New Insights on the Beneficial Effects of the Probiotic Kefir on Vascular Dysfunction in Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Abstract

: The mechanisms responsible for the cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases have been the focus of experimental and clinical studies for decades. Among those studies, the relationship between the gut microbiota and the organs and system tissues, represents the research field that has generated the highest number of publications. Homeostasis of the gut microbiota is important to the host because promotes maturation of the autoimmune system, harmonic integrative functions of the brain and the normal function of organs related with cardiovascular and metabolic systems. On the other hand, when occurs a gut microbiota dysbiosis, the target organs become vulnerable to the onset or aggravation of complex chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular (e.g., arterial hypertension) and neurodegenerative (e.g., dementia) diseases. In the present brief review, we discuss the main mechanisms involved in those disturbances and the promising beneficial effects that have been revealed using functional food (nutraceuticals), such as the traditional probiotic Kefir. Here, we highlight current scientific advances, concerns and limitations about the use of this nutraceutical. The focus of our discussion is the endothelial dysfunction that accompanies the hypertension, and the neurovascular dysfunction that characterizes the ageing-related dementia in patients suffering of Alzheimer disease.

UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS and GC-MS Characterization of Phytochemicals in Vegetable Juice Fermented Using Lactic Acid Bacteria from Kimchi and Their Antioxidant Potential

“…Furthermore, VJs fortified with LAB feature enhanced flavor and functionally bioactive substances [ 12 ]. Previous studies have confirmed the effects of probiotics on gastrointestinal and allergic diseases, immune modulation [ 13 ], the prevention of various types of cancer [ 14 ], and important roles in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and prevention of several metabolic and cardiovascular diseases [ 15 ]. Fermented foods and beverages based on vegetable substrates are widely reported for their health-promoting properties, but are insufficiently studied, and their health claims are not supported by reliable scientific evidence [ 16 ].…”

Kefir metabolites in a fly model for Alzheimer’s disease

“…Kefir’s health improving effects have been demonstrated when used in natura 19 , 38 – 41 , as cell-free fraction 42 – 45 and as purified peptides 46 – 50 . However, no previous studies have characterized kefir metabolic composition, or investigated the biological effects of its peptide and cell-free fraction.…”

Probiotic Supplements: Their Strategies in the Therapeutic and Prophylactic of Human Life-Threatening Diseases

“…As is known, gut homeostasis maintenance by probiotics reinforces the essential function of organs linked to the cardiovascular and metabolism. In contrast, dysbiosis caused by pathogenic and other external factors results in dysfunction of the host’s organs and tissues, resulting in an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases [ 76 ]. Indeed, the interplay between the intestinal microbiota and the host’s organs and tissues remains an essential factor in understanding the roles of gut microbiota, either probiotics or pathogenic, on cardiovascular diseases ( Table A1 ).…”