Abstract 16444: Gut Microbiota Derived Metabolite, Ursodeoxycholic Acid, and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Circulation, Volume 148, Issue Suppl_1, Page A16444-A16444, November 6, 2023. Introduction:Gut microbial metabolites have been recognized as risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. The associations between plasma levels of the gut microbiota derived metabolites with cardiovascular disease (CVD) have not been comprehensively examined. Our objective was to investigate the association between 6 secondary bile acids including ursodeoxycholic acid and CVD. Ursodeoxycholic acid is used to dissolve cholesterol gall stones to treat cholestatic liver diseases.Hypothesis:Gut microbiota derived metabolites are associated with CVD.Methods:We performed a secondary analysis of data from the cross-sectional Metabolic Syndrome in Men (METSIM) cohort. Our study included 915 men aged 45-73 years (age = 54.94 ± 5.04 years, BMI = 27.31 ± 3.44), randomly selected from the population register of Kuopio, Eastern Finland, from 2005 to 2010. The associations between 6 secondary bile acids (ursodeoxycholic acid, glycoursodeoxycholate, glycolithocholate sulfate, taurocholenate sulfate, taurochenodeoxycholate, and glycocholenate sulfate) and the risk of CVD were investigated. Kaplan-Meier analysis with Cox proportional-hazards regressions were conducted for the time-to-event analysis to determine hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for CVD. Adjustments were made for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (age, systolic blood pressure, low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, smoking status, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and alcohol consumption).Results:Participants were stratified into groups according to quartile metabolites levels and CVD. During a median follow-up of 16 years, n = 62 (7%) of patients experienced CVD. Only ursodeoxycholic acid was significantly associated with CVD risk. Cox regression analyses showed that the adjusted HR for CVD was higher in patients in quartile 4 (HR: 2.8, 95% [CI]: 1.35-4.6; p =0.008) than in quartile 1. The Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that patients in quartile 4 had a significantly lower event-free survival (p = 0.037) compare to quartile 1.Conclusions:Ursodeoxycholic acid, a secondary bile acid, was positively associated with an increased risk of CVD.

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Novembre 2023

Abstract 13116: Profiling the Role of Gut Microbiota-Derived Trimethylamine-N-Oxide in Cardiac Fibrosis — Evidence From a Primary Human in vitro Model

Circulation, Volume 148, Issue Suppl_1, Page A13116-A13116, November 6, 2023. Introduction:The gut derived trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is correlated with increased atrial inflammation and fibrosis and associated with atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and stroke. However, the mechanisms mediating these links remain unresolved.Hypothesis:TMAO and its precursor metabolite L-carnitine (LCART) induce the transformation of atrial fibroblasts into pro-fibrotic phenotypes.Aim:To characterise the association between TMAO and cardiac fibrosis.Methods:Primary human cardiac (atrial) fibroblasts (hCFs) were sourced from healthy donors. hCFs were starved for 24 h and treated with PBS (control), 20 ng/mL transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1), 10 mM TMAO, or 1.0 mM LCART for 72 h (n=6 in each), then analysed by flow cytometry for α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression. Unbiased proteomics was performed using LC-MS/MS to determine protein expression profile.Results:Analysis of αSMA expression revealed 3 hCF states: quiescent (Fbs), quiescent-to-myofibroblast (intermediate [Fbs-myoFbs]), and fully activated myofibroblast (myoFbs), (Fig-A). Compared to controls, there was no difference in the intermediate state after TGFβ1, TMAO, or LCART treatment (p=0.30). TMAO and LCART resulted in a significant induction of myofibroblast states compared to controls and TGFβ1 group. Unbiased proteomics identified 92, 65, and 43 proteins to be overexpressed and 84, 46, and 78 proteins downregulated following TGFβ1, TMAO, and LCART treatments (Fig-B). Both TGFβ1 and TMAO demonstrated shared enrichment for oxidative stress-regulated ferroptosis pathway (fold enrichment [FE] 31.8 and 22.2, p

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Novembre 2023

Abstract 13063: Gut Microbiota-Derived Metabolites and Cardiometabolic Traits: Findings From a Monozygotic Twin Study

Circulation, Volume 148, Issue Suppl_1, Page A13063-A13063, November 6, 2023. Introduction:Microbial metabolites are small chemical compounds produced by gut microbiota when it breaks down food, chemicals, or other environmental exposures. These metabolites serve as signaling molecules between the host and gut microbiota and regulate numerous aspects of host physiology, immunity, and metabolism.Hypothesis:Gut dysbiosis is associated with cardiometabolic disorders via alterations in microbial metabolites.Aims:To identify gut-microbiota-derived metabolites associated with cardiometabolic traits.Methods:Using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC), we measured the relative abundances of 62 food and gut-microbiota-derived metabolites in plasma sample of 46 complete monozygotic twin pairs (34 female-female pairs, 12 male-male pairs, mean age 36.2) enrolled in the Mood and Methylation Study (MMS), an observational study designed to identify biomarkers associated with depressive symptoms using a twin design. Information for cardiometabolic traits, including body mass index, waist circumference, blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL, was collected using standard questionnaires or laboratory methods. The association of each metabolite with cardiometabolic trait was examined by a linear mixed-effects model, adjusting for age, sex, smoking, drinking, and depressive symptoms. The co-twin correlation was accounted for by including twin pair as a random effect in the model.Results:After correction for multiple testing by false discovery rate (FDR

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Novembre 2023

Abstract 18307: Causal Association Between Gut Microbiota Composition and the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation

Circulation, Volume 148, Issue Suppl_1, Page A18307-A18307, November 6, 2023. Background:Considerable evidence has shown that alterations in gut microbiota composition are associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the causal associations remain largely unresolved. This study aims to reveal the causality between gut microbiota and AF.Method:We incorporated data from the largest genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of gut microbiota composition including a sample of 18,304 individuals and AF compared a total of 60,620 cases and 970,216 controls of European ancestry. A two-sample Mendelian randomization framework was designed to investigate the involvement of gut microbiota in AF.Results:Among all gut microbiota, four microbial taxa, namely Lachnospiraceae FCS020 group (OR: 1.077; 95% CI: 1.011- 1.148; P= 0.021), Rikenellaceae_ RC9_ gut_ group (OR: 1.047; 95% CI: 1.010- 1.086; P= 0.012), Catenibacterium (OR: 1.060; 95% CI: 1.002-1.122; P= 0.043), Victivallis (OR: 1.038; 95% CI: 1.001- 1.077; P= 0.044), and Erysipelatoclostridium (OR: 1.344; 95% CI:1.095-1.649; P= 0.014), were identified to be causally associated with the higher risk of AF. Besides, genetically predicted five microbial taxa, namely Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group (OR: 0.918; 95% CI: 0.865- 0.973; P= 0.004), Howardella (OR: 0.948; 95% CI: 0.910- 0.989; P= 0.012), Intestinibacter bartlettii (OR: 0.933; 95% CI: 0.879- 0.991; P= 0.024), Alloprevotella (OR: 0.942; 95% CI: 0.896-0.992; P= 0.022), Anaerostipes (OR: 0.922; 95% CI: 0.857-0.992; P= 0.030), Odoribacter (OR: 0.910; 95% CI: 0.831- 0.996; P= 0.041), Ruminococcus (gnavus group) (OR: 0.952; 95% CI: 0.908- 0.999; P= 0.044), and Ruminiclostridium 5 (OR: 0.678; 95% CI: 0.486- 0.947; P= 0.046), can prevent AF.Conclusions:Our study provides evidence of the causal effect of the gut microbiota on AF, highlighting causal microbial taxa. Our results may offer novel insights into gut microbiota-mediated mechanisms and interventions of AF.

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Novembre 2023

Safety and feasibility of faecal microbiota transplantation for patients with Parkinsons disease: a protocol for a self-controlled interventional donor-FMT pilot study

Introduction
Experimental studies suggest a role of gut microbiota in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) via the gut–brain axis. The gut microbiota can also influence the metabolism of levodopa, which is the mainstay of treatment of PD. Therefore, modifying the gut microbiota by faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) could be a supportive treatment strategy.

Methods and analysis
We have developed a study protocol for a single-centre, prospective, self-controlled, interventional, safety and feasibility donor-FMT pilot study with randomisation and double-blinded allocation of donor faeces. The primary objectives are feasibility and safety of FMT in patients with PD. Secondary objectives include exploring whether FMT leads to alterations in motor complications (fluctuations and dyskinesias) and PD motor and non-motor symptoms (including constipation), determining alterations in gut microbiota composition, assessing donor–recipient microbiota similarities and their association with PD symptoms and motor complications, evaluating the ease of the study protocol and examining FMT-related adverse events in patients with PD. The study population will consist of 16 patients with idiopathic PD that use levodopa and experience motor complications. They will receive FMT with faeces from one of two selected healthy human donors. FMT will be administered via a gastroscope into the duodenum, after treatment with oral vancomycin, bowel lavage and domperidone. There will be seven follow-up moments during 12 months.

Ethics and dissemination
This study was approved by the Medical Ethical Committee Leiden Den Haag Delft (ref. P20.087). Study results will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences.

Trial registration number
International Clinical Trial Registry Platform: NL9438.

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Ottobre 2023

Protocol for a double-blinded randomised controlled trial to assess the effect of faecal microbiota transplantations on thyroid reserve in patients with subclinical autoimmune hypothyroidism in the Netherlands: the IMITHOT trial

Background
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is a common endocrine autoimmune disease affecting roughly 5% of the general population and involves life-long treatment with levothyroxine, as no curative treatment yet exists. Over the past decade, the crosstalk between gut microbiota and the host immune system has been well-recognised, identifying the gut microbiome as an important factor in host health and disease, including susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. Previous observational studies yielded a link between disruption of the gut microbiome composition and HT. This is the first study that investigates the potential of restoring a disrupted gut microbiome with faecal microbiota transplantations (FMTs) to halt disease progression and dampen autoimmunity.

Methods and analysis
The IMITHOT trial is a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study evaluating either autologous or allogenic FMTs in medication-naïve patients with subclinical autoimmune hypothyroidism. In total, 34 patients will be enrolled to receive either three allogenic or autologous FMTs. FMT will be made of fresh stool and directly administered into the duodenum. Patients will be evaluated at baseline before the first FMT is administered and at 6, 12 and 24 months post-intervention to assess efficacy and adverse events. The primary outcome measure will be the net incremental increase (incremental area under the curve) on thyrotropin-stimulated free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine release at 6 and 12 months compared with baseline. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals and international conferences. The recruitment of the first patient and donor occurred on 18 December 2019.

Ethics and dissemination
Ethics approval was obtained from the hospital Ethics Committee (Medical Ethics Committee) at Amsterdam University Medical Center. The trial’s outcomes offer high-quality evidence that aids in unveiling distinct patterns within the gut microbiota potentially associated with improved thyroid function. Consequently, this may open avenues for the future clinical applications of microbial-targeted therapy in individuals at risk of developing overt HT.

Trial registration number
NL7931.

Leggi
Settembre 2023

Impact of a Powdered Meal Replacement on Metabolism and Gut Microbiota (PREMIUM) in individuals with excessive body weight: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Introduction
Excess body weight is associated with a state of low-grade chronic inflammation and alterations of the gut microbiome. Powdered meal replacements (PMR) have been shown to be an effective strategy for weight management; however, their effect on inflammation and the gut microbiome remains unclear. The aim of this 12-week randomised control clinical trial is to investigate the effects of PMR consumption, here given as a soy-yoghurt-honey formula, on inflammation, gut microbiome and overall metabolism in individuals with excessive body weight.

Methods and analysis
Healthy adults with excess body weight (n=88) are being recruited and randomly assigned to one of the following groups: (1) Control group (CON): maintaining usual diet for 12 weeks, or (2) PMR group: replacing morning and afternoon snacks daily with a PMR for 12 weeks. Participants are asked to maintain body weight throughout the study and fill out a journal with information about PMR consumption, body weight, food intake, appetite sensations and medications. Three study visits are required: baseline, week 6 and week 12. Outcome measures include systemic inflammatory biomarkers, gut microbiome composition, metabolic blood markers, host energy metabolism, body composition, appetite sensations and host gene expression profile.

Ethics and dissemination
This research protocol was approved by the University of Alberta Ethics Board (Pro00070712) and adheres to the Canadian Tri-Council Policy statement on the use of human participants in research. Procedures and potential risks are fully discussed with participants. Study findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and social media.

Trial registration number
NCT03235804.

Leggi
Settembre 2023

Dynamic changes in host immune system and gut microbiota are associated with the production of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies

Recently, we read the article by Ng et al with great interest,1 which identified several gut microbiota harbour the potential to improve immune response and reduce adverse events following COVID-19 vaccines, and demonstrated that gut microbiota has the potential to complement the effectiveness of vaccines. Together with several recent studies, gut microbiota plays a key role in modulating immune responses of vaccination2–4 and is related to the severity of COVID-19 patients,5 6 however, the comprehensive assessment of host’s response, particularly the role of gut microbiota in antibodies production is limited and should be seriously considered because the vaccination of SARS-CoV-2 is the most promising approach for curbing the COVID-19 pandemic.4 7 Therefore, we recruited 30 young volunteers (20–23 years old), including 15 male and 15 female volunteers, and collected 143 faecal and 120…

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Settembre 2023

Gut microbiota as non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for natural killer/T-cell lymphoma

We read with interest the study by Kartal et al1 showing that the gut-microbiota-derived biomarkers for disease stratification are often shared by subjects across disease cohorts. Here, we confirmed their observations with findings from a newly diagnosed natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) cohort, in which the gut biomarkers were significantly overlapped with those of multiple disease cohorts and consistently enriched/depleted in subjects with those diseases. Importantly, many of the shared biomarkers were remarkably associated with patient outcomes in our cohort, implying that they may have broad prognostic values in multiple diseases. ‘Microbiota-gut-lymphoma axis’ represents a fascinating avenue of microbiota-mediated lymphomagenesis and intervention opportunity,2 but the implications of gut microbiota in NKTCL remain enigmatic. To identify gut microbiota-derived diagnostic biomarkers for NKTCL, we recruited a discovery cohort consisting of 30 treatment-naïve patients and 20 healthy controls (HCs), and a validation cohort, including 12 patients and 13 HCs,…

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Settembre 2023

Obesity promotes a leaky gut, inflammation and pre-diabetes by lowering gut microbiota that metabolise ethanolamine

Microbiota are a source of low-grade inflammation during obesity and contribute to insulin resistance and poor blood glucose control among other mechanisms in the progression of type 2 diabetes.1 Nearly all bacteria that reside within the host are found in the intestine, but it is not yet clear how microbiota are a source of inflammation in the circulation or metabolic tissues during obesity. A key knowledge gap is understanding how obesity or certain diets promote gut barrier dysfunction that allows increased permeability for bacteria or bacterial components that can engage immune response and promote inflammation-induced metabolic dysfunction. Metabolic endotoxaemia is the key example of a bacterial source of inflammation. Obesity or diet-induced increases in lipopolysaccharides (LPS or endotoxin), that escape the gut lumen, penetrate the intestinal barrier and enter into the host circulation, cells and tissues. This low-level increase in LPS activate toll-like receptor 4, increase inflammation…

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Settembre 2023

A mechanism by which gut microbiota elevates permeability and inflammation in obese/diabetic mice and human gut

Objective
Ample evidence exists for the role of abnormal gut microbiota composition and increased gut permeability (‘leaky gut’) in chronic inflammation that commonly co-occurs in the gut in both obesity and diabetes, yet the detailed mechanisms involved in this process have remained elusive.

Design
In this study, we substantiate the causal role of the gut microbiota by use of faecal conditioned media along with faecal microbiota transplantation. Using untargeted and comprehensive approaches, we discovered the mechanism by which the obese microbiota instigates gut permeability, inflammation and abnormalities in glucose metabolism.

Results
We demonstrated that the reduced capacity of the microbiota from both obese mice and humans to metabolise ethanolamine results in ethanolamine accumulation in the gut, accounting for induction of intestinal permeability. Elevated ethanolamine increased the expression of microRNA-miR-101a-3p by enhancing ARID3a binding on the miR promoter. Increased miR-101a-3p decreased the stability of zona occludens-1 (Zo1) mRNA, which in turn, weakened intestinal barriers and induced gut permeability, inflammation and abnormalities in glucose metabolism. Importantly, restoring ethanolamine-metabolising activity in gut microbiota using a novel probiotic therapy reduced elevated gut permeability, inflammation and abnormalities in glucose metabolism by correcting the ARID3a/miR-101a/Zo1 axis.

Conclusion
Overall, we discovered that the reduced capacity of obese microbiota to metabolise ethanolamine instigates gut permeability, inflammation and glucose metabolic dysfunctions, and restoring ethanolamine-metabolising capacity by a novel probiotic therapy reverses these abnormalities.

Trial registration number
NCT02869659 and NCT03269032.

Leggi
Settembre 2023