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Review
. 2014;5(6):719-28.
doi: 10.4161/19490976.2014.983775.

The influence of the human microbiome and probiotics on cardiovascular health

Grace Ettinger  1 , Kyle MacDonald, Gregor Reid, Jeremy P Burton
Affiliations
Review

The influence of the human microbiome and probiotics on cardiovascular health

Grace Ettinger et al. Gut Microbes. 2014.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of death worldwide. Of the many etiological factors, microorganisms constitute one. From the local impact of the gut microbiota on energy metabolism and obesity, to the distal association of periodontal disease with coronary heart disease, microbes have a significant impact on cardiovascular health. In terms of the ability to modulate or influence the microbes, probiotic applications have been considered. These are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a benefit on the host. While a number of reports have established the beneficial abilities of certain probiotic bacterial strains to reduce cholesterol and hypertension, recent research suggests that their use could be more widely applied. This review presents an up-to-date summary of the known associations of the microbiome with CVD, and potential applications of probiotic therapy.

Keywords: ACE, Angiotensin converting enzyme; ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder; BSH, Bile salt hydrolase; CLA, Conjugate linoleic acid; CRP, C-reactive protein; CVD, Cardiovascular disease; HSP, Heat shock protein; I/R, Ischemia/reperfusion; LDL-C Low density lipoprotein cholesterol; PD, Periodontal disease; TLR, Toll-like receptor; TMA, Trimethylamine; TMAO, Trimethylamine-N-oxide; cardioprotection; cardiovascular disease; dysbiosis; microbiome; periodontal disease; probiotics.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
The potential sites of action of probiotics in preventing and treating CVD. Schematic diagram indicates sites throughout the body in which probiotic bacteria may confer a cardiovascular benefit on the host. Of note, many of these activities remain to be proven in humans.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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