Human Gut Microbiota in Cardiovascular Disease.

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Cardiovascular physiology
• Metabolic disease

Background:

• The gut microbiota, a complex ecosystem, influences host health through metabolite synthesis, inflammation modulation, and interactions.
• The microbiota's role in cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasingly recognized, affecting risk factors like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidemiological and mechanistic links between gut microbiota and CVD.
• To explore therapeutic strategies targeting microbiota for cardiovascular health.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current epidemiological and mechanistic studies.
• Analysis of the bidirectional relationship between host conditions and gut microbiota.

Main Results:

• Cardioactive metabolites (e.g., TMAO, SCFAs) produced by microbiota influence atherosclerosis and inflammation.
• Host conditions like diet and disease impact gut barrier function and microbiota composition.
• Dietary interventions (e.g., Mediterranean diet) show benefits partly through microbiota modulation.

Conclusions:

• Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health and disease.
• Targeting the gut microbiota presents a potential avenue for novel CVD therapies.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate and leverage microbiota-based interventions for CVD prevention and treatment.