Apiotrichum-Centered Fungal Interaction Network Disturbance Correlates With Increased Arterial Stiffness

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Vascular biology
• Metabolomics

Background:

• The gut mycobiome is crucial for human health.
• Its role in arterial stiffness, a hallmark of vascular aging, is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the gut mycobiome and arterial stiffness.
• To identify specific fungal genera and molecular pathways involved in this relationship.

Main Methods:

• 763 participants underwent brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity testing for arterial stiffness assessment.
• Gut mycobiome composition was analyzed using internal transcribed spacer sequencing.
• Host genetics and plasma metabolites were quantified via genotyping arrays and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Main Results:

• Individuals with elevated arterial stiffness exhibited a less clustered, more communicative fungal community.
• Five fungal genera (Apiotrichum, Mycothermus, Flavocillium, Hyaloscypha, Microscypha) were associated with arterial stiffness.
• Integrative analysis revealed that organic acids, fatty acyls, and alkaloids mediated the impact of certain fungi on arterial stiffness.

Conclusions:

• A disrupted gut mycobiome is strongly associated with the progression of arterial stiffness.
• Key molecular transducers, including adrenergic receptors and enzymes involved in the renin-angiotensin system, were identified.
• Targeting the gut mycobiome presents a potential therapeutic avenue for enhancing vascular health.