Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2025
11:22
Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
29.5K
Gut microbiota and atherosclerosis.
William Fusco1,2,3, Timon Adolph4, Giovanni Cammarota1,2,3
1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
Gut
|July 11, 2025
Summary
The gut microbiota influences atherosclerosis development through microbial metabolites and interactions with lipid pathways. Modulating gut bacteria shows potential for treating this chronic inflammatory vascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory arterial disease.
- Traditionally linked to lipid disorders, lipid-independent pathways are now recognized.
- Emerging evidence implicates the gastrointestinal microbiota in atherosclerosis development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of gut microbiota in atherosclerosis.
- To understand the mechanisms linking gut bacteria to vascular inflammation.
- To assess the therapeutic potential of microbiota modulation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of clinical studies on gut microbiota composition in atherosclerosis patients.
- Investigation of microbial metabolites' impact on vascular inflammation.
- Review of preclinical studies on microbiota-targeted interventions.
Main Results:
- Altered gut microbiota and oral bacteria in the gut are observed in atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.
- Microbial metabolites like endotoxin and trimethylamine N-oxide promote atherosclerosis; some tryptophan derivatives may be protective.
- Gut microbiota interacts with lipid metabolism, affects lipid absorption/storage, and contributes to vascular aging.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiota acts as a key regulator of vascular inflammation in atherosclerosis.
- Host-microbe interactions in the gut present future therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis.
- Interventions like prebiotics and probiotics show promise, primarily in preclinical settings.
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