Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 7, 2026

A Gut-on-a-Chip Model to Study the Gut Microbiome-Nervous System Axis
09:18

A Gut-on-a-Chip Model to Study the Gut Microbiome-Nervous System Axis

Published on: July 28, 2023

3.7K

A gut microbiome-kidney-heart axis predictive of future cardiovascular diseases

Kanta Chechi1,2,3, Rima Chakaroun4,5,6, Antonis Myridakis7

  • 1Division of Systems Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom. k.chechi@imperial.ac.uk.

Nature Communications
|March 5, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Gut microbes influence heart and kidney health. Metabolites from aromatic amino acids link gut bacteria to cardiorenal function and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Cardiology
  • Nephrology
  • Metabolomics

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent a significant global health burden.
  • Early detection markers for CVD initiation and progression are crucial.
  • Previous research indicates associations between the gut microbiome and metabolic disorders/CVD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between gut microbiome alterations and subclinical variations in heart and kidney function.
  • To identify specific microbial metabolites involved in the gut microbiome-cardiorenal axis.
  • To explore the role of these metabolites in predicting incident CVD.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of gut microbiome-related metabolites in a metabolically healthy European cohort.
  • Correlation of metabolite levels with biomarkers of heart function (pro-atrial natriuretic peptide) and kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate).
  • Utilizing observational and genetic data to establish mediation and assess incident CVD risk in an external Canadian cohort.

Main Results:

  • Metabolites linked to aromatic amino acid (phenylalanine, tyrosine) metabolism by gut microbes were associated with heart and kidney function markers.
  • These microbiome-related metabolites were identified as mediators of the gut microbiome-kidney axis.
  • Baseline levels of these metabolites predicted incident CVD in a separate population.

Conclusions:

  • The gut microbiome interacts with the cardiorenal axis, suggesting inter-organ crosstalk.
  • Microbiome-derived metabolites play a role in cardiovascular and kidney health.
  • These findings highlight the gut microbiome as a potential target for CVD risk assessment and intervention.

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Integrated Multi-Omics Analysis for Unveiling Multicellular Immune Signatures in Clinical Heart Attack Cohorts08:51

Author Spotlight: Integrated Multi-Omics Analysis for Unveiling Multicellular Immune Signatures in Clinical Heart Attack Cohorts

Published on: September 20, 2024

2.2K
Murine Fecal Isolation and Microbiota Transplantation07:32

Murine Fecal Isolation and Microbiota Transplantation

Published on: May 26, 2023

5.8K

Related Concept Videos

Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease01:27

Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
631
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers01:20

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers

Cardiac biomarkers are enzymes, proteins, and hormones released into the blood when cardiac cells are injured. They are powerful tools for triaging.
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
1.0K
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
668
Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS01:11

Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS

Genome-wide association studies or GWAS are used to identify whether common SNPs are associated with certain diseases. Suppose specific SNPs are more frequently observed in individuals with a particular disease than those without the disease. In that case, those SNPs are said to be associated with the disease. Chi-square analysis is performed to check the probability of the allele likely to be associated with the disease.
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
16.2K
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
835
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
419