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Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
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Intestinal Microbiota Metabolism and Atherosclerosis
Tian-Xing Liu, Hai-Tao Niu, Shu-Yang Zhang1
1Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.
Chinese Medical Journal
|October 21, 2015
Summary
Intestinal microbiota metabolism is linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Targeting gut bacteria metabolism offers a novel therapeutic strategy for managing atherosclerosis and preventing CVD.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
- Emerging evidence suggests a link between the gut microbiome and CVD pathogenesis.
- Intestinal microbiota metabolism plays a crucial role in host physiology and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between intestinal microbiota metabolism and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- To identify trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) as a potential CVD risk factor.
- To propose novel therapeutic targets for CVD based on gut microbiota metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of PubMed and EMBASE databases up to June 30, 2015.
- Inclusion of studies on intestinal microbiota metabolism, TMAO, TMA, cardiovascular disease, and atherosclerosis.
- Selection of eligible studies presenting data on TMA-containing nutrients and their metabolism.
Main Results:
- Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) has been identified as a novel CVD risk factor.
- Gut microbiota catabolize TMA-containing compounds into TMA, which is converted to TMAO in the liver.
- Preliminary studies indicate a correlation between TMAO and CVD, particularly atherosclerosis, though mechanisms require further elucidation.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal microbiota metabolism is significantly associated with atherosclerosis.
- Targeting gut microbiota metabolism presents a promising therapeutic avenue for CVD management.
- Further research is warranted to fully understand and exploit this relationship for clinical benefit.
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