The Gut Microbiota in Cardiovascular Disease and Arterial Thrombosis

Abstract

The gut microbiota has emerged as a contributing factor in the development of atherosclerosis and arterial thrombosis. Metabolites from the gut microbiota, such as trimethylamine N-oxide and short chain fatty acids, were identified as messengers that induce cell type-specific signaling mechanisms and immune reactions in the host vasculature, impacting the development of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, microbial-associated molecular patterns drive atherogenesis and the microbiota was recently demonstrated to promote arterial thrombosis through Toll-like receptor signaling. Furthermore, by the use of germ-free mouse models, the presence of a gut microbiota was shown to influence the synthesis of endothelial adhesion molecules. Hence, the gut microbiota is increasingly being recognized as an influencing factor of arterial thrombosis and attempts of dietary pre-or probiotic modulation of the commensal microbiota, to reduce cardiovascular risk, are becoming increasingly significant.

Nutritional Components in Western Diet Versus Mediterranean Diet at the Gut Microbiota–Immune System Interplay. Implications for Health and Disease

“…Importantly, some microbial species could also be involved in tryptophan synthesis, as well as participating in the formation of serotonin through this metabolite and in the regulation of systemic levels of tryptophan and the kynurenine pathway [ 161 ]. This could have important implications systemically, in different regions, including the brain or cardiovascular system [ 162 , 163 ].…”

Implication of Gut Microbiota in Cardiovascular Diseases

“…Feces transplantation of TMAO-rich gut microbiota into germ-free mice would promote platelet function and arterial thrombosis [ 81 ]. Recently, another gut microbial metabolite, Phenylacetylglutamine (PAGln), was shown to induce hyperreactivity of platelet via adrenergic receptors [ 82 ].…”

The gut microbial diversity of colon cancer patients and the clinical significance

“…However, the residue and some acids, phenols, and other carcinogens produced by metabolism can be the pathogen for intestinal [17][18][19]. Thus, the integrity of the barrier for the intestinal, as well as the immune system, etc., would be invaded and destroyed, and the risk of exposure would increase [20][21][22]. Colorectal cancer is a common type of loss of body mass.…”