Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
09:18
A Gut-on-a-Chip Model to Study the Gut Microbiome-Nervous System Axis
Published on: July 28, 2023
The Gut-Heart Axis: A Microbiome-Centered Perspective on Heart Failure
Diana-Elena David1, Tatiana Dramba1, Stefan Andrei Chiriac1
1Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Gut microbes significantly impact heart health, influencing cardiovascular diseases like heart failure. Understanding the gut-heart axis reveals new risk factors and therapeutic targets beyond traditional approaches.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Gut microbiota is increasingly recognized as a key factor in cardiovascular health and disease.
- Cardiovascular pathology is now viewed as a systemic, multi-organ process, not just cardiac-centric.
- Dysbiosis, or altered gut microbial composition, is implicated in the development and progression of cardiovascular illnesses, including heart failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on the gut microbiota as a cardiovascular risk factor.
- To focus on the biological mechanisms linking gut microbiota to cardiovascular disease.
- To summarize clinical and epidemiological evidence supporting this link.
Main Methods:
- This is a narrative review.
- The review synthesizes existing scientific literature.
- Focus is on biological mechanisms, clinical, and epidemiological data.
Main Results:
- The gut microbiota acts as an endocrine organ, producing metabolites like TMAO, SCFAs, and bile acids.
- Bidirectional interactions exist between the heart and gut, especially in heart failure.
- Heart failure exacerbates gut dysbiosis and inflammation via impaired hemodynamics and congestion.
Conclusions:
- The gut-heart axis provides a new paradigm for understanding cardiovascular disease progression.
- Gut microbiota represents a novel cardiovascular risk factor.
- Further research into gut microbiota modulation may offer new therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Gut-Brain Axis
The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...
01:17Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
01:27Heart Failure I: Introduction
Heart failure refers to a clinical syndrome caused by structural or functional cardiac disorders that prevent the heart from pumping an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's metabolic needs. This condition often arises from myocardial infarction or ischemia, leading to decreased cardiac output, reduced tissue perfusion, impaired gas exchange, fluid volume imbalance, and decreased functional ability.Heart failure can result from disruptions in the mechanisms that regulate cardiac output...
01:18Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota
The human gut microbiome includes a diverse array of microbial species, including beneficial commensals and opportunistic pathogens, which interact to support host health. These microbes contribute to essential functions such as nutrient metabolism, immune system modulation, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. However, disruptions to this equilibrium—referred to as dysbiosis—can have widespread physiological consequences.Dysbiosis is often characterized by reduced microbial...
01:30Heart Failure V: Medical Management
Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...