Impact of Probiotics on Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases. A Review

Abstract

Probiotic microorganisms have historically been used to rebalance disturbed intestinal microbiota and to diminish gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea or inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). Recent studies explore the potential for expanded uses of probiotics on medical disorders that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, such as obesity, hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, and metabolic disturbances such as hyperhomocysteinemia and oxidative stress. This review aims at summarizing the proposed molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in probiotic-host interactions and to identify the nature of the resulting beneficial effects. Specific probiotic strains can act by modulating immune response, by producing particular molecules or releasing biopeptides, and by modulating nervous system activity. To date, the majority of studies have been conducted in animal models. New investigations on the related mechanisms in humans need to be carried out to better enable targeted and effective use of the broad variety of probiotic strains.

The influence of the human microbiome and probiotics on cardiovascular health

“…For example, the fermentation of carbohydrates by the gut microbiota and probiotics results in the production of short chain fatty acids such as acetate or propionate which are used as energy in the host. 7 Studies also show that certain probiotic strains produce vitamin K, B2, B12, and folate, [61][62][63][64] all of which are utilized by the host. There are numerous examples showing the potential for probiotics to have a positive impact on the oral cavity, such as preventing dental caries, 65,66 decreasing halitosis, 67,68 and reducing episodes of streptococcal pharyngeal infections, 69 Teughels et al 70 recently showed that the daily usage of lozenges containing Lactobacillus reuteri by patients suffering from chronic periodontitis following standard dental scaling and root planing, resulted in significantly more pocket depth reduction and attachment gain in deep periodontal pockets, as well as a decrease in P. gingivalis levels.…”

Allicin Decreases Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells through Suppression of Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Activation of Nrf2

“…Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have high mortality rates worldwide and have become a serious burden in many countries [1, 2]. Atherosclerosis (AS) is a progressive condition involving accumulation of lipids and fibrous elements in the large arteries, which is a key trigger for CVD [3].…”

Anti-Hypercholesterolemic Effect of <b><i>Saccharomyces boulardii</i></b> in the Hamster

“…The findings of the present study are also of interest regarding the large body of literature on hypocholesterolemic effects of probiotic bacteria and the variety of mechanisms that have been proposed to explain those effects: incorporation of cholesterol into membranes, assimilation of cholesterol, decreased cholesterol synthesis or absorption, conversion of cholesterol to coprostanol and, most importantly, the bile salt hydrolase hypothesis [31][32][33][34][35] . Several reports have indicated that during growth, yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) can remove cholesterol from laboratory media supplemented with cholesterol [36,37] .…”