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Title: The emerging relevance of the gut microbiome in cardiometabolic health

Author
item OBIN, MARTIN - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University
item Parnell, Laurence
item ORDOVAS, JOSE - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University

Submitted to: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/19/2013
Publication Date: 10/22/2013
Citation: Obin, M., Parnell, L.D., Ordovas, J.M. 2013. The emerging relevance of the gut microbiome in cardiometabolic health. Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports. DOI 10.1007/s12170-013-0357-2.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Host metabolic pathways and physiological responses are regulated by signals linking the host to the gut microbial community or microbiome. Here, we draw a spotlight on lipid and bile acid metabolism and inflammatory response as they pertain to cardiometabolic dysfunction. Gut microbial dysbiosis alters the balance between circulating and stored lipids and promotes systemic inflammation, which then leads to obesity, insulin resistance, T2DM and an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease. The gut microbiome can also promote inflammation and symptomatic atherosclerosis in non-obese individuals. Additionally, metabolic byproducts of intestinal bacteria can increase cardiovascular risk and alter the effectiveness of statin therapy via cross-talk with human genes and signaling pathways in the gut and elsewhere in the body. Finally, we explore avenues by which research on the gut microbiome can move into clinics and physician offices for the betterment of cardiovascular health.