Gut Hormones in Heart Failure

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Heart failure (HF) affects multiple organ systems, with the gut-heart axis increasingly recognized.
• The role of gastrointestinal (GI) hormones in cardiac function and HF pathophysiology is an emerging area of research.
• Existing research has focused on cardiorenal interactions, leaving the endocrine gut's role in HF less explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on gut hormones in heart failure, particularly HF with reduced ejection fraction.
• To explore the regulatory roles of gut hormones in cardiac function and central hemodynamics.
• To discuss potential therapeutic strategies and identify knowledge gaps concerning gut hormones in HF.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating gut hormones and heart failure.
• Analysis of evidence on specific gut hormones, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and their cardiac effects.
• Examination of altered gut hormone bioavailability in HF patients and its prognostic implications.

Main Results:

• Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) demonstrates direct cardiac effects, influencing heart rate, contractility, and potentially offering cardioprotection.
• Other gut hormones may possess cardiostimulatory properties, contributing to cardiac function.
• HF patients exhibit altered bioavailability of various GI hormones, suggesting prognostic significance.

Conclusions:

• Gut hormones play a crucial role in cardiac physiology and pathology, especially in the failing heart.
• Understanding the gut-heart axis offers novel insights into HF mechanisms.
• Targeting gut hormones presents a promising therapeutic avenue for managing heart failure.