Gut and Oral Flora Impact on Coronary Atherosclerosis and Inflammation

Core Concepts

Gut and oral bacterial species are linked to coronary atherosclerosis and systemic inflammation, potentially serving as biomarkers or treatment targets.

Abstract

The study explores the association between gut bacterial species, oral flora, and coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic individuals. Key highlights include: Common oral bacteria, such as Streptococcus species, are linked to coronary atherosclerosis and inflammatory biomarkers. Gut and oral microbiota profiles are related, suggesting a potential pathway for oral pathogenic bacteria to enter circulation. Positive associations were found between specific bacterial species and coronary artery calcium scores, coronary plaque, and inflammatory biomarkers. Streptococci species, especially S anginosus, S oralis subsp oralis, and S parasanguinis, were strongly correlated with coronary atherosclerosis. The study suggests that gut bacterial species may contribute to atherogenesis and could be used as potential biomarkers or treatment targets in the future.

Stats

Among the 64 species correlated with coronary artery calcium scores, 51 showed a positive association. Twenty-five bacterial species correlated with coronary artery calcium scores were also associated with coronary plaque by CT angiography. Of the 54 species positively associated with coronary artery calcium scores, 13 tracked with C-reactive protein levels.

Quotes

"If the associations between gut bacterial species and markers of coronary atherosclerosis are found to be causal, such bacteria may contribute to atherogenesis by direct infection or by altering host metabolism." - Report

Key Insights Distilled From

Gut and Oral Flora Linked to Subclinical CAD, Inflammation

by Pauline Ande... at www.medscape.com 07-19-2023

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/994520

Deeper Inquiries

How might the findings of this study impact the development of new diagnostic tools or treatments for coronary atherosclerosis?

The findings of this study suggest a potential link between specific gut bacterial species and markers of coronary atherosclerosis, indicating a possible role of these bacteria in atherogenesis. If further research confirms a causal relationship, these bacterial species could serve as biomarkers for early detection of coronary artery disease. Diagnostic tools could be developed to analyze the gut microbiota composition and identify individuals at higher risk for developing atherosclerosis. Additionally, targeting these specific bacterial species through probiotics, antibiotics, or other treatments may offer new therapeutic strategies to prevent or slow down the progression of coronary artery disease.

What potential limitations could arise from the study's focus on asymptomatic individuals?

Focusing on asymptomatic individuals in this study may introduce limitations in extrapolating the findings to the general population. Asymptomatic individuals may have different gut microbiota profiles compared to symptomatic patients with established coronary artery disease. This could impact the generalizability of the results and the ability to apply them to individuals with symptomatic atherosclerosis. Additionally, asymptomatic individuals with subclinical atherosclerosis may represent a milder spectrum of the disease, potentially affecting the strength of associations between gut microbiota and coronary atherosclerosis. The study's findings may not fully capture the complexity of the gut microbiota and its role in atherosclerosis progression in symptomatic patients.

How can the relationship between gut microbiota and coronary atherosclerosis be further explored beyond the scope of this research?

To further explore the relationship between gut microbiota and coronary atherosclerosis, future research could consider longitudinal studies that track changes in gut microbiota composition over time in individuals with varying degrees of atherosclerosis. By following individuals from asymptomatic stages to symptomatic disease, researchers can better understand how gut microbiota dynamics influence the progression of coronary artery disease. Additionally, investigating the mechanisms through which specific bacterial species contribute to atherogenesis, such as through inflammation or metabolic alterations, can provide insights into potential therapeutic targets. Exploring the interactions between different bacterial species and their combined effects on atherosclerosis development could also enhance our understanding of the complex relationship between gut microbiota and coronary artery disease.