Scientists have found that bacteria living in human blood produce powerful anti-aging compounds that protect skin cells from damage and inflammation.
The study, published in the Journal of Natural Products, reveals how little-known bacteria produce molecules that can revolutionize how we deal with skin aging. These findings suggest that our own internal microorganisms may be the key to keeping young skin without expensive creams or invasive surgery.
It was found that indole compounds are centered on, a class of molecules known for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Although most microbiome studies focus on gut bacteria, this study explores large part of poverty-stricken microorganisms and their potential health benefits.
Our Hidden Assistant in the Blood
Sanguinis paracoccus was first identified as a facultative anorexia in 2015, and the bacteria survives with and without oxygen in a unique environment of the blood. Unlike the gut bacteria that researchers have extensively studied, blood-derived microorganisms remain mysterious in their function and their effects on human health.
“We are interested in Sanguinis because blood-derived microorganisms are a relatively unknown area of research,” said Chung Sub Kim, who led the study. “Given the unique environment of the blood, we believe that studying individual species such as Sanguinis can reveal that previously unknown metabolic functions are related to health and disease.”
The team cultured a large number of Sanguinis for three days and then used complex analytical methods, including mass spectrometry, isotope labeling and computational analysis to identify the chemical structure of metabolites produced by bacteria.
Discover nature’s anti-aging Arsenal
The investigation has produced significant results. The researchers identified 12 different indole metabolites, including six compounds that have never been recorded. This represents a significant expansion of known bacterial metabolites with potential therapeutic applications.
The team then tested human skin fibroblasts, the compounds that were responsible for producing collagen and maintaining skin structure. Prior to treatment, the researchers deliberately emphasized these cells by inducing increased levels of reactive oxygen species, which are harmful molecules that cause inflammation and accelerate aging.
Three of the 12 metabolites showed impressive protective effects:
- Reduce oxidative stress By reducing harmful reactive oxygen species
- Reduced inflammation By inhibiting interleukin 6 and interleukin-8 proteins
- Protected collagen By inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-1 secretion
The science behind skin protection
What makes these findings particularly interesting is how bacteria produce these beneficial compounds. The study shows that Sanguinis produces these metabolites through enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways, suggesting complex biological systems that have evolved specifically in the blood environment.
In the test compounds, metabolite 11 showed the highest anti-aging efficacy in all measured parameters. The molecule exhibits a higher ability to correlate cell damage associated with skin aging, making it a major candidate for future therapeutic development.
Protective mechanisms work at the cellular level, where these indole compounds interfere with the cascade of events that lead to skin aging. By neutralizing reactive oxygen species and reducing inflammatory proteins, they basically create protective shields around skin cells.
Beyond Beauty: Health Impact
Although cosmetic applications are obvious, their implications go far beyond skin care. The discovery of blood bacteria producing bioactive compounds challenges our understanding of the role of the human microbiome in health and disease.
This study questions whether these same compounds can protect other organs and tissues from age-related damage. Can bacteria that live in the blood serve as natural guardians to prevent systemic inflammation and oxidative stress throughout the body?
The findings also suggest that disruption to the blood microbiome due to disease, drug or lifestyle factors may be broader than previously understood health consequences. Future research can explore whether maintaining a healthy blood bacteria population contributes to overall lifespan and disease resistance.
From the laboratory to life
The transition from laboratory discovery to practical application faces several challenges. Researchers must determine the best administration, delivery method and potential side effects before these compounds benefit from human patients.
However, the fact that these molecules are naturally produced in human blood suggests that they may be inherently compatible with human physiology. This may accelerate development compared to synthetic alternatives that require extensive safety testing.
The authors of the study described these new indole metabolites as “promising candidates for future treatments to counteract skin aging.” Given that the billion-dollar anti-aging industry continues to look for active ingredients, these blood-derived compounds can represent a new therapeutic agent based on our own microbial partners.
As scientists continue to map the complex relationship between microbes and human health, such discoveries remind us that some of our most powerful allies may have lived within us, quietly working to keep us healthy in ways we have just begun to understand.
Related
If our report has been informed or inspired, please consider donating. No matter how big or small, every contribution allows us to continue to deliver accurate, engaging and trustworthy scientific and medical news. Independent news takes time, energy and resources – your support ensures that we can continue to reveal the stories that matter most to you.
Join us to make knowledge accessible and impactful. Thank you for standing with us!
