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Listening to Our Gut: Microbiomes and NCD /CVD 249

in obesity. Intestinal microbiota affects host adiposity
and regulates fat storage. Increased Firmicutes and
decreased Bacteroidetes is seen in obese mice as
compared to lean mice. Proportions of Bacteroide-
tes to Firmicutes are significantly and positively as-
sociated with reduction of glucose tolerance. Fecal
microbiota transplantation from lean mice to obese
mice leads to weight loss. There is also evidence in
human that microbiota transplantation from lean to
obese individuals had beneficial effect leading to
weight loss. Large studies are required to ascertain
the beneficial role of microbiota in obesity.
Microbiota of hypertensive patients has been found
to be less rich and less diverse than that of control
subjects. Similar changes in gut microbiota were
observed with the infusion of angiotensin II. Resto-
ration of gut microbiota led to reduction of hyper-
tension. These observations demonstrate that high
blood pressure is associated with gut microbiota
dysbiosis. A systematic review and meta-analysis of
randomized, controlled trials showed that probiotics
consumption changed systolic BP by -3.56mmHg
and diastolic BP by -2.38mmHg in hypertensives
compared to control groups. The duration of studies
included was > 8 wks. and consumption dose was
11
>10 colony-forming units. Although the reduction
was modest but the clinical implication was a 22%
reduction in relative risk of cardiovascular mortality,
myocardial infarction or stroke.
The relationship between diet, inflammation, insulin
resistance, and cardiometabolic risk is partly medi-
ated by the composition of intestinal bacteria. Mi-
croorganisms have been found to have a significant
impact on cardiovascular health. They constitute one
of the etiological factors of cardiovascular disease.
Dyslipidemia with increase in total and LDL choles-
terol has also been linked to dysbiosis.A number of
reports have established the beneficial effects of cer-
tain probiotic bacterial strains in reducing total cho-
lesterol, LDL cholesterol and hypertension.
In summary, intestinal microbiota have an important
role in non-communicable diseases and cardio vas-
cular diseases. A better understanding is required
through further research. The composition and dose
of probiotics for therapeutic efficacy for each disease
condition needs to be clearly defined.

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