The gut microbiome as novel cardio-metabolic target: the time has come

• Published in: European heart journal Vol. 35; no. 14; pp. 883 - 887
• Main Authors: Vinjé, Sarah, Stroes, Erik, Nieuwdorp, Max, Hazen, Stan L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Oxford University Press 01.04.2014
• Subjects: Atherosclerosis - metabolism; Atherosclerosis - microbiology; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - metabolism; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - microbiology; Feces - microbiology; Gastroenteritis - metabolism; Gastroenteritis - microbiology; Gastrointestinal Tract - metabolism; Gastrointestinal Tract - microbiology; Humans; Lipid Metabolism - physiology; Microbiota; Obesity - metabolism; Obesity - microbiology; Obesity - therapy; Reviews; Risk Assessment - methods; Risk Assessment - trends; Thrombosis - metabolism; Thrombosis - microbiology; TMAO; Obesity; Therapy; Insulin resistance; Vascular inflammation; Atherothrombosis; Gutmicrobiota
• ISSN: 0195-668X; 1522-9645
• DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/eht467

Recent studies reveal a potential contribution of intestinal microbes in the expression of certain human cardio-metabolic diseases. The mechanisms through which intestinal microbiota and/or their metabolic products alter systemic homoeostasis and cardio-metabolic disease risks are just beginning to be dissected. Intervention studies in humans aiming to either selectively alter the composition of the intestinal microbiota or to pharmacologically manipulate the microbiota to influence production of their metabolites are crucial next steps. The intestinal microbiome represents a new potential therapeutic target for the treatment of cardio-metabolic diseases.