Impact of Probiotics on Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases. A Review

Abstract

Probiotic microorganisms have historically been used to rebalance disturbed intestinal microbiota and to diminish gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea or inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). Recent studies explore the potential for expanded uses of probiotics on medical disorders that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, such as obesity, hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, and metabolic disturbances such as hyperhomocysteinemia and oxidative stress. This review aims at summarizing the proposed molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in probiotic–host interactions and to identify the nature of the resulting beneficial effects. Specific probiotic strains can act by modulating immune response, by producing particular molecules or releasing biopeptides, and by modulating nervous system activity. To date, the majority of studies have been conducted in animal models. New investigations on the related mechanisms in humans need to be carried out to better enable targeted and effective use of the broad variety of probiotic strains.

Keywords:

• Probiotic bacteria
• cardiovascular disease
• obesity
• lipid metabolism
• cholesterol
• oxidative stress
• review

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to thank Drs Alain Durand, Sean P. Kennedy, and Amauri Rosenthal for helpful critique in preparing this manuscript. This research was supported in part by research grants from Merck MF and Senoble Holding.

B. Ebel and G. Lemetais contributed equally to this work as first authors.