The Role of Gut Microbiota and Probiotics-Prebiotics in the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases
Review Article
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15030564Keywords:
CVD, Probiotics, Prebiotics, Gut Microbiota, Immune HomeostasisAbstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, are among the most well-known and extensively studied diseases. The onset and progression of CVD are associated with multiple risk factors, among which the gut microbiota has gained significant attention over the past two decades. The microbial community colonizing the gut, referred to as the gut microbiota, plays a crucial role in human health. In particular, gut dysbiosis is directly linked to various acute and chronic dysfunctions of the host's cardiovascular system. Previous studies have demonstrated a strong association between CVD pathogenesis, gut microbiota imbalance, and inflammatory responses. Probiotics and prebiotics, which provide various health benefits to the host, have emerged as promising therapeutic interventions for many diseases. These two types of dietary supplements have the potential to reduce cardiovascular disease risks by improving the levels of cardiovascular markers such as total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and specific cytokines related to the inflammatory response. This review discusses the protective effects of probiotics and prebiotics in balancing structural and functional changes in the gut microbiota and maintaining immune homeostasis.
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