Gut Microbiota Modulation as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy in Cardiometabolic Diseases

Abstract

The human gut harbors microbial ecology that is in a symbiotic relationship with its host and has a vital function in keeping host homeostasis. Inimical alterations in the composition of gut microbiota, known as gut dysbiosis, have been associated with cardiometabolic diseases. Studies have revealed the variation in gut microbiota composition in healthy individuals as compared to the composition of those with cardiometabolic diseases. Perturbation of host–microbial interaction attenuates physiological processes and may incite several cardiometabolic disease pathways. This imbalance contributes to cardiometabolic diseases via metabolism-independent and metabolite-dependent pathways. The aim of this review was to elucidate studies that have demonstrated the complex relationship between the intestinal microbiota as well as their metabolites and the development/progression of cardiometabolic diseases. Furthermore, we systematically itemized the potential therapeutic approaches for cardiometabolic diseases that target gut microbiota and/or their metabolites by following the pathophysiological pathways of disease development. These approaches include the use of diet, prebiotics, and probiotics. With the exposition of the link between gut microbiota and cardiometabolic diseases, the human gut microbiota therefore becomes a potential therapeutic target in the development of novel cardiometabolic agents.

Intestinal Microbiomics in Physiological and Pathological Conditions

“…A decrease in BSH levels subsequently causes cholesterol buildup and progression of CVD. Microbial BSH modulates stimulation of hepatic FXR, which acts as a bile acid signaling receptor and a potential target for bile acid therapy in reducing cardiovascular complications [152,153].…”

Mechanisms of microbiota modulation: Implications for health, disease, and therapeutic interventions

“…Yet at times, antibiotics can be exploited intentionally to influence the composition of microbiota, such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or specific depletion of pathogens. [3] Bacteriophages are also known as bacterial viruses which invade and multiply in bacteria. They serve as natural predators of bacteria that form microbial communities and play an important role in determining the population.…”

“…For instance, modulation of the gut immune system through dietary components or pharmacological agents influences the composition of gut microbiota while one way or another it is also influenced by way of composition of the same. [3] 2. Microbial Interactions: Within a community, microorganisms can interact with each other in different ways such as through competition whereby some organisms feed on others thus supporting the reproduction of these species.…”

“…There are many ways to consider host-microbe crosstalk either through dietary interventions, microbial therapies, or host-targeted therapies; modifications in the composition and functions of microbiota shall also be possible. [3] 4. Ecological Principles: Secondly, microbial communities operate on advanced ecological rules that include niche separation, succession, and resilience.…”

Small molecule metabolites: discovery of biomarkers and therapeutic targets

“…As gut microbial metabolites, such as secondary bile acids and short-chain fatty acids, could alter the metabolic fluxes by interacting with host receptors, thereby significantly affect metabolic homeostasis leading diseases. 805 – 807 These metabolites participate in diverse metabolic processes, such as cell communication, energy metabolism, and host immunity, could influence human physiology, and future studies should define the functional relevance involved in disease pathogenesis.…”