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Does gut microbiota affect atrial rhythm? Causalities and speculations.
Dominik Linz1,2,3,4, Monika Gawałko1,2,5,6, Prashanthan Sanders3
1Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands.
European Heart Journal
|August 2, 2021
Summary
Gut microbiota changes (dysbiosis) are linked to atrial fibrillation (AF) risk factors like diabetes and obesity. Further understanding gut dysbiosis mechanisms may offer new AF management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Dietary intake significantly alters gut microbiota composition.
- Gut dysbiosis is associated with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, known risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF).
- Microbiota-derived metabolites from intestinal dysbiosis may possess proarrhythmic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing evidence on the role of gut dysbiosis in atrial fibrillation (AF) pathophysiology.
- To highlight the underappreciated contribution of gut microbiota abnormalities to AF.
- To explore potential new avenues for AF management based on understanding gut dysbiosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical investigations.
- Analysis of clinical observational cohort studies.
- Synthesis of current evidence on gut microbiota and AF.
Main Results:
- Emerging evidence suggests a link between gut dysbiosis and AF promotion.
- The precise mechanisms by which dysbiosis contributes to AF require further elucidation.
- Abnormalities in intestinal microbiota appear to play a significant role in AF pathophysiology.
Conclusions:
- Gut dysbiosis is implicated in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation.
- Further research into the gut-AF axis may reveal novel therapeutic targets.
- Understanding gut microbiota's role could lead to innovative AF management strategies.
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