Gut microbiome-mediated mechanisms for reducing cholesterol levels: implications for ameliorating cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a health problem worldwide, and elevated cholesterol levels are a key risk factor for the disease. Dysbiotic gut microbiota has been shown to be associated with CVD development. However, the beneficial effects of healthy microbiota in decreasing cholesterol levels have not been summarized. Herein, we begin by discussing the potential mechanisms by which the gut microbiota reduces cholesterol levels. We further sketch the application of probiotics from the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in reducing cholesterol levels in clinical studies. Finally, we present the cholesterol-lowering function of beneficial commensal microbes, such as Akkermansia and Bacteroides spp., as these microbes have potential to be the next-generation probiotics (NGPs). The information reviewed in this paper will help people to understand how the gut microbiome might alter cholesterol metabolism and enable the development of NGPs to prevent and treat CVD.

Automated summary

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a global health issue, and elevated cholesterol levels are a major risk factor. Although dysbiotic gut microbiota has been linked to CVD development, the beneficial effects of a healthy microbiota in reducing cholesterol levels have not been summarized. This paper discusses the potential mechanisms of gut microbiota in lowering cholesterol levels and explores the use of probiotics in clinical studies. Furthermore, it highlights the cholesterol-lowering abilities of beneficial commensal microbes, such as Akkermansia and Bacteroides, which could be the next-generation probiotics (NGPs).