Gut Dysbiosis and Immune System in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ACVD)

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease and mortality worldwide. Alterations in the gut microbiota composition, known as gut dysbiosis, have been shown to contribute to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) development through several pathways. Disruptions in gut homeostasis are associated with activation of immune processes and systemic inflammation. The gut microbiota produces several metabolic products, such as trimethylamine (TMA), which is used to produce the proatherogenic metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO). Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetate, butyrate, and propionate, and certain bile acids (BAs) produced by the gut microbiota lead to inflammation resolution and decrease atherogenesis. Chronic low-grade inflammation is associated with common risk factors for atherosclerosis, including metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and obesity. Novel strategies for reducing ACVD include the use of nutraceuticals such as resveratrol, modification of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) levels, supplementation with probiotics, and administration of prebiotic SCFAs and BAs. Investigation into the relationship between the gut microbiota, and its metabolites, and the host immune system could reveal promising insights into ACVD development, prognostic factors, and treatments.

Mitochondria as novel mediators linking gut microbiota to atherosclerosis that is ameliorated by herbal medicine: A review

“…There are 100 trillion microbes in the human gastrointestinal tract, including 1000 different bacterial species comprising five phyla: Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia , collectively regarded as “gut microbiota” ( Li et al, 2014 ; Yoo et al, 2022 ). Gut microbiota and host symbiotic interactions commonly form an intestinal microenvironment to digest indigestible substances and secrete biologically active metabolites, and together maintain host energy metabolism, promote immune homeostasis, and sustain the normal function of distal organs ( Gregory et al, 2015 ; Lian W S et al, 2022 ).…”

Effects of Thermally-Oxidized Frying Oils (Corn Oil and Lard) on Gut Microbiota in Hamsters

“…Atherosclerosis and the build-up of fatty streak and plaques are accelerated by aberrant levels of IL-6 and IL-10 [ 45 , 46 ]. The present study observed that the atherosclerosis plaque area of CO was higher than CF, with no difference being observed between LO and LF ( Figure 1 ).…”

The role of the gut microbiota in health and cardiovascular diseases

“…Studies showed that the interaction between the gut microbiota and host is crucial for the host to maintain normal intestinal and physical function [ 42 ], involving the maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity, the growth and regulation of the immune system, and normal homeostasis [ 43 , 44 ]. Commensal bacteria play an important role in regulating multiple physiological functions, including modulating the host’s gut mucosal barrier function, maintaining intact tight mucosal junctions, and regulating normal mucosal immunity [ 45 ].…”