Cell: more Oscillibacter gut bacteria reduces risk of heart disease

Scientists from the Broad Institute and Harvard University (both in the US) have found that a greater number of the special bacteria Oscillibacter and Eubacterium coprostanoligenes in the gut helps to lower blood cholesterol levels, thereby preventing the development of cardiovascular disease. The results of the study are published in the journal Cell.

The research team analysed the metabolites and microbial genomes of more than 1,400 participants in the Framingham Heart Study. This is a major US research project looking at risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Scientists sought to find out which changes in the gut microbiome correlate with better heart and vascular function.

The results showed that people with more Oscillibacter and Eubacterium coprostanoligenes bacteria in their gut showed improved cholesterol metabolism. Oscillibacter and Eubacterium coprostanoligenes are able to convert cholesterol into intermediates that can then be broken down by other bacteria and eliminated from the body.

Reducing cholesterol concentration is associated with protection against atherosclerosis, a chronic disease in which plaques form in the lumen of arterial vessels. Atherosclerosis affects the walls of blood vessels, reducing their elasticity and creating an obstacle to the flow of blood. As a consequence, there is a violation of blood supply to internal organs and hypertension develops. Atherosclerotic plaque rupture threatens such dangerous conditions as myocardial infarction or stroke.

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