Title : Beyond the heart: exploring the gut-heart axis in cardiovascular disease
Abstract:
The gut-heart axis, a bidirectional communication network between the gut microbiota and the cardiovascular system, has emerged as a critical player in the pathogenesis and treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the complex interplay between the gut microbiota, its metabolites, and the development of CVD, focusing on the latest groundbreaking findings and the potential for personalized microbiota-based interventions.
Recent studies have shed light on the pivotal role of the gut microbiota in regulating host metabolism, inflammation, and immune function, which are key drivers of CVD. Gut dysbiosis, an imbalance in the microbiota composition, has been linked to various CVDs, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart failure. A novel study by Smith et al. demonstrated that transplantation of dysbiotic gut microbiota from patients with heart failure into germ-free mice resulted in impaired cardiac function, highlighting the causal role of gut dysbiosis in CVD.
Gut microbiota-derived metabolites, such as trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), have been implicated in CVD pathogenesis. While elevated TMAO levels have been associated with increased CVD risk in some studies, others have reported inconsistent findings. These discrepancies may be attributed to variations in study design, population characteristics, and the complex interplay between diet, gut microbiota, and host genetics. Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between TMAO and CVD and to identify potential confounding factors.
Excitingly, recent studies have identified promising microbiota-based interventions for mitigating CVD risk. For instance, supplementation with the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis 420 has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve lipid profiles in individuals with metabolic syndrome, a major risk factor for CVD. Similarly, the prebiotic compound inulin has demonstrated potential in improving endothelial function and reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients.
The gut-heart axis represents a novel avenue for personalized medicine approaches in CVD prevention and treatment. By targeting the gut microbiota and its metabolites, innovative therapeutic strategies can be developed to modulate intestinal health, attenuate systemic inflammation, and ultimately improve cardiovascular outcomes. Integration of gut microbiome profiling into clinical practice may enable the identification of individuals at high risk for CVD and guide personalized interventions based on an individual's unique gut microbiota composition and metabolic profile.
In conclusion, this review will provide a comprehensive overview of the gut-heart axis, highlighting recent breakthroughs in our understanding of its role in CVD pathogenesis and showcasing the potential of microbiota-based interventions as a promising strategy for personalized CVD prevention and treatment.
Audience Take Away:
• The role of the gut microbiota in cardiovascular health and disease
• The latest findings from prospective cohort studies and mechanistic insights from animal models
• The potential of personalized microbiota-based interventions for the prevention and treatment of CVD
