Intestinal Microbiota and Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

Recently, gut microbiota has emerged as an important mediator of several diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, obesity, cancers and neuropsychiatric diseases including Alzheimer, autism and depression. Intestinal microbiota is formed by bacteria, fungi and viruses and its main function is to facilitate the absorption and metabolism of foods (protein, fat and carbohydrate). One example of the multiple actions of the gut microbiota is the bidirectional relationship between the intestine and the brain, the so-called "gut/brain axis". Furthermore, metabolites produced by gut microbiota can induce effects locally or at distance, which suggests that the intestine is an endocrine organ.Given the participation of the gut microbiota in several diseases, there is great interest in strategies that may positively affect the gut flora and prevent or even treat diseases. Among these strategies, lifestyle change, but specially diet modulation has gained importance. In this article, we review the mechanisms through which intestinal microbiota participates in cardiovascular diseases and possible therapeutic interventions.

Co-toxicity of Endotoxin and Indoxyl Sulfate, Gut-Derived Bacterial Metabolites, to Vascular Endothelial Cells in Coronary Arterial Disease Accompanied by Gut Dysbiosis

“…The altered gut microbiota composition was confirmed in a metagenome study of patients with atherosclerosis and healthy individuals, strongly suggesting correlation between CAD and dysbiosis [23,24,25]. In the study, a comparison of the gut microbiome of CAD patients and healthy controls revealed significant depletion of Bacteroidetes in the CAD cohort supporting previous observations [2,21,26]. Bacteroidetes are known to play a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy gut ecosystem, stimulating immunity, providing short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and facilitating digestion of macronutrients [27].…”

“…The gut microbiota plays a vital role in atherosclerosis, heart failure, diabetes, and obesity, acting as an independent risk factor [21]. A western diet providing an excess of amino acids and proteins promotes the growth of proteolytic bacteria producing indole processed in the liver to indoxyl sulfate.…”

Ethanol: striking the cardiovascular system by harming the gut microbiota

“…This change in gut microbiota occurs concomitantly with a greater increase in adiposity, worsening insulin resistance, and increased M1 macrophages in adipose tissue and T helper 1 (Th1) lymphocytes in the mesenteric lymph nodes in the absence of NOD2 (73), all characteristics of metainflammation, defined as low-degree chronic inflammation due to immune system overactivation in metabolic tissues (74). The association between type 2 diabetes and metainflammation is a significant risk factor for the development of CVD (75). The administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics in mice results in gut dysbiosis and increased expression of NLRP3 and proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1b and IL-18 in the ileum (76).…”

“…The interactions between the microbiota and immune cells may impact the development of CVD (75,83). Endotoxins or metabolites derived from the gut microbiota can reach the systemic circulation and induce metabolic inflammation, especially in individuals with obesity, a risk factor for CVD (84).…”

Evaluation of antioxidant activity of NG-R1 saponin against bacterial cells in induced oxidative stress – a preliminary study

“…formation of foam cells and atherosclerotic plaques [15,16]. In addition, pathogens of intestinal microbiota increase proadhesion and activate vascular endothelial cells, as well as increase the level of factor VIII, von Willebrand factor (vWF) and Weibel-Palade bodies.…”