Flavonifractor plautii Protects Against Elevated Arterial Stiffness

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Vascular Biology
• Metabolomics

Background:

• Gut microbiota dysbiosis is linked to vascular dysfunction and arterial stiffness.
• The specific gut microbes and mechanisms contributing to arterial stiffness remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal role of gut microbiota in arterial stiffness.
• To identify specific bacterial species and molecular pathways involved in arterial stiffness progression.

Main Methods:

• Compared microbial composition and metabolic functions in individuals with and without elevated arterial stiffness using metagenomics and metabolomics.
• Utilized angiotensin II-induced and humanized mouse models to assess the protective effects of Flavonifractor plautii and cis-aconitic acid.

Main Results:

• Flavonifractor plautii was abundant in controls but absent in subjects with arterial stiffness.
• F. plautii and cis-aconitic acid improved elastic fiber networks and reduced pulse wave velocity by suppressing MMP-2, MCP-1, and NF-κB activation.
• Microbial metabolism differed, with controls showing enhanced glycolysis and polysaccharide degradation, while stiffened arteries showed increased fatty acid and aromatic amino acid biosynthesis.

Conclusions:

• Identified a novel link between Flavonifractor plautii and arterial function.
• Suggests targeting gut microbiota, specifically F. plautii and cis-aconitic acid, as a strategy for maintaining vascular health.