They also help lower heart disease risk.
Recent research suggests that gut bacteria may play a role in determining a person’s risk of developing heart disease, adding to our understanding beyond their known associations with conditions like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease. The study, published in the journal Cell and led by senior researcher Ramnik Xavier from the Broad Institute Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program in Boston, indicates that specific bacteria species in the gut actively consume cholesterol, potentially impacting individuals’ cholesterol levels and heart disease risk.
Analyzing data from the Framingham Heart Study, which investigates heart disease risk factors, researchers found a correlation between higher levels of Oscillibacter bacteria in the gut and lower cholesterol levels. This suggests that Oscillibacter bacteria metabolize cholesterol from their environment, potentially influencing overall cholesterol levels in the body. Surprisingly, Oscillibacter was found to be relatively abundant in the gut, representing approximately one in every 100 bacteria.
Laboratory experiments supported these findings, showing that Oscillibacter breaks down cholesterol into byproducts, which are then processed by other bacteria and eliminated from the body. Additionally, another gut bacterial species, Eubacterium coprostanoligenes, was identified as contributing to decreased cholesterol levels through its involvement in cholesterol metabolism.
The study suggests a potential synergy between Oscillibacter and Eubacterium, indicating a possible amplification of their impact on cholesterol levels. These findings provide valuable insights into the complex interactions within the gut microbiome and their implications for human health.
Lead researcher Chenhao Li emphasized the importance of understanding these microbial interactions for the development of effective therapeutic strategies. By targeting specific bacteria or genes involved in cholesterol metabolism, researchers aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of gut ecology and devise improved therapeutic approaches for managing heart disease risk.
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