Gut microbiota and myocardial fibrosis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Microbiome Science
• Pathophysiology

Background:

• Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is a key feature of cardiac disease, impairing heart function.
• Gut microbiota dysbiosis is increasingly linked to cardiovascular diseases, including MF.
• The gut-heart axis represents a bidirectional communication pathway influencing cardiac health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of gut microbiota in myocardial fibrosis development.
• To explore mechanisms linking gut microbiota to MF, including metabolites and inflammation.
• To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting the gut-heart axis for MF.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on gut microbiota and myocardial fibrosis.
• Analysis of pathways involving gut microbiota metabolites (e.g., TMAO, SCFAs) and inflammatory mediators.
• Examination of dietary and pharmacological interventions affecting the gut microbiota and cardiac fibrosis.

Main Results:

• Gut microbiota alterations and dysbiosis are implicated in MF pathogenesis.
• Microbiota-derived metabolites and inflammation significantly influence cardiac fibrosis.
• Diet and medications can modulate the gut microbiota, impacting cardiac fibrosis progression.

Conclusions:

• The gut microbiota plays a critical role in the development and progression of myocardial fibrosis.
• Modulating the gut microbiota through interventions like fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, or prebiotics shows therapeutic potential for MF.
• Further research into the gut-heart axis is crucial for developing novel strategies to manage cardiac fibrosis.