Gut Microbiota Composition and Cardiovascular Disease: A Potential New Therapeutic Target?

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences Vol. 24; no. 15; p. 11971
• Main Authors: Belli, Martina, Barone, Lucy, Longo, Susanna, Prandi, Francesca Romana, Lecis, Dalgisio, Mollace, Rocco, Margonato, Davide, Muscoli, Saverio, Sergi, Domenico, Federici, Massimo, Barillà, Francesco
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 26.07.2023; MDPI
• Subjects: Atherosclerosis; Bacteria; Bile; Carbohydrates; Cardiovascular disease; cardiovascular diseases; Cholesterol; Development and progression; gut microbiota; Health aspects; Heart attacks; Heart failure; Hypotheses; Immune system; Inflammation; Ischemia; Metabolism; Metabolites; Microbiota; Microbiota (Symbiotic organisms); Microorganisms; Permeability; Prebiotics; Probiotics; Review; trimethylamine N-Oxide; atherosclerosis; heart failure; trimethylamine N-Oxide; cardiovascular diseases; gut microbiota
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511971

A great deal of evidence has revealed an important link between gut microbiota and the heart. In particular, the gut microbiota plays a key role in the onset of cardiovascular (CV) disease, including heart failure (HF). In HF, splanchnic hypoperfusion causes intestinal ischemia resulting in the translocation of bacteria and their metabolites into the blood circulation. Among these metabolites, the most important is Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO), which is responsible, through various mechanisms, for pathological processes in different organs and tissues. In this review, we summarise the complex interaction between gut microbiota and CV disease, particularly with respect to HF, and the possible strategies for influencing its composition and function. Finally, we highlight the potential role of TMAO as a novel prognostic marker and a new therapeutic target for HF.