Role of gut microbiota in the immunopathology of atherosclerosis: Focus on immune cells

Abstract

Gut microbiota (GM) plays important roles in multiple organ function, homeostasis and several diseases. More recently, increasing evidences have suggested that the compositional and functional alterations of GM play a crucial role in the accumulation of foam cells and the formation of atherosclerotic plaque in atherosclerosis. In particular, the effects of bacterial components and metabolites on innate and adaptive immune cells have been explored as the underlying mechanisms. Understanding the effects of GM and metabolites on immunoregulation is important for clinical therapy for atherosclerosis. Herein, we summarize the potential role of the GM (such as bacterial components lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan) and GM‐derived metabolites (such as short‐chain fatty acids, trimethylamine N‐oxide and bile acids) in the immunopathology of atherosclerosis. Based on that, we further discuss the anti‐atherosclerotic effects of GM‐directed dietary bioactive factors such as dietary fibres, dietary polyphenols and probiotics. Because of drug‐induced adverse events in anti‐inflammatory therapies, personalized dietary interventions would be potential therapies for atherosclerosis, and the interactions between GM‐derived products and immune cells should be studied further.

Nutraceuticals in Personalized and Precision Medicine – a preliminary scoping review indicates efficacy for disease treatment, general wellbeing, and defense against Covid-19

“…Of these, 18 are review articles covering a wide range of disease and non-disease states, e.g., cancer [23][24][25], cardiovascular disease (CVD) [26], autism [19], type 2 diabetes [27]. Notably, five review papers focussed on the microbiome [25,[28][29][30][31]. While it is not possible to synthesize the findings of all 30 papers, we collate them in Table 3, and offer remarks on a select few that highlight a true personalized medicine or precision medicine approach to nutraceutical use.…”