Recent advances in modulation of cardiovascular diseases by the gut microbiota

Abstract

The gut microbiota has recently gained attention due to its association with cardiovascular health, cancers, gastrointestinal disorders, and non-communicable diseases. One critical question is how the composition of the microbiota contributes to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Insightful reviews on the gut microbiota, its metabolites and the mechanisms that underlie its contribution to CVD are limited. Hence, the aim of this review was to describe linkages between the composition of the microbiota and CVD, CVD risk factors such as hypertension, diet, ageing, and sex differences. We have also highlighted potential therapies for improving the composition of the gut microbiota, which may result in better cardiovascular health.

Gut microbiota and COVID-19: An intriguing pediatric perspective

“…Robust evidence has supported its pivotal role in the development of innate and acquired immune system[ 12 , 13 ] and numerous factors such as delivery mode, nutrition, lifestyle and living environment have been found to influence both its composition and diversity in children[ 13 ]. Remarkably, gut microbiota abnormalities have been linked to a wide spectrum of non-communicable diseases[ 14 ] including metabolic derangements[ 15 ] ( e.g., obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), cardiovascular disease[ 16 ], rheumatic disease[ 17 ] and celiac disease[ 18 ] both in adults and children[ 15 - 18 ] (Figure 1 ), although no specific microbiome signature has been currently demonstrated[ 18 , 19 ]. Noteworthy, evidence has supported a bidirectional influence of SARS-CoV-2 on the host microbiome through the well-known immune dysregulation driven by the virus[ 19 , 20 ].…”

The Role of Gut Microbiota in Heart Failure: When Friends Become Enemies

“…There is a strong crosslink between GM alterations and cardiovascular diseases, and gut dysbiosis represents a new interesting mechanism in the modulation of cardiovascular risk [ 116 ]. The paradigm of the interaction between GM alterations and cardiovascular diseases can be considered the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), which are mainly represented by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis [ 117 ].…”

“…An altered gut permeability can induce a translocation of bacterial species and microbial products through systemic circulation, resulting in systemic inflammation and possibly in alterations of glucose and lipid metabolism [ 116 ]; furthermore, a role in enhancing atherosclerotic process by microbial translocation has also been proposed [ 116 ]. Notably, in patients with coronary disease, GM species can be found in their atherosclerotic plaques and the guts of these patients show an impairment in certain GM species and therefore gut dysbiosis [ 116 ]. On the other hand, gut dysbiosis can be responsible for an impairment in the production of metabolites influencing atherosclerotic process and platelet aggregation [ 117 , 118 ].…”

In Memoriam: Fernando Elijovich

“…He was also participating as a mentor for the Zambia-Vanderbilt Training Partnership for HIV-Nutrition-Metabolic Research, collaborating with researchers in Zambia to understand the pathogenesis of salt-sensitive hypertension in people living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa and how immune activation and excess dietary Na + intake play a role. [23][24][25][26] Dr Elijovich was a member of the Editorial Board of Hypertension and 4 other journals in the cardiovascular field. He was a Fellow of the American Heart Association since 1995 and served on various committees in the American Heart Association and its Council for High Blood Pressure Research/Hypertension (member 39 years) such as the Science Advisory and Coordinating, Professional & Public Education, Awards, and Continuing Education Hypertension Advisory Group.…”

“…He was also participating as a mentor for the Zambia-Vanderbilt Training Partnership for HIV-Nutrition-Metabolic Research, collaborating with researchers in Zambia to understand the pathogenesis of salt-sensitive hypertension in people living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa and how immune activation and excess dietary Na + intake play a role. 23–26…”