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The influence of the human microbiome and probiotics on cardiovascular health

Grace Ettinger1, Kyle MacDonald, Gregor Reid

  • 1a Canadian Center for Human Microbiome and Probiotic Research; Lawson Health Research Institute ; London , Ontario , Canada.

Gut Microbes
|December 23, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Microorganisms impact cardiovascular health. Probiotic therapies, using beneficial live microbes, show potential for managing cardiovascular diseases by influencing the microbiome.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global cause of mortality.
  • Microorganisms, including gut microbiota and oral pathogens, are increasingly recognized as etiological factors in CVD.
  • The interplay between the microbiome and cardiovascular health spans from metabolic influences to specific disease associations like periodontal disease and coronary heart disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of the associations between the microbiome and cardiovascular disease.
  • To explore the potential therapeutic applications of probiotics in managing CVD.
  • To provide an updated summary of research in this field.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on microbiome and CVD.
  • Analysis of research on probiotic interventions and their effects on cardiovascular risk factors.
  • Synthesis of current evidence on microbial impact and probiotic efficacy.

Main Results:

  • The microbiome significantly influences cardiovascular health through various mechanisms.
  • Probiotic interventions have demonstrated benefits in reducing cholesterol and hypertension.
  • Emerging research indicates broader potential applications for probiotics in CVD management.

Conclusions:

  • The microbiome is a critical factor in cardiovascular disease development and progression.
  • Probiotic therapy represents a promising avenue for novel CVD management strategies.
  • Further research is warranted to fully elucidate and optimize the use of probiotics for cardiovascular health.

Keywords:
ACE, Angiotensin converting enzymeASD, Autism Spectrum DisorderBSH, Bile salt hydrolaseCLA, Conjugate linoleic acidCRP, C-reactive proteinCVD, Cardiovascular diseaseHSP, Heat shock proteinI/R, Ischemia/reperfusionLDL-C Low density lipoprotein cholesterolPD, Periodontal diseaseTLR, Toll-like receptorTMA, TrimethylamineTMAO, Trimethylamine-N-oxidecardioprotectioncardiovascular diseasedysbiosismicrobiomeperiodontal diseaseprobiotics

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