Might Gut Microbiota Be a Target for a Personalized Therapeutic Approach in Patients Affected by Atherosclerosis Disease?

Abstract

In recent years, the increasing number of studies on the relationship between the gut microbiota and atherosclerosis have led to significant interest in this subject. The gut microbiota, its metabolites (metabolome), such as TMAO, and gut dysbiosis play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, inflammation, originating from the intestinal tract, adds yet another mechanism by which the human ecosystem is disrupted, resulting in the manifestation of metabolic diseases and, by extension, cardiovascular diseases. The scientific community must understand and elucidate these mechanisms in depth, to gain a better understanding of the relationship between atherosclerosis and the gut microbiome and to promote the development of new therapeutic targets in the coming years. This review aims to present the knowledge acquired so far, to trigger others to further investigate this intriguing topic.

Saponins as therapeutic candidates for atherosclerosis

“…Disruptions to the structure and composition of the intestinal microbiota contribute to an imbalance in gut flora, a condition strongly associated with the development and progression of atherosclerosis, as supported by extensive research findings (Ciccone et al, 2023). Saponins, in particular, have emerged as a potential therapeutic avenue due to their ability to modulate the intestinal flora and alter its metabolic byproducts, thereby potentially impacting the development of atherosclerosis.…”

“…Disruptions to the structure and composition of the intestinal microbiota contribute to an imbalance in gut flora, a condition strongly associated with the development and progression of atherosclerosis, as supported by extensive research findings (Ciccone et al, 2023).…”