Gut microbes in cardiovascular diseases and their potential therapeutic applications

Abstract

Microbial ecosystem comprises a complex community in which bacteria interact with each other. The potential roles of the intestinal microbiome play in human health have gained considerable attention. The imbalance of gut microbial community has been looked to multiple chronic diseases. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are leading causes of morbidity worldwide and are influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Recent advances have provided scientific evidence that CVD may also be attributed to gut microbiome. In this review, we highlight the complex interplay between microbes, their metabolites, and the potential influence on the generation and development of CVDs. The therapeutic potential of using intestinal microbiomes to treat CVD is also discussed. It is quite possible that gut microbes may be used for clinical treatments of CVD in the near future.

Keywords: action mechanism; cardiovascular diseases; gut microbiota; therapeutic applications.

Figure 1

Microbiota-associated metabolites involved into the pathogenesis of CVDs. Nutrition can be metabolized to TMA by gut microbiota, which is inhibited by DMB. Most of TMA is absorbed into circulation and converted into TMAO by hepatic FMO3 (flavin monooxygenases). The circulaing TMAO may be indicators of MI, HF, peripheral artery disease, etc. Some intestianl microflora metabolite, such as SCFAs, can regulate blood pressure by combining with Olfr78 and GPR41. Microbiota-targeted therapeutics can alter the dysbiosis of gut microbiota

Figure 2

Potential interventions associated with gut microbiota correction and CVDs improvement. There are six strategies discussed in the present review, including dietary interventions, probiotics, antibiotics, FMT, bioengineering, and herbal medicine