Healthy intestinal flora can lower cholesterol levels, which in turn are an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Aside from its effect on cholesterol, the intestinal flora generally plays a key role in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.
Cardiovascular diseases are a global health problem, with so-called atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases even being the main cause of death worldwide. Elevated cholesterol levels are an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
How the intestinal flora influences cholesterol levels
Various studies have shown that the intestinal flora not only influences cholesterol levels, but also plays an extremely important role in the development of cardiovascular diseases.
For example, one study found that certain intestinal bacteria convert cholesterol into coprostanol and that short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids can lower cholesterol levels. Short-chain fatty acids serve as food for healthy intestinal bacteria.
In addition, probiotics from the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium (which have a beneficial effect on the intestinal flora) are very effective in reducing cholesterol levels, the researchers explain.
Unhealthy intestinal flora can promote atherosclerosis
According to further current research, the intestinal flora also plays a key role in the occurrence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, which, according to the experts involved, applies both directly and indirectly.
The intestinal flora directly promotes atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases by contributing to the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), according to the team. Indirectly, the intestinal flora plays a role in basic cardiovascular risk factors, which can lead to atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.
In the cardiovascular area, there is no longer any doubt that the intestinal flora plays a crucial role in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, the experts report.
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Essential intestinal metabolites, such as trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), secondary bile acids, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), are all associated with ischemic heart disease, according to the researchers.
Gut flora as a cardiovascular risk marker?
According to the researchers, the challenge in the coming years will be to move from theoretical understanding to clinical practice. For example, it could be possible to use a detailed analysis of the intestinal flora as a cardiovascular risk marker or to use probiotics in such a way that the cardiovascular risk is specifically reduced. (as)
