Gut microbiota: a promising target against cardiometabolic diseases

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) are a group of interrelated disorders such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). As the prevalence of these diseases increases globally, efficient new strategies are necessary to target CMD and modifiable risk factors. In the past decade, evidence has accumulated regarding the influence of gut microbiota (GM) on CMD, providing new targets for therapeutic interventions. Areas covered: This narrative review discusses the pathophysiologic link between CMD, GM, and potential microbiota-based targets against atherosclerosis and modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis. Low-grade inflammation can be induced through GM and its derived metabolites. CMD are influenced by GM and microbiota-derived metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), secondary bile acids, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), and the composition of GM can modulate host metabolism. All of the above can lead to promising therapeutic targets. Expert opinion: Most data are derived from animal models or human association studies; therefore, more translational and interventional research in humans is necessary to validate these promising findings. Reproduced findings such as aberrant microbiota patterns or circulating biomarkers could be targeted depending on individual metabolic profiles, moving toward personalized medicine in CMD. ARTICLE HISTORY

Trimethylamine N-Oxide in Relation to Cardiometabolic Health—Cause or Effect?

“…As discussed, the microbiome is the central determinant for TMAO generation [135]. The TMAO precursor, TMA, is generated microbiologically within the intestine, and antibiotics were shown to suppress TMAO formation [94,115,136].…”

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Associated with Obesity (Diabesity). The Central Role of Gut Microbiota and Its Translational Applications

“…Changes in gut microbiota composition have been related to a wide variety of metabolic events such as an increase in adiposity, dyslipidaemia and T2DM. These disorders bring about an increased gut permeability, disrupting bile acid metabolism, serum levels of lipopolysaccharide and affecting SCFA production and function [ 141 ].…”

Dietary bioactive ingredients to modulate the gut microbiota-derived metabolite TMAO. New opportunities for functional food development

“…Thus, it has become increasingly apparent that certain gut microbialderived metabolites, such as some bile acids, short-chain fatty acids, and trimethylamine-N-oxide, may contribute to CVD development and progression. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] The topic has attracted much attention as it can be deduced by the extraordinary number of review articles that can be found in a wide variety of scientific journals. Furthermore, new findings and discoveries in this area, such as the recent identification of the gut microbial metabolite phenylacetylglutamine and its implication in thrombosis potential and CVD, broaden our view of axis diet-microbiota-CVD.…”