Intestinal Microbiota and Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

Background: Gut microbiota is essential to metabolize proteins, carbohidrates, aminoacids, fibers and essentially everything we eat. On the other hand, foods that we ingest powerfully influences gut miocrobiota. Objetive: to analyze the contribution of human gut microbiota on cardiovascular disease. Methods/Results: We summarized current knowledge regarding microbiota on cardiovascular diseases, emphazysing clinical relevance. The intestine harbors a great variety of bascteria and at the same time produces substances that can act locally as well as at a distance. Thus, the intestine is now considered an endocrine organ. The appropriate balance between the external environment and the composition of the gut microbiota is pivotal for human health. Alterations in gut microbiota are known broadly as disbiosis. A number of human diseases have been associated with disbiosis, including psychiatric, metabolic and chronic degenerative entities. In the cardiovascular system alterations of gut microbiota have been associated with atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart failure, obesity and diabetes. These influences occur through profound effect of gut microbiota upon the metabolism of proteins, carbohidrates, biliary acids, aminoacids and intestinal barrier among others. Conclusion: Given the profund influences of gut microbiota upon mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases, microbiota is a potential therapeutic target.