Natural products against inflammation and atherosclerosis: Targeting on gut microbiota

Abstract

The gut microbiota (GM) has become recognized as a crucial element in preserving human fitness and influencing disease consequences. Commensal and pathogenic gut microorganisms are correlated with pathological progress in atherosclerosis (AS). GM may thus be a promising therapeutic target for AS. Natural products with cardioprotective qualities might improve the inflammation of AS by modulating the GM ecosystem, opening new avenues for researches and therapies. However, it is unclear what components of natural products are useful and what the actual mechanisms are. In this review, we have summarized the natural products relieving inflammation of AS by regulating the GM balance and active metabolites produced by GM.

Keywords: atherosclerosis; gut microbiota; immune; inflammation; natural products.

Figure 1

GM-Inflammation axis in AS. PAMPs, pathogen-associated patterns; TLR4, Toll-like receptor 4; NF-κB, NF-kappa B; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-α; IL, interleukin; IFN-γ, interferon-γ.

Figure 2

Natural Products regulate GM-inflammation axis in AS. GM, gut microbiota; LPS, Lipopolysaccharide; SCFA, Short-Chain Fatty Acids; NO, nitric oxide; VCAMs, vascular cell adhesion molecules; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; NF-κB, NF-kappa B; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; TMAO, Trimethylamine N-oxide; TLRs, Toll-like receptors; IL, interleukin; MCP, monocyte chemotactic protein; F/B, Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes; BA, Bile acids; LDL, Low density lipoprotein; PPAR, peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor; IL, interleukin; HDL, high density lipoprotein; PAI-1, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1; AP-1, activator protein-1; ↑, increase; ↓, decrease.