Role of the Gut Microbiome in the Development of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Cardiology
• Metabolomics

Background:

• Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains a leading global cause of mortality, with ischemic heart diseases causing nine million deaths in 2020.
• Established prevention strategies target major cardiovascular risk factors: hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles.
• The gut microbiota, once overlooked, is now recognized for its critical role in ASCVD development and risk factor modulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current scientific data on the gut microbiome's influence on ASCVD incidence.
• To highlight the mechanisms by which gut microbiota contributes to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on gut microbiota and ASCVD.
• Analysis of the association between gut metabolites and ischemic heart disease.

Main Results:

• Gut microbiota plays a dual role in ASCVD: direct contribution to atherosclerosis and indirect influence on cardiovascular risk factors.
• Specific gut metabolites, including trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), secondary bile acids, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), are correlated with the severity of ischemic heart disease.

Conclusions:

• The gut microbiome is a significant factor in the pathogenesis of ASCVD.
• Targeting gut microbial metabolites presents a potential novel therapeutic avenue for ASCVD prevention and treatment.