Marine-Derived Bioactive Compounds Modulate Gut-Heart Axis to Prevent Atherosclerosis Progression

The gut-heart axis represents a crucial bidirectional relationship between gut microbiota and cardiovascular health, significantly influencing the development and prevention of atherosclerosis. This chronic immune-inflammatory and fibro-proliferative condition remains a leading global cause of morbidity and mortality. Current standard-of-care often falls short in fully addressing the complex interplay of inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. Gut-derived metabolites such as trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and bile acids are key players, profoundly impacting endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and plaque formation. Targeting this axis offers a novel therapeutic avenue.

This comprehensive review systematically collected and analyzed data from major scientific databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. Researchers utilized specific keywords such as 'marine', 'atherosclerosis', 'gut dysbiosis', 'short-chain fatty acids', and 'gut-heart axis' to identify relevant studies. The methodology focused on evaluating the intricate mechanisms that link gut dysbiosis, the modulation of key gut-derived metabolites, and the subsequent prevention of atherosclerosis. The analysis synthesized findings from various preclinical and observational studies to elucidate the therapeutic potential of marine-derived compounds.

Marine-derived bioactive compounds, encompassing peptides, carotenoids like Fucoxanthin, polysaccharides such as Fucoidan and Alginate, and sterols like Fucosterol, demonstrate significant therapeutic properties. These compounds exhibit potent anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, and microbiome-balancing effects, positioning them as promising options for atherosclerosis management. Their mechanisms of action include directly lowering circulating TMAO levels, which is a known cardiovascular risk factor, and significantly increasing the synthesis of beneficial SCFAs by gut microbiota. Furthermore, these compounds improve overall lipid metabolism and regulate genes specifically associated with cholesterol metabolism, thereby mitigating plaque formation.

Marine natural products prevent atherosclerosis progression by lowering TMAO levels, increasing SCFA synthesis, improving lipid metabolism, and regulating cholesterol metabolism genes.