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The first taxonomic and functional characterization of human CAVD-associated microbiota

Lavinia Curini1, Brunilda Alushi2, Mary Roxana Christopher3

  • 1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy.

Microbial Cell (Graz, Austria)
|February 15, 2023
PubMed

Insights

This study found T lymphocytes and distinct valve microbiota in calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) patients. Microbiota differences between German and Italian patients suggest a link to cardiovascular risk factors and CAVD development.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a common heart valve disorder characterized by fibrosis and calcification.
  • Current treatment for severe CAVD is surgical valve replacement.
  • Emerging evidence suggests the immune system and microbiota play roles in cardiovascular diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and characterize the presence of valve microbiota in human CAVD.
  • To assess the associated immune response within calcified aortic valves.
  • To explore the potential link between microbiota and immune response in CAVD pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of calcified aortic valve (CAV) samples from 20 severe symptomatic CAVD patients (11 German, 9 Italian).
  • Assessment of infiltrating T cells using a cloning approach.
  • Characterization of valve microbiota via 16S rRNA gene sequencing (NGS).

Main Results:

  • Infiltrating T lymphocytes, particularly T helper cells, were identified in CAV samples.
  • A tissue-associated microbiota was detected in freshly collected CAV samples.
  • Significant differences in valve microbiota were observed between Italian and German patients, hinting at correlations with cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of microbiota in inflamed CAV samples provides a potential trigger for the valve calcification process.
  • Further research is encouraged to explore the link between bacteria, adaptive immune response, and CAVD.
  • Understanding the local microbiota-immunity axis is crucial for defining its role in CAVD development.
Abstract

Keywords:
T cellsaortic valve diseaseimmune responsemicrobiotavalve calcification

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