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The Role of Gut Microbiota on Cholesterol Metabolism in Atherosclerosis

Margaret Vourakis1, Gaétan Mayer2,3, Guy Rousseau1,4

  • 1Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|August 7, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Gut microbes influence cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease risk. This review explores how microbial metabolites like bile acids and TMAO impact cholesterol and discusses potential therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiome for hypercholesterolemia.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Metabolic Medicine
  • Cardiovascular Science

Background:

  • Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • The gut microbiota plays a significant role in metabolic and inflammatory processes linked to CVD.
  • Associations between bacterial metabolites and hypercholesterolemia are increasingly recognized but poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review mechanisms of microbial metabolites in cholesterol metabolism.
  • To explore the role of bile acids (BAs), trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in cardiovascular health.
  • To discuss modulating gut microbes and metabolites as a novel therapeutic strategy for hypercholesterolemia.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on microbial metabolites and cholesterol homeostasis.
  • Exploration of mechanistic insights into the impact of specific metabolites (BAs, TMAO, SCFAs).
  • Discussion of nutritional and pharmacological interventions (statins, prebiotics, probiotics).

Main Results:

  • Microbial metabolites significantly influence cholesterol metabolism and cardiovascular health.
  • Dysregulation of metabolites like BAs, TMAO, and SCFAs can contribute to CVD.
  • Nutritional and pharmacological interventions show potential for modulating these metabolites.

Conclusions:

  • Gut microbial metabolites are critical regulators of cholesterol homeostasis.
  • Targeting the gut microbiome offers a promising therapeutic avenue for hypercholesterolemia.
  • Further research into the mechanisms of microbial-host interactions is needed for effective therapeutic development.

Keywords:
atherosclerosisbile acidscholesteroldietary fibersgut microbiotahypercholesterolemianutraceuticalsprobioticsshort-chain fatty acidstrimethylamine N-oxide

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