BACKGROUND: Frailty significantly affects morbidity and mortality rates in the older population (age >65 years). Age-related degenerative diseases are influenced by the intestinal microbiota. However, limited research exists on alterations in the intestinal microbiota in frail older individuals, and the effectiveness of prebiotic intervention for treating frailty remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: We sought to examine the biological characteristics of the intestinal microbiome in frail older individuals and assess changes in both frailty status and gut microbiota following intervention with a prebiotic blend consisting of inulin and oligofructose. METHODS: The study consisted of 3 components: an observational analysis with a sample size of 1,693, a cross-sectional analysis ( n = 300), and a multicenter double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial ( n = 200). Body composition, commonly used scales, biochemical markers, intestinal microbiota, and metabolites were examined in 3 groups of older individuals (nonfrail, prefrail, and frail). Subsequently, changes in these indicators were reevaluated after a 3-month intervention using the prebiotic mixture for the prefrail and frail groups. RESULTS: The intervention utilizing a combination of prebiotics significantly improved frailty and renal function among the older population, leading to notable increases in protein levels, body fat percentage, walking speed, and grip strength. Additionally, it stimulated an elevation in gut probiotic count and induced alterations in microbial metabolite expression levels as well as corresponding metabolic pathways. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest a potential link between changes in the gut microbiota and frailty in older adults. Prebiotics have the potential to modify the gut microbiota and metabolome, resulting in improved frailty status and prevention of its occurrence. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03995342.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although there are established mechanisms and preventions for CVDs, they are not totally elucidative and effective. Emerging evidence suggests that the dysregulation of ion channels in the cell membranes underpins the dysfunction of the cardiovascular system. To date, a variety of cation channels have been widely recognized as important targets for the treatment of CVDs. As a critical component of the anion channels, the volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) is involved in a series of cell functions by the volume regulation and maintenance of membrane homeostasis. It has been confirmed to play crucial roles in cell action potential generation, cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, and the VRAC appears to be a major participant in metabolic processes during CVDs. This review summarizes the current evidence and progress concerning the VRAC, to determine the future directions and challenges for CVDs for both preventive and therapeutic purposes.