The Microbiome and the Gut-Brain Axis: Diagnostics in Anti-Aging

The Microbiome and the Gut-Brain Axis: Diagnostic Equipment for Anti-Aging

The gut microbiome plays a key role in aging processes. The gut-brain axis links the composition of the microbiota to neuroinflammation, cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. Studies published in 2025 identified 33 key metabolites for the early detection of cognitive decline with an accuracy of more than 80%.

For an anti-aging laboratory, this opens up a new diagnostic area: comprehensive assessment of the microbiome using metagenomic sequencing and metabolomics.

Microbiome Analysis Methods

Current approaches to microbiome analysis:

• 16S rRNA sequencing: identification of bacterial taxa by a marker gene. An affordable entry level.
• Whole metagenome sequencing (WGS): complete sequencing of all microbial DNA, with identification down to species and strain level.
• Gut metabolomics: LC-MS/MS or GC-MS to measure short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), tryptophan, indoles and TMAO.
• Functional analysis: zonulin (a marker of intestinal permeability), calprotectin (inflammation), sIgA.

Equipment for a Microbiome Laboratory

Equipment set for microbiome research:

• NGS sequencer: Illumina MiSeq (16S), NextSeq 2000 (WGS), Oxford Nanopore MinION (rapid analysis).
• LC-MS/MS: for targeted metabolomics (SCFA, tryptophan, indoles, bile acids).
• Gas chromatograph (GC-MS/FID): for short-chain fatty acids (SCFA).
• Automated DNA extraction: specialized kits for stool samples (QIAGEN QIAamp PowerFecal, Zymo Research).
• ELISA reader: for zonulin, calprotectin and sIgA.
• Bioinformatics server: for analyzing metagenomic data (QIIME2, MetaPhlAn, HUMAnN).

KombiMED: Equipment for Microbiome Diagnostics

KombiMED GmbH supplies equipment for comprehensive microbiome diagnostics: NGS sequencers, mass spectrometers, gas chromatographs and consumables. Integrating microbiome data with neurobiomarkers for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's and epigenetic clocks of biological age creates a multimodal approach to longevity diagnostics. Contact KombiMED for a consultation.