[The role of changes in the intestinal microbiota in the development of metabolic syndrome in the elderly (literature review).]

In the modern world, considerable attention is paid to cardiovascular diseases, which, according to WHO, remain the leading cause of death. One of the key risk factors for their development is metabolic syndrome (MS), the prevalence of which is steadily increasing. An increase in the number of people with obesity, changes in eating behavior and reduced physical activity contribute to the progression of MS, and also affect the composition and functional state of the intestinal microbiota. In recent years, more and more data indicate that the microbiota plays an important role not only in the pathogenesis of MS, but also in the aging process. Gerontology considers intestinal microflora as one of the targets for action in order to slow down age-related changes and reduce the risk of age-associated diseases, including cardiovascular pathologies. Intestinal dysbiosis can contribute to the development of systemic inflammation, insulin resistance and atherosclerosis, which makes the study of its mechanisms in the context of gerontology particularly relevant. The search for new links in the pathogenesis of MS and its relationship with changes in the microbiota opens up prospects for the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies, which, in turn, can contribute to an increase in the duration and quality of life. The purpose of the review is to analyze and systematize modern scientific data on the relationship between intestinal microbiota, metabolic syndrome and aging processes, to identify new pathogenetic mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of age-associated diseases. The work uses publications, mainly for the last 5 years, from the PubMed, eLIBRARY, ScienceDirect databases, including review articles, meta-analyses and clinical studies.