Bioactive ceramic-processed water modulates the gut microbiota and hepatic AMPK activation in <i>SMP30</i> knockout mice

Effective strategies are needed to increase the healthy lifespan and prevent age-related diseases in aging populations. Using <i>senescence marker protein</i> 30 knockout (<i>SMP</i>30 KO) mice-models that mimic human vitamin C (vitC) deficiency and exhibit accelerated aging-we investigated the effects of bioactive ceramic processed water (BCP) compared to natural mineral water (MW) and MW supplemented with vitamin C (MW-vitC) on gut microbial communities and hepatic metabolism. Due to pooled fecal sampling (n=1 composite library per group), microbiome results represent descriptive trends in diversity and composition. BCP was associated with discernible shifts in gut microbiota, including increased abundances of beneficial genera, such as <i>Akkermansia</i>, <i>Lactobacillus</i>, and <i>Allobaculum</i>, and the Muribaculaceae family. PICRUSt2 functional analysis suggested an enrichment in secondary metabolite biosynthesis, vitamin (e.g., retinol) metabolism, and xenobiotic biodegradation pathways. Furthermore, BCP was associated with significantly higher levels of activated hepatic AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key energy metabolism regulator, compared to control groups. Although microbiome findings are descriptive due to the study design, these results suggest BCP as a potential dietary intervention to help mitigate age-related metabolic decline and promote healthy ageing.