Deciphering the interrelation of gut microbiota and BMI in atherosclerosis: a metagenomic approach

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a global health concern, leading to higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Gut microbial dysbiosis significantly contributes to obesity related ASCVD. However, the interrelation of gut microbiome in driving obesity or overweight mediated ASCVD has not been sufficiently investigated. To unravel this complex interplay, we have compared the gut microbial shotgun metagenome data of ASCVD subjects across normal BMI (Body Mass Index) and overweight/obese (OW/OB) BMI categories. We identified a distinct gut microbial composition and function in normal and OW/OB ASCVD subjects. Using gut microbial abundance, a machine learning model was built to predict ASCVD in the normal and OW/OB samples. The gut microbiome-based signature for ASCVD discrimination was achieved with an AUC of 0.87 and 0.83 for distinguishing control and ASCVD in normal and OW/OB BMI groups, respectively. In addition, we have also identified that Pseudoflavonifractor capillosus could act as a prognostic organism in identifying OW/OB associated ASCVD. Therefore, an appropriate diet could modify the ASCVD contributing gut microbiome, hence minimizing the risk of ASCVD in OW/OB individuals.