Microbial Metabolites and Cardiovascular Dysfunction: A New Era of Diagnostics and Therapy

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) pose a significant threat to human life and mortality worldwide, encompassing a variety of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. These diseases are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, which play a critical role in their development. Recent research has highlighted the importance of gut microbes-the diverse community of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract-that function as a "super organ" within the human body. These microbes have a remarkable impact on metabolic pathways and are increasingly recognized for their role in serious conditions like CVDs. They contribute to metabolic regulation, provide essential nutrients and vitamins, and help protect against diseases. Various internal and external factors influence the dynamic relationship between the human host and gut microbiota, thereby regulating overall metabolism. This review explores the complex connection between gut microbiota and microbial metabolites-such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids (BAs), and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO)-and their potential influence on the development and progression of CVDs. We also examine the interaction between dietary interventions and gut microbes in the context of conditions including atherosclerosis, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart failure, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and myocardial infarction. Gaining a deeper understanding of the gut microbiota's role in maintaining physiological balance creates exciting possibilities for identifying novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for treating CVDs. This knowledge offers hope for early disease prediction, improved clinical management, and innovative treatments.