Bacteria present in some people’s intestines help break down cholesterol and may make them less susceptible to infections. Heart disease new research suggests.
The association between higher gut microbial diversity and lower likelihood of cardiovascular disease is well established. People with heart-related diseases such as atherosclerosis carry different types of microorganisms in their gut than people without the condition. Researchers thought this might be related to enzymes produced by microorganisms that break down cholesterol.
People whose intestinal bacteria produce the enzyme IsmA have less cholesterol in their blood than those who lack this enzyme. However, the specific species of bacteria responsible for producing the cholesterol-eating enzyme was previously unknown.
A recent study published in the journal Cell shed light on this discovery by identifying a genus of bacteria called Oscilibacter that play a crucial role in breaking down cholesterol. Individuals with higher levels of these bacteria showed lower cholesterol levels compared to those with lower levels.
The researchers involved in the study conducted extensive analysis on stool and blood samples from over 1,400 participants over several decades. They utilized various techniques to profile the DNA of microorganisms present in stool samples and examined metabolites left behind during cholesterol breakdown. The results revealed a clear correlation between the presence of Oscilibacter bacteria, lower cholesterol levels, and improved heart health markers.
Further experiments confirmed that Oscilibacter bacteria effectively metabolize cholesterol, leading to reduced cholesterol levels. The researchers also identified specific genes and proteins that play a key role in this process, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions targeting gut microbiome to manage cholesterol levels.
While the findings are promising, more research is needed to fully understand how these bacteria contribute to cholesterol breakdown and develop targeted treatments. The discovery of Oscilibacter bacteria as cholesterol metabolizers opens up new possibilities for managing cholesterol levels and improving heart health in the future.
