Gut Microbiota Modulation as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy in Cardiometabolic Diseases.

The human gut harbors microbial ecology that is in a symbiotic relationship with its host and has a vital function in keeping host homeostasis. Inimical alterations in the composition of gut microbiota, known as gut dysbiosis, have been associated with cardiometabolic diseases. Studies have revealed the variation in gut microbiota composition in healthy individuals as compared to the composition of those with cardiometabolic diseases. Perturbation of host-microbial interaction attenuates physiological processes and may incite several cardiometabolic disease pathways. This imbalance contributes to cardiometabolic diseases via metabolism-independent and metabolite-dependent pathways. The aim of this review was to elucidate studies that have demonstrated the complex relationship between the intestinal microbiota as well as their metabolites and the development/progression of cardiometabolic diseases. Furthermore, we systematically itemized the potential therapeutic approaches for cardiometabolic diseases that target gut microbiota and/or their metabolites by following the pathophysiological pathways of disease development. These approaches include the use of diet, prebiotics, and probiotics. With the exposition of the link between gut microbiota and cardiometabolic diseases, the human gut microbiota therefore becomes a potential therapeutic target in the development of novel cardiometabolic agents.

1. Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are disorders of the heart and its associated blood vessels. They are most commonly coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease/stroke, aortic atherosclerosis, and peripheral vascular disease [1]. Cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) describe a span of conditions beginning with insulin resistance, progressing to metabolic syndrome and pre-diabetes, and ultimately end in CVD and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) [2]. CVD are leading causes of morbidity and mortality and result in huge global economic challenges [3]. The risk factors for CVD include unhealthy lifestyle practices (physical inactivity, alcohol, smoking, and diet), hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia [4]. The unchanging escalation of risk factors for CVD, such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and obesity, mandates a probe for better approaches to prevent and modify the path of these CMD [5]. This led to significant interest in investigations on interactions between the gut microbiota and CMD [6,7,8,9].

Microbial sequencing analysis has supplied many facts about the existence of particular intestinal microbiomes linked with CMD [6,7,8]. Many investigations have demonstrated that disturbance of the gut microbiome equilibrium may play a role in altering CVD susceptibility by influencing aspects of immune response as well as susceptibility to obesity, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, and thrombosis [10]. The microbiota also communicate with distal host organs through complex pathways via intestinal-microbiota-generated metabolites. This has been shown to affect the relevant factors of CVD, ranging from inflammation, obesity, and insulin resistance to more direct processes such as atherosclerosis and thrombosis susceptibility, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and heart failure (HF) [11]. The term microbiota refers to a colony of an indefinite number of micro-organisms, collectively known as the microbiome, hosted by the human body. Microbiota reside mainly in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and especially the colon, where they enjoy an anaerobic, nutrient-rich environment suitable for their growth and colonization [12]. They contribute to various host metabolic functions [13] and are also able to produce biologically active metabolites that can affect host–receptor stimulation, transmission, and immunomodulatory functions [14,15].

The gut microbiota can therefore be considered an endocrine organ, because in addition to releasing their own agents, they also metabolize food substances and host matters into hormone-like signals. These products affect normal body functioning and chronic diseases including cardiometabolic ones [16]. The gut microbiota, therefore, partake directly or indirectly in our health status.

The response to the currently available evidence-based treatment modalities for CMD target only a fraction of the putative pathophysiological pathways [17]. They are expensive, accompanied by many unwanted side effects, and suboptimal despite adherence [14,18]. This is evident by the fact that CVD still maintains its lead in the cause of mortality globally. Hence, a more affordable and effective preventive and treatment strategy is urgently required. In view of producing better therapeutic targets, several studies have demonstrated that gut microbiota are closely associated with the development of CMD. Therefore, they are expected to become an essential target for CMD [17]. This recent awareness of the contributive role of gut microbiota and their metabolites in CMD consequently presents a fresh therapeutic target for drug discovery [19].

Review articles have studied gut microbiota in relation to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases elsewhere [12,20,21]. The focus of those studies was on gut microbiota and their metabolites in relation to disease development. They paid little attention to how gut microbiota and/or their metabolites could be utilized as a therapeutic strategy. Those that discussed the utilization of gut microbiota in the therapeutic approach did so on a general note. The present review summarizes the complex interplay between gut microbiota, their metabolites, and their potential roles in the development of CMD. It differs from the previous studies by further elucidating the targeting of the gut microbiome and its metabolites as a potential therapy or prophylaxis for CMD along the microbiota-related pathophysiological pathways of CMD development.

2. Gut Microbiota

Microbiota are described as a collection of microorganisms that share human body space. These organisms include commensals, symbiotics, and pathogenics [22]. The gut microbiota embodies bacteria, archaea, fungi, eukaryotes, and viruses or phages [6]. The genome of these organisms is referred to as the “microbiome” [23]. The continuous exposure of humans to the environment following birth aids the speedy colonization of the gut by 10 to 100 trillion bacteria that are usually non-harmful [24,25]. This figure is 10 times greater than the number of human cells and the component genetic information is about 100 times higher than the human genome [26,27,28]. The make-up of the gut microbiota in the healthy state is relatively stable and accounted for by the following major phyla: Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia [25]. The first two phyla are the predominant ones, and other phyla include Cyanobacteria and Fusobacteria [12,25,26,27,28]. The microbiota that colonize the gut are mainly in the colon, where a nutrient-rich and anaerobic environment is provided [12]. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio is viewed as a health indicator of intestinal microbiota [26]. The development of bacterial genome analyses has transformed microbial studies [10] by permitting the recognition of microorganisms and their relative abundance in the absence of traditional microbial culturing [29]. The commonly employed sequencing techniques are 16S analysis and metagenomic sequencing [10]. A better understanding of the role of the gut microbiota is therefore available since the microbiome analysis identifies and describes the gut microbiota by evaluating and categorizing their genomes and the corresponding metabolites [30]. This technology allows the investigation of the fundamental connection between the precise gut microbiome make-up and CMD [6,7,27,31].

Imbalance in the intestinal microbiome is also known as gut dysbiosis. It is associated with several conditions including gastrointestinal disorders, asthma, allergies, central nervous system disorders, metabolic syndromes, cancers, and CVD [32,33].

Physiologic Role of Gut Microbiota

The gut microbiota are involved in the physiologic functions of the host via participation in digestion, metabolism, barrier protection, and immunological processes [34]. The major function of the gut microbiota are their involvement in digestion and nutrient utilization. The gut microbiota manufacture short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from dietary fiber digestion via the saccharolytic pathway, which is responsible for the majority of microbiota-generated SCFAs. They also break down protein via the proteolytic pathway, which also produces SCFAs and other metabolites such as ammonia, thiols, and various amines [12]. The SCFAs obtained from the digestion of complex carbohydrates perform several roles and are mainly butyrate, propionate, and acetate [34]. Butyrate is vital in glucose homeostasis and energy regulation [31]. Acetate helps in fat storage regulation, while propionate acts as a raw material for gluconeogenesis in the liver [35,36]. These SCFAs can be interchanged by the microbiota based on a particular SCFA demand [37].

The three SCFAs vary in their physiological effect on the host [38]. Butyrate and propionate act as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors [39]. Inhibition of this enzyme attenuates hyperglycemia via regulation of glucose-6-phosphate expression and the ensuing gluconeogenesis [40]. This action was found to be responsible for the hypoglycemic effect of butyrate in a diabetic model [41]. Butyrate also activates the liberation of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) from gut cells [42,43]. GLP-1 is capable of inciting pancreatic β-cell regeneration and apoptosis reduction in addition to inducing the synthesis and release of insulin [44]. Furthermore, butyrate promotes energy expenditure and stimulates mitochondrial function [45,46,47]. Butyrate has been demonstrated to induce satiety and decrease food intake by suppressing the activity of orexigenic neurons that express neuropeptide Y in the hypothalamus [48]. It also causes increased anorexigenic gut hormones [49,50].

Acetate, on the other hand, reduces the accumulation of fat via alteration of fatty acid oxidation [51] or synthesis and adenosine-monophosphate-activated protein kinase activity [52,53]. It decreases hepatic fat deposition by reducing circulating free fatty acids and de novo lipogenesis as well as improving mitochondrial efficiency [54]. In the adipose tissue, it increases mitochondrial activity and thermogenesis, therefore reducing fat accumulation even without appetite changes [55,56]. The benefits of SCFAs on glucose and energy homeostasis may appear paradoxical [57]. Although propionate has been traditionally known as a substrate for hepatic gluconeogenesis [36], the favorable outcome of propionate on glucose and energy homeostasis has been proven to be via intestinal gluconeogenesis (IGN). Propionate in the intestine is transformed into glucose (before it arrives at the liver) through IGN [57]. This IGN-produced glucose is sensed by the portal vein glucose sensor and can stimulate the hypothalamic nuclei concerned with the control of food intake with a subsequent reduction in food consumption [58].

The gut microbiota also participate in the production of essential amino acids, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin K, thiamine, and riboflavin through the breakdown of the residual substrates [59,60]. Other physiological roles of gut microbiota aside from digestive function include control of intestinal mucosal barriers, regulation of nutrient metabolism and utilization, activation of the immune system, and protection from pathogens, as well as interruption of pathogen transfer [61,62,63,64,65].

The intestinal microbiota, following the stimulation of pattern recognition receptor (PRR), also incite the formation of isolated lymphoid follicles in the bowel [66,67]. PRRs recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) on microbes to launch an immune response and are expressed on immunological cells such as dendritic cells and macrophages [28,66]. The gut microbiota, just like pathogenic organisms, also have PAMPs that are recognized by different classes of PRR, such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) [34]. Microbiota also participate in host immune function by stimulating the maturation of gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALTs). GALTs line the intestinal mucosa and form an essential mechanism of defense against pathogens [12,66,67]. The gut microbiota is involved in the activation and differentiation of various T and B lymphocytes [28,66]. In addition, the gut microbiota modulate the mucosal production of immunoglobulins (especially immunoglobulin A), which play a critical role in maintaining intestinal barrier function [28,66,68]. The intestinal barrier’s regulation acts in conjunction with the host immune system to prevent inappropriate inflammation [12,69].

Gut bacteria can also change bile acid composition and affect host metabolism. They produce secondary bile acids from unabsorbed primary bile acids. The secondary bile acid finds its way into the host blood system, where it modifies the pathways that are responsible for metabolism, inflammation, and energy balance [70]. Gut microbiota operates as a pseudo-organ with unparalleled endocrine potential. They produce plenty of regulatory chemicals via metabolism-independent (Figure 1 and Figure 2) or metabolism-dependent pathways (Figure 3), in comparison with the host endocrine organs that liberate a few hormones. These microbiota-derived products produce varying biological effects in the host [16] (Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4). For example, microbial molecules capable of impacting host and disease states include neurotransmitters [71], uremic toxins [72], lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) [73], bile acids [74], nitric oxide [75], trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) [76], gut hormones [77], SCFAs [78], vitamin B complex [79], vitamin K [80], GLP-1, and peptide YY (PYY) [81].

Figure 1

Gut dysbiosis and potential metabolism-independent pathways linked to cardiometabolic diseases. The increased gut permeability effect of gut dysbiosis causes direct bacterial translocation as well as the release of LPS into the blood circulation. The circulating bacteria result in vascular endothelial damage, formation of foam cells, inflammation, and insulin resistance. The released LPS stimulates TLR and other PRRs to cause immune reaction and modulation of cholesterol transport. All these can lead to CMD. CMD: cardiometabolic diseases; LPS: lipopolysaccharide; TLR: Toll-like receptor; PRR: pattern recognition receptor.

Figure 2

Gut dysbiosis and metabolism-independent bacteria signal release as linked to cardiometabolic diseases. Dysbiosis results in elevated bacterial LPS in circulation. The LPS in the bloodstream can stimulate TLR to produce the following effects: 1. Activation of the host immune system leads to vascular inflammation. 2. Liberation of inflammatory cytokines leads to systemic inflammation, which can cause cardiac apoptosis, fibrosis, or hypertrophy. 3. Promotion of foam cell formation leads to atherosclerosis plaque. 4. Stimulation of B2 cell activation in the spleen results in IgG production and eventually atherosclerosis development. 5. Stimulation of PCSK9 transcription, which reduces cholesterol elimination, leading to hypercholesterolemia. 6. The promotion of insulin resistance. These effects can lead to CMD. CMD: cardiometabolic diseases; LPS: lipopolysaccharide; TLR: Toll-like receptor; PRR: pattern recognition receptor; IL: interleukin; TNF-α: tumor necrosis factor-alpha; PCSK9: proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9; IgG: immunoglobulin G.

Figure 3

Gut dysbiosis and potential metabolism-dependent pathways linked to cardiometabolic diseases. Gut microbiota are linked to various CMD developments via the production of metabolites such as bile acids, short-chain fatty acids, trimethylamine-N-oxide production, and uremic toxin. SCFA: short chain fatty acids; TMA: trimethylamine; TMAO: trimethylamine N-oxide; GPR: G-protein–coupled receptor; Olfr78: olfactory receptors; BP: blood pressure; FXR: farnesoid X receptor; TGRS, G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor.

Figure 4

Trimethylamine N-oxide and its association with cardiometabolic diseases. The action of gut bacterial TMA lyase on dietary choline generates TMA. Hepatic FMOs convert TMA into trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). The effects of TMAO are associated with foam cell formation, alterations in cholesterol metabolism, platelet hyper-responsiveness, vascular inflammation, and adverse cardiac remodeling, all of which can contribute to CMD. TMA: trimethylamine; TMAO: trimethylamine N-oxide; FMO: flavin-containing monooxygenases; CMD: cardiometabolic diseases; MI: myocardial infarction; T2DM: type 2 diabetes mellitus.

3. Gut Dysbiosis and the Disease States

Dysbiosis describes a situation of imbalance in the microbial ecology of the human system [23]. Gut dysbiosis refers to quantitative and qualitative alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota [30] and can result from exposure to several factors such as diet, stress (physical and psychological), inflammation, and antibiotic usage [82]. The use of antibiotics is the leading cause of dysbiosis and its potential to cause it depends on the spectrum of activity, pharmacokinetics, dosage, and duration of administration [83]. A broader spectrum antibiotic that is poorly absorbed with a large dosage and long period of administration will cause a more impactful dysbiosis. Stress may cause dysbiosis via the norepinephrine-induced growth of Gram-negative microorganisms or by stress-induced alterations in intestinal secretions and motility. Dysbiosis may result from the consumption of foods rich in sulfur compounds, high in protein, and/or high in meat via alterations in microbiota composition and/or metabolites [83]. Dysbiosis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many disorders, which include CVD and metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. It has also been associated with cancer and infectious diseases [35,84,85,86,87,88,89,90]. CVD has been linked to changes in the gut microbiota and/or its metabolites [91,92,93]. Special attention has been given in recent times to the interaction between CVDs (such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and HF) and gut dysbiosis [94,95,96,97].

The dysbiosis model varies in various disease states. A remarkable elevation in Lactobacillales (Firmicutes) and a decrease in Bacteroidetes were reported in coronary artery disease (CAD) individuals [98], whereas diabetic individuals manifest a reduction in Firmicutes in addition to a non-significant increase in Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria [99]. The proportion of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes is a pointer to gut microbial health since these two account for the majority of gut bacteria [23]. Studies therefore propose that changes in the ratio of the microbe communities Firmicutes (F) and Bacteroidetes (B), known as the F/B ratio, can be possibly employed as a biosignature for disease conditions [100,101]. Available data have associated the actions and composition of the gut microbiome with health and disease [14]. Furthermore, the heightened presence of disease-causing organisms (such as Bacteroides caccae and Escherichia coli) and a depleted number of ”good” bacteria (such as Eubacterium rectale and Roseburia) have also been linked to higher risks of CVD [102,103].

In terms of specific bacteria that are directly associated with various CMDs, hypertension is associated with depletion of Lactobacillus murinus and Anaerostipes but increased Prevotella, Erwinia, and Corynebacteriaceae [9,104]. HF is associated with increased abundance of Campylobacter, Shigella, and Yersinia enterocolitica as well as a decreased abundance of F. prausnitzii, Oscillibacter sp., and Sutterella wadsworthensis in human feces [9,97,105]. Lower concentrations of Roseburia intestinalis and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, as well as higher concentrations of Lactobacillus spp. and Streptococcus spp., have been observed in atherosclerotic CVD and diabetes [106,107]. Other bacteria found in atherosclerotic plaque include Chryseomonas, Collinsella, and Veillonella species [6,108,109]. Studies have demonstrated that obesity and diabetes are associated with lower Akkermansia muciniphila [110,111]. Clostridium spp. level is inversely related to diabetes and hyperlipidemia while Lactobacillus spp. is directly related to diabetes [112,113].

4. Pathophysiological Process of Gut Microbiota in Cardiometabolic Diseases

The gut microbiota interact with the host and modulate cardiometabolic processes to cause CMD via two main pathways [16]: metabolism-independent routes (Figure 1 and Figure 2) and metabolism-dependent routes (Figure 3).

4.1. Metabolism-Independent Pathway

Metabolism-independent routes involve the translocation of bacteria and/or their structural components into the circulation with inflammatory activation [73]. For example, peptidoglycan and structural components of the microbiota such as LPSs, both of which are constituents of microbial anatomy, can cause direct modulation of the host gut cells through Toll-like receptors (TLRs) [16,114].

4.1.1. Direct Translocation of Bacteria

Studies have demonstrated evidence of the transfer of intestinal bacteria to the heart, with subsequent development of CVD and detection of intestinal bacterial genes in atherosclerotic plaques [115,116]. This shows that direct intestinal bacteria transfer is a mechanism through which gut microbiota lead to the development and progression of CVD [9].

4.1.2. Releasing Gut Microbial Signals

Gut dysbiosis may result in higher gut permeability [9]. Additionally, splanchnic congestion associated with some CVDs, such as HF, causes intestinal edema, which compromises the intestinal barrier. The resultant effect of this is the leakage of bacterial components such as LPS into the circulation [23]. Higher gut permeability causes the release of bacterial LPS into circulation. The LPS in the bloodstream can stimulate Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), leading to a downstream signal that is transduced by myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MYD88) to promote inflammation and foam cell formation [34]. The subsequent effect of TLR stimulation as it culminates in CMD is depicted in Figure 2.

Several studies affirm the association between inflammatory processes and CVD risk [117,118]. Atherosclerosis-associated CVD is now viewed as a chronic inflammatory disease leading to a series of biochemical and histological changes that culminate in plaque formation and rupture rather than just a cholesterol buildup event [119]. Patients with low-grade inflammation were found to be at risk of CVD despite having controlled cholesterol [120]. The CANTOS clinical trial (Canakinumab Anti-inflammatory Thrombosis Outcome Study) revealed that the risk of a cardiovascular (CV) event was significantly lowered following treatment with canakinumab, which is an inhibitor of interleukin (IL)-1β [121]. Moreover, IL-22 has been targeted for the treatment of CMD. It was observed to decrease inflammation and endotoxemia, protect the intestinal barrier, and enhance insulin sensitivity and endocrine actions, as well as control fat metabolism [122,123,124]. Better awareness of the impact of intestinal microbiota in initiating inflammation can provide treatment strategies for CVD [21]. The recognition of the gut microbiota responsible for immune reactions leading to CVD therefore serves as a therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of inflammation-associated CVD. This makes immunomodulatory agents an optimistic therapy for CVD [21]. The limitation of this approach is the likelihood of opportunistic infections, especially in individuals having multi-morbidities, as usually noticed in CVD patients [21].

4.2. Metabolism-Dependent Pathway

Gut microbiota can directly affect CV risk factors and CVD development as well as progression. This direct effect is via the production of metabolites such as bile acids, short-chain fatty acids, trimethylamine-N-oxide, and uremic toxin (Figure 3) [16,80]. These metabolites can exercise systemic effects after gaining entrance into the circulation or local intestinal function. Many of these metabolites are immediately operative, while others require additional metabolism by the host to be functional [12,96,125,126,127,128].

4.2.1. The Gut Microbiota Metabolite: SCFAs

SCFAs are 1- to 6-carbon products of gut microbial degradation of undigested dietary fibers and are predominantly acetate, propionate, and butyrate in the human body [19,23,129]. Besides being a macronutrient energy source supplying close to a tenth of host energy [130], SCFAs act as a modulator of several processes. These include inflammatory responses, autonomic systems, gluconeogenesis, blood pressure, and lipid metabolism, as well as other cellular functions [10,23]. Intestinal and systemic immune reactions are improved by SCFAs [131]. Numerous likely modulatory actions of gut microbiota on CVD are believed to be via SCFAs [10]. A considerable reduction in bacteria responsible for SCFA liberation has been discovered in patients with hypertension [132,133], HF [30], and other CVDs [7]. SCFAs thus appear to have a cardioprotective effect [30]. For example, gut microbial metabolites butyrate and propionate promote blood pressure reduction via modulation of the renin–angiotensin system [134,135]. SCFAs also modulate tight junction protein expression and preserve gut wall integrity [136]. Furthermore, they improve liver uptake of cholesterol and/or obstruct its production, therefore ameliorating hypercholesterolemia and ultimately preventing the development of CVD [137]. Butyrate prevents obesity [50] and CVD [138], enhances insulin sensitivity, and attenuates diabetes [47,139]. Furthermore, it decreases adipocyte and intestinal inflammation [140]. Butyrate-generating bacteria were appreciably fewer in feces of type 2 diabetic [106,141,142] and atherosclerotic patients in comparison with normal individuals [7]. Propionate acts via the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPR) 41 receptor to produce vasorelaxation and eventual hypotension in mice [134].

Dysbiosis associated with hypertension has been shown to be via changes in the bacteria metabolites, especially SCFAs [91]. Butyrate is mainly liberated by Firmicutes, whereas Bacteroidetes produce acetate and propionate [143]. The Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio (the F/B ratio) in the feces can be a reader for an individual gut microbial metabolite [9]. Alterations in bacteria makeup that are linked to hypertension are accompanied by changes in the bacterial metabolite levels [91]. Hypertension animal models were associated with a significant reduction in bacteria liberating acetate and butyrate [132]. Hypertension research has also revealed greater F/B ratio in affected hosts [132,144,145].

SCFAs can act as signaling agents that control host function via receptor systems. The binding of SCFAs to GPR 41 or GPR43 can lead to the production of hormones such as GLP-1 in the intestine. This will modulate inflammation and energy regulation [146,147]. Circulating SCFAs can act through GPCRs to modulate blood pressure. The implicated GPCRs are in the resistance vessels on which their action results in modulation of tone and are mainly GPR41 and olfactory receptor 78 (Olfr78) [10,148]. Olfr78 is specifically pronounced in the juxtaglomerular apparatus of the kidney, where it controls the liberation of renin following stimulation by SCFAs [23]. GRP41 and Olfr78 are both pronounced in small resistance vessels, and they differentially influence vascular tone [23]. Stimulation of GRP41 may reduce blood pressure, as GRP41 knock-out mice are hypertensive [149], but activation of Olfr78 can increase blood pressure, as Olfr78 knock-out mice are hypotensive [134]. In addition, SCFA propionate binds to Olfr78 to elevate blood pressure after stimulation of renin release and may also bind to GPR41 to reduce blood pressure [150]. SCFAs are documented to modulate blood pressure in mice by regulating renin secretion via GPR41 and olfactory receptor 78 (Olf78) [151]. SCFAs bring about vasodilation and control liberation of renin and eventually blood pressure through GPCRs, majorly Gpr41 and Olfr78 [149,152,153]. The hypotensive effect of SCFAs on binding to GPR41 is via endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation [152]. SCFAs from gut microbiota also prevent oxidative stress and maintain the immune system [10]. Regulation of appetite via the gut–brain axis has been identified as another mechanism through which SCFAs affect metabolic processes [48,154,155]. In addition, SCFAs have an intestinal-barrier-protective function. Butyrate may encourage the proliferation of gut mucosa and restore injured gut epithelium, thereby preserving the integrity of the gut wall and decreasing gut and systemic inflammation [156]. The outcome of several animal investigations supports the modulatory effect of intestinal-microbiota-liberated SCFAs in CV processes. More studies are required to translate this effect into the management of human CVD [19].

4.2.2. The Gut Microbiota Metabolite: Trimethyl Amine-N-oxide (TMAO)

Bacterial degradation of trimethylamine (TMA) [N(CH3)3] -containing nutrients such as choline, phosphatidylcholine, lecithin, and L-carnitine may liberate TMA following the action of a TMA lyase, which is a particular enzyme of intestinal microbes [125,128,157] (Figure 4).

The microbial choline TMA-lyase CutC and its corresponding activating protein CutD are recognized to break the C-N bond of choline to generate TMA [158]. Following absorption and subsequent transportation of intestinal TMA to the liver, the activity of hepatic flavin monooxygenase (FMOs; particularly FMO3) transforms it into TMAO (Figure 4) [159]. In addition to CutC/D, the release of TMA from other substrates is by the action of other enzymes that include carnitine monooxygenase (CntA/B) [160], CntA/B betaine reductase [161], TMAO reductase [162], and YeaW/X [163].

The main purpose of the conversion of TMA to TMAO by flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) is to enhance its solubility and elimination by the kidney [164,165]. The expressed effect of FMO3 on the intestinal absorption of cholesterol, reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), and bile acid formation in mice is possibly via TMAO, which hampers macrophage RCT, thereby elevating CVD risk by heightening plaque formation [166]. FMO3 was found to be upregulated and lead to elevated TMAO levels in obese-insulin-resistant mice [167].

The two primary determinants of circulating TMAO are high TMA-producing gut microbiota composition [168] and dietary consumption of TMAO substrates [17]. Dietary sources of TMA have such a large impact on the circulating quantity especially because TMA/TMAO production clearly relies on dietary derivations [23]. Dietary sources of TMA include red meat, milk, fish, eggs, soybeans, peanuts, and vegetables [169]. No-meat or white meat diets are correlated with appreciably lower quantities of blood TMAO compared to red-meat-rich diets [170]. Omnivores therefore have higher fecal TMA/TMAO and blood TMAO quantities than vegetarians and vegans [128].

TMAO is a risk factor for heart and kidney diseases [171]. It has several atherosclerosis and/or thrombosis and inflammatory actions in experimental animals [23]. TMA/TMAO generation causes the regulation of cholesterol and/or bile acid metabolism, including transportation [128]. Studies also demonstrated the regulatory role of TMAO in inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and vascular dysfunction [127,172]. A strong association between high risk of CVD and circulating TMAO was demonstrated in germ-free mice and human studies [125,128,173,174,175]. Heightened TMAO quantities can predict higher risks of peripheral artery disease [176], CAD [177], myocardial infarction (MI) [178], stroke [173,175], and HF [179], even without taking cognizance of the traditional CV risk factors [173].

Elevated blood TMAO leading to foam cell formation and the subsequent atherosclerotic plaque was observed in normal gut microbiota mice following the feeding of a high choline diet [125]. Additionally, feeding a high choline diet to mice results in adverse myocardial fibrosis and ventricular remodeling [17].

Various microbial constitutions possess different capacities to liberate TMAO. It can therefore be theorized that a greater quantity of TMAO and elevated CVD risk will result from a higher TMA-generating dysbiotic bacterial constitution [173]. For example, Prevotella human gut bacteria is associated with more circulating TMAO compared to Bacteroides [128]. The variation in the TMA generating capability of these gut bacteria was linked to the differences in the presence of genes encoding proteins (particularly cutC and cutD) involved in choline utilization and TMA production [180]. The TMA-generating gut microbes are Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. Others include Prevotella, Akkermansia, Ruminococcus gnavus, and Sporobacter [169]. These organisms are linked to atherosclerotic CAD [80].

High TMAO level is associated with hypertension [181], atherosclerosis [80,182], a higher risk of stroke [183], and death [80,182]. The hypertensive effect of elevated plasma TMAO is via its action on the renin–angiotensin system, which can also cause hypertension-associated CAD [171,184,185]. Elevated circulating TMAO impacts fat metabolism [76] mainly via decreased RCT as well as impaired cholesterol breakdown [34]. It also causes changes in bile constitution and transportation [125,128,186]. These encourage atherosclerosis development. Larger plasma TMAO increased CAD risk by 43% [76]. Endothelial dysfunction and C-reactive protein (CRP) are also linked to TMAO and associated with elevated LPS toxin [187]. TMAO may encourage monocyte adherence and increase vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), and protein kinase C [188]. These cause stimulation of the inflammatory reaction and endothelial dysfunction, both of which promote CVD development [17].

Researchers have revealed that TMAO acts via calcium signaling to enhance platelet reactivity and the risk of thrombosis with a likely CAD. For instance, several mice thrombosis models demonstrated increased platelet activity and eventual clotting following intake of a choline-rich diet or gut-microbiota-associated TMAO surge as well as direct injection of TMAO [96]. Elevated blood TMAO causes circulating cholesterol buildup and eventual atherosclerotic plaque production by decreasing the expression of bile-acid-synthetic enzymes cytochrome-P450 (Cyp)7a1 and Cyp27a1 as well as exacerbating the macrophage scavenger receptor (ScR) CD36 [128]. ScR promotes the uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), which encourages the generation of foam cells [189], while both RCT and cholesterol removal are decreased by reduced expression of the BA synthetic enzymes [190].

The compromised gut barrier and higher permeability associated with chronic HF also allow seamless passage of TMAO into the systemic circulation, resulting in heightened levels [17]. HF patients therefore have high TMAO and poor outcomes [174,179,191,192]. TMAO was noticed to cause myocardial fibrosis and cardiac hypertrophy in experimental rats [193]. Elevated levels of TMAO and cholesterol-associated foam cells as well as atherosclerotic plaque were observed in choline- or carnitine-rich-diet-fed mice [25,128]. Similarly, transplantation of high-TMA-generating microbiota transfers TMAO production as well as increased thrombosis risk into germ-free mice [96].

4.2.3. The Gut Microbiota Metabolite: Bile Acids (BAs)

The gut microbiota influence the modulation of hepatic cholesterol metabolism [62,74], in addition to their role in the transformation of BAs, which affects circulating cholesterol levels [194]. Cholesterol is the major ingredient for BA synthesis, which is an important route of cholesterol elimination [190]. The role of BAs in atherosclerosis management is bidirectional. Cholesterol catabolism occurs via its synthetic process in addition to the athero-protective function of secondary BAs [195]. The modulatory effect of intestinal microbiota on BA metabolism is via the action of their enzyme bile-salt hydrolase (BSH), which transforms primary BAs into secondary BAs [35,195]. The atherosclerosis-promoting effects of gut dysbiosis may be due to the resultant reduction in BSH action of the new microbial components, leading to reduced cholesterol elimination and consequent atherosclerosis [34]. Primary BA synthesis occurs in the liver, from where it is secreted to emulsify fat in the intestine. Primary BA conversion to secondary BAs occurs in the intestine [35,190]. The intestinal lumen contains both primary and secondary BAs but more primary BAs. Most of the primary BAs are reabsorbed in the ileum (via the action of the BA transporter) and transported once again to the liver to be released once more [190]. Secondary BAs will probably be excreted through the feces since they are rarely absorbed due to their insolubility, therefore allowing the removal of cholesterol [56]. This whole process is termed enterohepatic circulation of BAs and is regulated by BA-signaling of the hepatic farnesoid X receptor (FXR) [190].

FXR activation by BA hinders the expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) in the liver, thereby reducing the synthesis of primary bile acid [196]. Therefore, FXR activation by bile acids results in negative feedback modulating bile acid levels [19]. The microbial BSH is an important enzyme that modulates the stimulation of FXR and the ensuing signaling. Its role in the production of more excretable secondary BAs encourages fecal cholesterol removal [197]. Depletion of BSH as a result of dysbiosis makes more primary BA available for enterohepatic circulation re-absorption. This resultant exacerbated stimulation of hepatic FXR by excess BA suppresses the expression of the BA synthesizing enzyme CYP7A1 and the nuclear receptor LXR [195]. Increased suppression of CYP7A1 leads to reduced BA synthesis, which culminates in reduced uptake of cholesterol by the liver [34]. FXR-mediated LXR suppression leads to the reduction of cholesterol transporters ABCG5/G8 (which normally heighten the discharge of cholesterol from the liver and intestine) [195], encouraging cholesterol buildup in the enterocytes and hepatocytes. Decreased BSH action may cause atherosclerosis via cholesterol buildup and subsequent foam cell production [189].

Circulating BA quantities are linked with insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus [198,199]. The crucial place of intestinal microbiota in BA modulation was demonstrated when germ-free mice were found to have significantly larger amounts of BA in the enterohepatic circulation and no secondary BAs compared to normal mice [200]. In general, the gut microbiota regulate bile acid proportions. Dysbiotic and diseased conditions may result in increased primary bile acids, decreased secondary bile acids, stimulation of FXR, and reduced bile acid production, hence increase cholesterol and CAD development [80].

BAs are now acknowledged as signaling agents that influence cardiovascular activity [17]. This awareness was made conspicuous by the identification of bile acid receptors, such as the FXR and G-protein coupled bile acid receptor 1 (TGR5) [17]. FXR knockout mice and FXR agonists in the atherosclerosis model of mice predicted the athero-protective effect of FXR [201,202]. TGR5, which is chiefly stimulated by secondary bile acids, was associated with improved energy metabolism [203] and atherosclerosis prevention [204]. Stimulation of both FXR and TGR5 retract diet-associated atherosclerosis and metabolic disorders [205,206], but deficiency in both FXR and TGR5 promotes atherosclerosis via NF-κΒ stimulation [207]. FXR can enhance the perturbation of bile acid proportion and inhibit NF-kb, hence decreasing inflammation and enhancing myocardial function [208]. Microbiota metabolite bile acids, especially TGR5 agonists, produce a cardio-protective effect and enhance a myocardial reaction to stress [209]. Hence, TGR5 agonists and FXR can be novel targets for the treatment of CVD [17,19].

4.2.4. Microbial Metabolite: Uremic Toxin

The gut microbiota urease can hydrolyze urea to form ammonia, which is later transformed into ammonium hydroxide. This process leads to the production of uremic toxins such as indoxyl sulfate and pcresyl sulfate. Negative CV outcomes were linked to indoxyl sulfate and pcresyl sulfate. Indoxyl sulfate was observed to directly act on cardiomyocytes by stimulating cardiac fibroblasts and collagen synthesis through activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), p42/44 MAPK, and NF-kB pathways, thus leading to adverse cardiac remodeling [210,211].

4.2.5. Other Gut Microbial Metabolites

Apart from the earlier discussed gut microbiota-associated metabolites, other microbial metabolites with potential modulatory effects on the host are being recognized [19]. Tryptophan (Trp), phenylalanine (Phe), and tyrosine (Tyr) are aromatic amino acids that may modulate metabolic, immune, and neuronal responses. Trp is an essential amino acid and a precursor of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter. The circulating microbe-generated metabolite of Trp was remarkably reduced in atherosclerotic patients [212]. Phe, another essential amino acid and precursor of Tyr, can be further transformed into neurotransmitters, norepinephrine, and adrenaline. Gut microbiota metabolites of Tyr and Phe were demonstrated to be related to the severity of MI in rats [213]. Further studies are required, based on the association between these aromatic amino acid metabolites and CVD. Furthermore, phenylacetylglutamine (PAGln), which is generated as dietary Phe is converted into phenylacetic acid, is also linked to CVD [214]. This gut-microbiota-derived metabolite acts to increase platelet activation and thrombosis risk via adrenergic receptors [215].

5. Gut Microbiota as a Target for Cardiometabolic Disease (CMD) Treatment and Prevention

The diverse relationship between CMD vulnerability and changes in gut microbiota make-up and metabolites has emphasized that gut microbiota is an unfamiliar modulator of CMD [9]. These connections are possible targets for new CMD therapy [9]. The host–microbiota interaction is made up of various levels at which potential therapeutic interventions can be instituted. These levels include dietary substrates, microbial ecology, and microbiota–host pathways that liberate metabolites that modulate host processes [21]. Agents that inhibit recognized gut microbial enzymes can also be produced [14]. The interesting part of this is that interventions directed at gut microbiota and/or their metabolism in lieu of the host may not necessarily be taken up into the host circulation, hence minimizing the likely adverse effects in comparison to those directed at host metabolism [19]. Among the challenges of therapeutically targeting the gut microbiota are the individual variations, in addition to differences, in gut microbiota make-up, which can affect the action of the medication. This may call for individualized treatment [14,19]. The gut-microbiota-directed therapeutic concept is based on targeting microbiota compositions, metabolic pathways, and mucosal barrier protection [30]. Our discussion of the intervention strategies in this review is based on these principles.

5.1. Targeting Whole Gut Microbiota

Gut microbiota, apart from acting as a medication target, may be used as a live treatment in the microbial intervention of management of disorders [19]. Live microbial therapy and/or whole gut microbiota target include fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), single-strain microorganism or microbial consortia, and the use of antibiotics [9,19,21].

FMT is the process of direct transfer of healthy microbiota from an individual donor into the gut of a dysbiotic recipient with the aim of restoring the normal intestinal microbiota composition and function [216,217,218,219,220]. The recipient individual goes through a gut lavage of laxative therapy before undergoing FMT to improve the success rate of FMT [221]. FMT has been successfully employed for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection and is lately gaining attention in the management of CMD [216,222,223,224]. A remarkable enhancement of peripheral and liver insulin sensitivity by 176% and 119%, respectively, was observed 6 weeks after fecal transfer from lean healthy individuals to metabolic syndrome patients and the observed enhancement was irrespective of weight differences [222]. This form of transplantation brought about a generalized intestinal microbial abundance, especially a higher proportion of butyrate-generating organisms [106,141]. Furthermore, FMT restored intestinal microbial equilibrium and prevented cardiac cell injury in a mouse myocarditis model [225].

Since the therapeutic application of fecal preparations was a practice of early Chinese [226], intestinal microbiota can be explored as a favorable derivation of live organisms for the treatment of CMD. Currently, the major drawback of FMT is a concomitant transfer of infectious organisms or endotoxins [9,12,227,228,229]. This could be bypassed by transplant of a specific category of bacteria rather than the whole fecal transfer [230,231]. The refinement of the CMD therapeutic role of FMT in terms of composition, route of administration, and dosage calls for additional research.

The application of live organisms to generally adjust microbial ecology in the management of CMD has received some great consideration. Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide their host with health benefits when used in the right quantity [232]. Only very few of them were endorsed as drugs, and the majority are being used as food supplements. They can be utilized therapeutically for varying cardiometabolic conditions. Remarkable reductions in blood lipid and/or glucose levels were observed following patient consumption of Bifidobacteria- and Lactobacilli-containing probiotics [233,234,235]. L. acidophilus ATCC 4358 treatment lessened atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice [236]. Supplementation with probiotics also enhanced the metabolic profiles of diabetic patients [237].

Intake of L. plantarum by carotid atherosclerotic individuals increased bacterial diversity and affected intestinal SCFA generation [238]. Additionally, intake of L. acidophilus, L. casei, and L. rhamnosus each induced differential gene regulatory pathways in the human mucosa, as determined by transcriptome analysis. These response profiles were similar to those obtained for specific bioactive molecules and drugs, indicating the potential of gut microbiota used as naturally evolved drug candidates [239]. Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) were associated with reduced availability of intestinal A. muciniphila [110,240]. Improved metabolic profiles were therefore observed in obese and diabetic mice given A. muciniphila [241]. Christensenella minuta treatment was demonstrated to change the gut microbiota community and prevent obesity in mice [242]. Lactobacillus rhamnosus treatment decreased infarct dimensions and enhanced heart functions [243]. Saccharonyces boulardii was documented to enhance left ventricular ejection fraction in HF patients [244]. Other examples of probiotics are Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus [245]. Therapeutically administered probiotics to immunodeficient, debilitated patients may turn to opportunistic pathogens that can cause endocarditis [246]. This means that the probiotics approach in susceptible individuals should be used with caution.

Other research revealed contradictory effects in the use of probiotics on CVD and risk factors [12,116] probably due to preintervention microbial variability. For therapeutic purposes, an isolated microorganism or a specific category of microorganisms, known as consortia, can be established while trials in humans are conducted to establish their safety and efficacy.

Dietary habits also determine intestinal microbial heterogeneity. Acute dietary modification has resulted in commensurate alterations in the composition and quantity of gut microbiota [247]. Even though individual gut microbiota tend to be resilient, the abrupt nutritional alteration can adjust the microbial ecology [248,249,250,251]. Alterations in dietary sugar content were associated with alterations in E. rectale and Roseburia [252,253].

Some of the currently available antihypertensive drugs have been demonstrated to exert their action via gut microbiota modulation. For example, captopril, in addition to its inhibiting effect on the angiotensin-converting enzyme, also proliferates the gut bacteria Allobaculum. As a result of this bacteria, the stoppage of captopril treatment preserves the antihypertensive state [254]. Similarly, angiotensin II receptor blockers were demonstrated to maintain Lactobacillus levels, prevent gut dysbiosis, and restore the normal F/B ratio [255,256,257]. Moreover, statin drugs have been demonstrated to modulate gut microbiota. For instance, atorvastatin elevated proteobacteria levels and decreased Firmicutes levels in addition to normalization of dominant taxa in high-fat-diet-fed rats [258,259].

Pathogens are implicated in the pathophysiology of some CVDs, such as atherosclerosis [260,261,262,263]. Therefore, researchers have given attention to the use of antibiotics for the eradication of pathogen-associated CVD. For instance, decreased lipoprotein levels result from ampicillin therapy [264], while a reduction in systolic blood pressure was observed in spontaneously hypertensive rats following minocycline and vancomycin treatment [265]. Depletion of microorganisms and subsequently decreased plasma leptin and myocardial infarction ensued from oral vancomycin administration to rats [213,266]. Oral minocycline therapy modified hypertension after restoring gut microbiota balance and decreasing the F/B ratio [132,144]. This therapeutic approach is, however, limited by the restriction of effect to the period of antibiotic administration, therefore requiring chronic use, with its consequent likelihood of antibiotic resistance and depletion of beneficial bacteria [9,21,30]. There is presently no proof of the overall beneficial effect of vague antibiotic therapy in human CVD management. Antibiotics, therefore, appear to be more appropriate for the elimination of disease-causing microorganisms, instead of a prolonged prophylactic application.

Higher Bacteroidetes and lower Firmicutes were observed after 10 weeks of moderate to severe aerobic exercise by obese adults [267]. Similarly, regular exercise attenuates obesity development and causes changes in the gut microbiota composition in a mice obesity model [268,269]. Furthermore, exercise increased the percentage of Bacteroidetes and decreased the percentage of Firmicutes regardless of diet [270], and high-intensity interval training increased the gut Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratio during diet-induced obesity [271]. Rugby players were found to have a higher number and more diverse gut microbiota compared to their non-athletic counterparts of similar age and body mass index [272]. This study also revealed that exercise may increase the α-diversity of gut microbiota and the abundance of the bacterial genus Akkermansia. Voluntary exercise impacted the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes balance and prevented diet-induced obesity, in addition to causing improved glucose tolerance [273].

A recent study has demonstrated a depletion of opportunistic pathogens and accumulation of intestinal-wall-protecting bacteria in association with improved lipid profile and insulin sensitivity after nutritional intervention with prebiotics and whole grains [274]. Anthocyanin-containing fruits such as blueberries could also heighten the diversity of gut microbiota [275]. Dietary fortification with magnesium acetate also modified hypertension after the restoration of intestinal microbiota balance and decreased the F/B ratio [132,144].

5.2. Treatment Targeting LPS/Strengthen Intestinal Barrier

Interventions leading to the reduction of circulating LPS have been explored for the management of CMD. Some of the interventions are listed below:

The high quantities of circulating LPS associated with certain CMD could be reduced through physical exercise [276,277]. This will subsequently ameliorate CMD. For instance, physical exercise led to changes in the structure of intestinal bacteria that favor reduced LPS and avert heart impairment in mice with myocardial infarction [278]. In rats fed a high-fat diet, both acute and chronic exercise may induce a significant decrease in the TLR4-mediated signaling pathway in the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue, accompanied by the concomittant reduction in serum LPS levels and improved insulin signaling and sensitivity in metabolic target tissues [279,280].

Decrease atherosclerosis of the aorta related to reduced plasma and fecal LPS as well as lower gut penetrability was observed following oral administration of Akkermansia muciniphila to Apolipoprotein E (ApoE)−/− mice fed with a Western diet [281]. Similarly, reduced circulating LPS from A muciniphila treatment of metabolic syndrome patients improved their lipid profile and insulin resistance without alteration of body weight [282].

Antibiotics can reduce the fecal and circulating LPS. Rifaximin, tobramycin, and polymyxin B, for instance, could decrease gut bacterial translocation and decrease gut LPS, aside from their regular bacteriostatic and bactericidal action [283,284]. The limitations of antibiotic intervention were nonetheless mentioned earlier on.

5.3. Treatment Targeting Inflammation

Studies have associated inflammation with CMD [121]. The recognition of intestinal microbiota associated with immunological reactions involved in the pathogenesis of CMD can serve as a therapeutic target in inflammation-associated CMD [21]. Prebiotics are indigestible food materials that enhance the growth of beneficial gut microorganisms [17]. Inflammatory cell invasion in rats was significantly decreased with prebiotic oligofructose [285]. An appreciable alleviation of inflammation and hypertension was demonstrated in patients with hypertension following consumption of the dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) and the Mediterranean diet [286,287,288,289]. The application of immunotherapy may however be limited by a higher likelihood of opportunistic infections, especially in individuals with multimorbidity [17].

5.4. Treatment Targeting SCFAs

Several researchers including Gordon [121] have evaluated the role of SCFAs in CMD. The enhanced insulin sensitivity observed in metabolic syndrome patients after FMT from lean individuals was linked to higher butyrate-generating microorganisms and subsequent higher fecal SCFAs [222].

Supplementation with 1% butyrate halved aortic lesions in mice [290,291]. SCFAs also reduce hypertension in animals [135]. Another research revealed that treatment with Roseburia intestinalis (butyrate-liberating bacteria) attenuated atherosclerosis development via butyrate [146]. Lifestyle modification (including diet and exercise), which is presently a vital clinical intervention in the management of CMD, alters gut microbiota composition and function, including SCFA production [23].

Studies have demonstrated the attenuation of CMD by SCFAs liberated from gut microbiota degradation of prebiotic fibers [126,154,174]. Prebiotics are indigestible molecules that provide a beneficial effect to the host via alteration in the make-up and/or actions of the gut microbiota. They are usually in form of complex saccharides or oligosaccharides [292]. An energetic tool in the prevention and treatment of CMD is the regulation of gut microbiota through diet. For example, intestinal microbiota modulation via a high-fiber diet and acetate intake attenuated cardiac diseases and hypertension [144]. Similarly, modulation of intestinal microbiota with a high-fiber diet resulted in the growth of beneficial bacteria, heightened generation of SCFAs, and caused attenuation of elevated blood pressure [293]. A high abundance of acetate-liberating intestinal bacteria and subsequent remarkable reduction in fibrosis and hypertrophy of heart cells, as well as blood pressure and HF prevention, were demonstrated in mice fed a high-fiber diet [144]. Furthermore, hypertension reversal ensued through intake of butyrate- and acetate-generating corn and Clostridium butyricum by hypertensive rodents [294]. Additionally, oral intake of butyrate, propionate and acetate decreased insulin resistance and body weight in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice [46].

A high generation of SCFA can also result from the consumption of vegetables, legumes, and fruits [295]. The favorable role of a plant-based diet compared to animal-based ones has been attributed to their ability to modulate local and systemic SCFA generation [23]. A remarkable decrease in fecal butyrate and acetate level was demonstrated with the shifting of individuals from plant- to animal-based foods [251]. Propionate averts hypertension, vascular dysfunction, heart fibrosis, and hypertrophy [296]. A decrease in adverse cardiac remodeling and hypertension ensued when gut microbial metabolite (acetate) or a prebiotic (high-fiber diet) was administered in a rodent hypertension model [144]. Furthermore, carotid artery endothelial dysfunction was attenuated following administration of prebiotic inulin-like fructans to ApoE−/− mice [297]. Prebiotic inulin treatment also remarkably reduced atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE−/− mice [298]. A plant polysaccharide-rich diet increased butyrate generation by gut microbiota and attenuated atherosclerosis compared to low-plant polysaccharide diets [146]. Similarly, atherosclerosis was attenuated by microbiota of ApoE−/− mice when fed a high-plant-polysaccharide-containing diet, as contrasted to a Western diet-fed one [299]. Augmentation of the diet with ginger also modifies gut microbial ecology and incites enhanced metabolism of fatty acids [170].

Studies have revealed the ability of probiotics to positively modulate fat metabolism [300,301]. The probable mechanisms of probiotics involve opposition of disease-causing organisms, the liberation of antimicrobial agents, and pH modification [302,303]. Lactobacillus sp. administration was linked with remarkable alteration in colonic SCFAs in carotid atherosclerotic patients [238]. Symbiotic formulations are dietary adjuncts with a blend of probiotics and prebiotics that can modify intestinal metabolism [294]. The commonly adjoined probiotics in symbiotic formulations are Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli, S. boulardii, and B. coagulans, while the prebiotics are oligosaccharides, dietary fibers, and inulin [304].

FMT to metabolic syndrome patients from lean individuals was linked to a higher abundance of butyrate-generating bacteria (such as Roseburia) and resulted in improved insulin sensitivity [222].

Current studies demonstrate that exercise modifies the intestinal microbiota for its cardiovascular effects. Research revealed that it increases the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes [305,306] as well as elevates the amount of the microbial product butyrate [307]. The positive effect of exercise on intestinal microbiota was interim and abated following the stoppage of the exercise [307]. This makes a longer period of exercise a necessity for remarkable long-lasting effects [9]. The gut metabolism of athletes is found to generate a high level of SCFA [308]. Voluntary running in animals is also associated with microbiota diversity and attendant elevated butyrate levels [309]. The butyrate may inhibit the activity of histone deacetylases and therefore influence immune modulation and decrease oxidative stress [310]. It can also regulate gut motility and barrier integrity as well as inflammation and visceral sensitivity [310,311]. All these partake in CMD modulation. Huang et al. [312] studied rats and demonstrated a pronounced antioxidant function and tricarboxylic acid cycle with endurance training. With regards to the use of exercise to modulate gut microbiota for CMD treatment, further research is needed to answer the questions about the types, timing, and conditions of exercise to achieve a remarkable impact on CMD.

Favorable effects of SCFAs have been demonstrated in hypertension models in rats. Local inoculation of acetate into the colon overturned hypertension in rats [313]. Oral administration of propionate led to enhanced vascular action, decreased blood pressure, and adverse cardiac events in hypertensive mice [296]. Butyrate or propionate administration prevents myocardial harm in hypertension models [135,296]. Sodium butyrate therapy in rodents resulted in improved insulin sensitivity and attenuation of obesity [314]. Tributyrin was synthesized to solve butyrate’s problem of offensive taste and odor. It is a prodrug that carries three molecules of butyrate esterified to glycerol and with comparable cardiometabolic action to and better pharmacokinetic parameters than butyrate [315]. Tributyrin treatment of obese mice diminished insulin resistance and inflammation [19]. Another research revealed that fat accumulation and atherosclerosis were remarkably attenuated with tributyrin treatment in ApoE−/− mice. This is an optimistic approach for CVD prophylaxis [146].

5.5. Treatment Targeting TMA

Therapeutic approaches that are directed toward halting TMAO generation and elimination of TMAO and its progenitor (TMA) have gained recognition owing to the association of TMAO with cardiometabolic diseases by several studies, as mentioned earlier. Hence, targeting the gut microbiota for reduction of TMA generation will be a likely treatment strategy for CMD [19]. Apart from pharmacological agents, probiotics can be employed for the inhibition of metabolic pathways in gut microbes to reduce TMAO liberation [168].

Mediterranean diet consumption led to remarkably reduced TMAO and could attenuate CMD [316,317]. CMD can be prevented by limiting the intake of a choline/carnitine-rich diet since nutritional intake is the main source of TMAO [128]. Western diets are carnitine/choline-rich while vegetarian diets are carnitine-choline depleted [170,318]. A high-fiber diet decreased plasma TMAO [319]. Although there is no consensus on the effect of saturated fat and red meat intake on TMAO levels [170,320,321], individuals following a vegetarian diet regimen had reduced plasma and urinary TMAO [292,322]. It is therefore thought that this dietary approach could reduce TMAO generation and subsequently attenuate CMD [323].

It is postulated that the transfer of low TMAO-liberating microbiota to patients with heart failure or its risk factors could decrease TMAO, yet none of such has been demonstrated clinically [17].

Broad-spectrum antibiotic administration to individuals led to decreased intestinal microbiota and a remarkable reduction in TMAO levels [173,175]. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in elderly mice reduced plasma TMAO and subsequently attenuated endothelial dysfunction and aortic stiffening to a similar level as the young mice [324]. CVD prevention in humans using long-term antibiotics is not practicable due to the previously mentioned challenges of this approach [21].

Reduction in TMAO and altered platelet aggregation were observed in individuals with high TMAO that were treated with low-dose aspirin [96,318]. The low-dose aspirin can also change the gut microbial composition [325].

Targeting bacterial enzymes involved in TMA generation for inhibition are being investigated as a preventive or therapeutic approach for CMD [95,128,158,160]. For example, a structural analog of choline 3,3-dimethyl-1-butanol (DMB) is a model microbial TMA lyase inhibitor used for this purpose [326]. Reduction in TMA/TMAO ensued inhibition of TMA lyase and inhibition of TMA lyase modified CVD [327]. Foam cell production and subsequent atherosclerosis were impaired after oral administration of DMB, which resulted in decreased plasma TMAO in ApoE−/−mice on a choline-augmented diet [95]. Another study also demonstrated the anti-atherogenesis effect of DMB [328]. Furthermore, decreased ventricular remodeling and enhanced hemodynamic status followed DMB administration [329]. More potent TMA lyase inhibitors such as fluoromethylcholine, iodomethylcholine, chloromethylcholine, and bromomethylcholine have been invented. These compounds specifically act locally on the gut microbiota with minimal systemic exposure of the host, thereby limiting adverse effects [21,330]. TMA lyase inhibitors, including DMB, are harmless to the microbes. Therefore, they do not cause selective pressure like antibiotics do, and the risk of resistance is minimal [21].

Aside from TMA lyase (CutC/D), other enzymes involved in the generation of TMA from other precursors include CntA/B [160], betaine reductase [161], TMAO reductase [162], and YeaW/X [163]. Clinical trials have demonstrated that dietary indoles of Brussels sprouts inhibited FMO3 and thereby prevented the conversion of TMA to TMAO [331]. Drug development that targets a reduction of TMAO production via inhibition of TMA lyase is preferred to specific FMO3 inhibition because elevated plasma levels of TMA result in a condition termed trimethylaminuria, which brings about an offensive “fishy” odor [332]. Another enzyme inhibitor (meldonium), which is an analog of carnitine, produces an anti-atherosclerotic effect by competitively inhibiting microbial carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT1), resulting in the attenuation of microbial TMA generation [333]. Furthermore, phospholipase D (PLD) is one more intestinal microbial enzyme that can be targeted for drug development. PLD is involved in TMA generation by liberating free choline from phosphatidylcholine, the predominant dietary form of choline. The good news is that gut microbial PLD can be preferentially inhibited without affecting the host enzyme, owing to the phylogenetic differences between host and microbial PLD enzymes [334]. Therefore, future therapeutic action with innocuous enzyme inhibitors directed at gut microbiota presents an innovative strategy for the prevention and treatment of CMD. This nonetheless requires clinical studies for validation [12,21].

5.6. Treatment Targeting Bile Acids

A secondary bile acid, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), was studied as an innovative treatment for rodent obesity [335]. An FXR agonist and semisynthetic analog of bile acid, obeticholic was thought to have the ability to decrease bacterial translocation and inflammation [336]. It was the first FXR agonist to reach the clinical stage [337]. Investigations have demonstrated that obeticholic modified fat metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity as a result of the role FXR signaling plays in the control of lipid and glucose balance [19]. Similarly, TGR5 agonists enhance a myocardial reaction to stress in mice [209], hence they, as well as FXR agonists, can be innovative targets for the management of heart failure [17]. Furthermore, targeting BSH microbiota–host interplay could be a strategy for metabolic disorders and obesity since studies have shown that microbial BSH action may remarkably decrease weight gain as well as plasma cholesterol [338,339]. Statin drugs were demonstrated to affect the BA pool as well as decrease gut butyrate generation [340].

5.7. Targeting Other Metabolites/Enzymes

Significant advancement has been recorded in the comprehension of intestinal microbial metabolism. The exposition of more microbial products allows additional likely therapeutic targets for CMD [19]. The intestinal microbiota tryptophan decarboxylase was identified to be accountable for the generation of tryptamine [341]. Microbial dissimilatory sulfite reductases (DsrAB) are responsible for hydrogen sulfide production [342] while tryptophanases lead to indole generation [343]. The gut microbiota glycyl radical enzyme was also recognized to break the C-S bond of taurine to produce hydrogen sulfide [344]. The applicability of the mentioned microbial enzymes and the production of their inhibitors as innovative therapeutic targets require further studies. This is with the aim of improving the liberation of useful metabolites and attenuating the generation of harmful ones [19].

6. Challenges

The interplay between the host and the gut microbiota is usually dynamic and dictated by gastric motion, regional nutrient accessibility, pH, and oxygen pressure. Microbial ecology is usually different and distinctive along the intestinal tract. This creates problems in elucidating microbial make-up predicated on fecal analyses [345]. Furthermore, viruses, fungi, and archaea as well add to the non-host genetic information acquired during deep sequencing evaluation, aside from bacteria. This creates more complications in the microbial analyses and interpretations [23]. The differences in intestinal microbial ecology across various segments and individuals result in different reactions to probiotics and prebiotics [346]. This has therefore affected the predictability of the outcome of probiotic or prebiotic intake. Furthermore, the present choice of probiotics is based on an abundance evaluation of microbiota make-up where the focus is on the microorganism whose abundance is linked with favorable effects. However, the main microbial organism responsible for the key beneficial effect may be a low-abundance member that is not readily identified using the present sequencing analysis [21].

7. Future Direction: Microbiota in Precision Medicine

Due to the interindividual variation in the gut microbiome, the human microbiome has been associated with and has a promise in precision medicine [347]. The human microbiome is being seriously investigated as a therapeutic target through the deployment of the aforementioned approaches [80]. TMAO levels can be employed clinically to determine individuals who will benefit from CMD treatment [9]. The human microbiome is very dynamic and differences within and between individuals’ microbiota may influence drug efficacy and adverse effects. This is achieved indirectly through microbial–host immune interaction or directly through the biotransformation of drugs. Therefore, there are several upcoming approaches for the precise modulation of complex microbial ecology to enhance CMD treatment outcomes [80]. Hence, we expect a positive move regarding a comprehensive perspective of precision medicine that includes human as well as microbial genomes and their combined metabolites. Large clinical trials will be needed in the future to be able to translate the findings on targeting gut microbiota for cardiometabolic therapy into clinical practice.