Gut Bacteria & Vascular Aging
- Cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death globally, might potentially be influenced by gut bacteria, according to researchers at UZH.
- Soheil Saeedi, whose research group studies the relationship between microbiota composition and the cardiovascular system, noted that many of the metabolic products created by gut bacteria remain unidentified.
- Experiments showed that phenylacetic acid causes endothelial cells,which line blood vessels,to age and secrete inflammatory molecules,impairing vessel function and causing stiffness.
Gut bacteria metabolites accelerate vascular aging, contributing to cardiovascular disease, the leading global killer. Groundbreaking research reveals that phenylacetic acid,a byproduct of gut bacteria,is linked to cell aging and impaired blood vessel function. Specific bacteria, like Clostridium sp. ASF356, amplify this harmful process, while short-chain fatty acids, such as acetate, show promise in rejuvenating blood vessels. Scientists at UZH have made this discovery of great importance. The team at News Directory 3 follows this research closely because diet plays a crucial role in influencing the microbiome. Discover how dietary changes and future interventions aimed at targeting the gut microbiome can definitely help slow vascular aging and reduce the risk of heart disease. Discover what’s next …
Gut Bacteria Metabolites Linked to Heart Disease and Aging
Updated May 29, 2025
Cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death globally, might potentially be influenced by gut bacteria, according to researchers at UZH. Even with treatment for traditional risk factors like diabetes and high blood pressure, heart conditions worsen in about half of older patients. The new research indicates that intestinal bacteria and thier metabolites can speed up blood vessel aging and contribute to cardiovascular problems.
Soheil Saeedi, whose research group studies the relationship between microbiota composition and the cardiovascular system, noted that many of the metabolic products created by gut bacteria remain unidentified. Their work, using data from over 7,000 individuals aged 18 to 95 and a mouse model, revealed that phenylacetic acid, a breakdown product of phenylalanine, increases with age.
Experiments showed that phenylacetic acid causes endothelial cells,which line blood vessels,to age and secrete inflammatory molecules,impairing vessel function and causing stiffness. Further analysis identified the bacterium Clostridium sp.ASF356 as responsible for processing phenylalanine into phenylacetic acid. Colonizing young mice with this bacterium lead to increased phenylacetic acid levels and signs of vascular aging.Eliminating the bacteria with antibiotics reduced phenylacetic acid concentration, confirming the bacteriaS role, saeedi said.
Conversely, the gut microbiome also produces beneficial substances.short-chain fatty acids like acetate, created by fermenting dietary fibers, can rejuvenate blood vessels. In vitro experiments demonstrated that adding sodium acetate restored function to aged vascular endothelial cells.The number of bacteria producing these rejuvenating agents decreases with age.
Saeedi said the aging process of the cardiovascular system can be regulated via the microbiome.
The research team is now investigating which diets positively influence the interaction between bacteria and humans. They suggest that dietary fibers and foods with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may boost the body’s rejuvenating capabilities. Limiting intake of foods high in phenylalanine, such as red meat, dairy products, and certain artificial sweeteners, could slow vascular aging. The researchers are also exploring medication to reduce phenylacetic acid levels, with initial attempts using genetically modified bacteria showing promise.
What’s next
Future research will focus on identifying specific dietary interventions to promote a healthy gut microbiome and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.