intestinal inflammatory marker whereas previous findings on faecal alpha-1-antitrypsin as an intestinal permeability marker remain limited and require further validation. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.