Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026

Murine Fecal Isolation and Microbiota Transplantation
Published on: May 26, 2023
The Role of the Gut Microbiota in Vascular Physiology and Health
Maria Adriana Neag1, Liviu-Ștefan Moacă2, Andrada-Larisa Deac1
1Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Insights
The gut microbiome influences cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Nutraceuticals can modulate the gut microbiota, potentially preventing or treating vascular diseases (VD) and reducing CVD risk.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cardiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading cause of death globally.
- Established risk factors include dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and obesity.
- The gut microbiome is increasingly recognized for its role in vascular diseases (VD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the link between the intestinal microbiota and cardiovascular disease (CVD) development.
- To explore the potential of nutraceuticals in managing CVD.
- To highlight how gut microbiota modulation can impact vascular health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on gut microbiota and cardiovascular diseases.
- Analysis of studies on nutraceutical interventions targeting the gut microbiome.
- Synthesis of evidence on the relationship between microbiota, nutraceuticals, and vascular disease (VD).
Main Results:
- The gut microbiome plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases (VD).
- Nutraceuticals (vitamins, minerals, supplements) show promise in modulating gut microbiota composition and function.
- Positive modulation of the gut microbiota may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiome is a critical factor in cardiovascular health.
- Nutraceuticals offer a potential strategy for intervening in gut microbiota-related vascular disease (VD) pathways.
- Targeting the gut microbiota with nutraceuticals may be a novel approach for CVD prevention and treatment.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. There are many well-known risk factors (dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, obesity) for these diseases, but there are also other factors with important implications in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases (VD). One of these is the gut microbiome, a metabolically active "organ" with many roles in physiological processes that are linked to VD. Moreover, in recent years, the microbiota has been studied as a "target" in the treatment of various diseases, from gastrointestinal diseases to cardiovascular or even neuropsychiatric diseases. Thus, nutraceuticals may have an important role in modulating the gut microbiota and preventing or treating VD. The aim of this review is to highlight the relationship between the intestinal microbiota and the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases, as well as the possible intervention by using nutraceuticals (vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements) to positively modulate the intestinal microbiota and thus to reduce the risk of VD.
Related Concept Videos
Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health
Overview of the Vascular System
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
Regulation of the Cardiovascular System
The regulation of the cardiovascular system involves the autonomic nervous system (ANS), baroreceptors, and chemoreceptors, ensuring that heart rate and blood pressure are appropriately modulated in response to varying physiological demands.
The ANS comprises two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system enhances...
Anatomy of the Intestines
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...

