Scientists from Sungkyunkwan University (Korea) have published important research results in the journal mSystems (November 6, 2025), revealing the close connection between the gut microbiome and coronary artery disease, one of the leading causes of global death.
The team analyzed gut bacteria samples from 42 people, including 28 healthy adults and 14 patients with coronary artery disease.
Not only stopping at determining the number of bacteria, they also decoding the genes and biological functions of these bacteria to find a deeper link to cardiovascular health.
The results showed that people with coronary artery disease were severely deficient in beneficial bacteria, especially Slackia isoflavoniconvertens and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.
These are two strains that can create short-chain fatty acids, helping to reduce inflammation and maintain the stability of blood vessel walls.
In contrast, the patient had higher than normal Lachnospiraceae bacteria, a group of bacteria associated with the production of TMAO, a compound that has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease.
In addition, scientists have found that the microbiome in patients tends to break down more amino acids, including arginine, the compound needed to create nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels expand flexibly.
Ar arginine deficiency can cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood circulation and increasing the risk of blockage.
Another discovery was that the patient's gut bacteria were able to strongly ferment simple sugars such as lactose and xylose, reflecting their adaptation to a diet rich in processed foods.
The computer prediction model also shows that the patient has higher than normal inosine levels, although the mechanism of influence of this protein on the cardiovascular system is not yet clear.
Notably, different strains of the same bacteria can produce different biological effects.
For example, Akkermansia muciniphila in healthy people has a gene that helps break down complex fiber in plants, while these genes disappear in coronary artery patients, a sign that genetic changes at the microbiological level can contribute to poor heart health.
The study opens up a new approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease, focusing on balancing the intestinal microflora through nutrition, probiotics or biological therapy.
Korean scientists hope that understanding the mechanism of interaction between bacteria and blood vessels will help develop more effective heart disease prevention measures in the future.
(The article is for reference only, not a replacement for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor if you have health questions).
