Role of Gut Microbiota, Probiotics and Prebiotics in the Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in identifying and applying new, naturally occurring molecules that promote health. Probiotics are defined as “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits on the host”. Quite a few fermented products serve as the source of probiotic strains, with many factors influencing the effectiveness of probiotics, including interactions of probiotic bacteria with the host’s microbiome. Prebiotics contain no microorganisms, only substances which stimulate their growth. Prebiotics can be obtained from various sources, including breast milk, soybeans, and raw oats, however, the most popular prebiotics are the oligosaccharides contained in plants. Recent research increasingly claims that probiotics and prebiotics alleviate many disorders related to the immune system, cancer metastasis, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. However, little is known about the role of these supplements as important dietary components in preventing or treating cardiovascular disease. Still, some reports and clinical studies were conducted, offering new ways of treatment. Therefore, the aim of this review is to discuss the roles of gut microbiota, probiotics, and prebiotics interventions in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Impact of Obesity-Induced Inflammation on Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD)

“…Probiotics have specific activity against the factors causing CVD, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension [ 99 ]. A recent meta-analysis showed a highly significant reduction in cardiovascular risk factors such as systolic and diastolic blood pressure associated with T2DM.…”

Biodiversity of Gut Microbiota: Impact of Various Host and Environmental Factors

“…They have been associated with the prevention and progression of various central nervous system disorders like multiple sclerosis [ 6 , 7 ]. They have also been linked to the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases like hypertension [ 8 , 9 ], along with enhanced predisposition towards various viral and bacterial infections. In various other studies, these “healthy” microbiota have been associated with the treatment of various metabolic diseases like obesity [ 10 , 11 ], diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) [ 12 ].…”

The Efficacy of Black Chokeberry Fruits against Cardiovascular Diseases

“…In these times of more and more common civilization diseases, to a large extent attributable to an unhealthy lifestyle marked by stress, environmental pollution and improper nutrition, people are looking for food products that replace synthetic ingredients with natural counterparts [ 1 , 2 ]. It is known that some foods can offer other beneficial effects on top of supplying the most essential nutrients.…”