Like most tissues, intestine shows multiple alterations during aging. While the main function of nutrient absorption is relatively well maintained, capacity of the intestine to respond to abrupt changes or damage declines with age. The reduction in renewal and regeneration capacity results from alterations in the stem cells that renew the epithelium, and in the complex interactions stem cells have with their microenvironment, or the Niche. This review highlights recent evidence on age-associated changes in the intestinal stem cell function, and focuses on stem cell extrinsic mechanisms. Strategies targeting niche interactions have already shown promise in alleviating problems associated with intestinal aging in animal models, and may provide means to protect the elderly for example from chemotherapy induced gastrointestinal side-effects.

像大多数组织一样，肠道在衰老过程中表现出多种变化。虽然营养吸收的主要功能相对良好，但肠道对突然变化或损害的反应能力随着年龄的增长而下降。更新和再生能力的降低是由于更新上皮的干细胞发生了改变，以及干细胞与其微环境或生态位的复杂相互作用。本综述重点介绍了肠道干细胞功能与年龄相关变化的最新证据，并重点关注干细胞外在机制。针对生态位相互作用的策略已经在减轻动物模型中与肠道老化相关的问题方面显示出前景，并且可能提供保护老年人免受化疗引起的胃肠道副作用等手段。