Microbiota-Host Crosstalk: A Bridge Between Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Diet, and Cardiovascular Disease

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Cardiology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease remains the leading global cause of mortality and disability.
• Residual risk persists even in patients treated for hypertension and dyslipidemia.
• Understanding the link between risk factors and cardiovascular disease is crucial for prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence on the role of microbiota-host crosstalk in cardiovascular disease.
• To explore the connection between gut microbiota, intestinal barrier function, bacterial translocation, and cardiovascular residual risk.
• To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting the microbiota for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Main Methods:

• Review of experimental and epidemiological studies.
• Analysis of the interplay between gut microbiota, intestinal barrier, and bacterial translocation.
• Examination of associations with cardiovascular risk factors and diseases.

Main Results:

• Evidence suggests microbiota-host crosstalk is a key pathway in cardiovascular disease development.
• Gut microbiota, intestinal barrier integrity, and bacterial translocation are implicated in cardiovascular residual risk.
• Diet and cardiovascular risk factors significantly influence this crosstalk.

Conclusions:

• Microbiota-host interactions play a critical role in the pathway from cardiovascular risk factors to cardiovascular disease.
• Therapeutic modulation of the gut microbiota presents a promising avenue for reducing cardiovascular residual risk.
• Clinical practice can benefit from strategies aimed at controlling microbiota for improved stroke and myocardial infarction prevention.