The role of gut microbiota in cerebrovascular disease and related dementia

In recent years, increasing evidence suggests that commensal microbiota may play an important role not only in health but also in disease including cerebrovascular disease. Gut microbes impact physiology, at least in part, by metabolizing dietary factors and host-derived substrates and then generating active compounds including toxins. The purpose of this current review is to highlight the complex interplay between microbiota, their metabolites. and essential functions for human health, ranging from regulation of the metabolism and the immune system to modulation of brain development and function. We discuss the role of gut dysbiosis in cerebrovascular disease, specifically in acute and chronic stroke phases, and the possible implication of intestinal microbiota in post-stroke cognitive impairment and dementia, and we identify potential therapeutic opportunities of targeting microbiota in this context.

Automated summary

Increasing evidence suggests that commensal microbiota may have significant effects on both health and disease, including cerebrovascular disease. Gut microbes can impact physiology by metabolizing dietary factors and host-derived substrates, leading to the creation of active compounds such as toxins. This review highlights the complex interplay between microbiota, their metabolites, and essential functions for human health, including metabolism regulation, immune system modulation, and brain development. It also discusses the role of gut dysbiosis in cerebrovascular disease, specifically in stroke phases, and the potential involvement of intestinal microbiota in post-stroke cognitive impairment and dementia, as well as potential therapeutic opportunities in targeting microbiota in this context.