Abstract
BACKGROUND: The increase in aortic stiffness is a significant parameter of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), posing a substantial global health challenge and economic burden. The gut microbiota and its homeostasis, directly and indirectly, influence CVD. This study investigated the extent to which alterations in the gut microbiota can affect aortic parameters in a rat model through the administration of VSL#3. METHODS: Twelve male Wistar rats were divided into VSL#3-treated and control groups. Cardiac function, aortic systolic, and diastolic values were assessed via echocardiography on day 0 and day 42, and fecal specimens were simultaneously collected from each rat. The formation and composition of the gut microbial flora were profiled using 16S rDNA gene sequencing. RESULTS: Differences in bacterial density, as indicated by Chao analysis, exhibited statistical significance (P = .037) between the 2 groups. Additionally, in the VSL#3-treated group, significant improvements were observed in aortic systolic and diastolic diameters, as well as in aortic strain parameters, compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: This research highlights the potential of gut microbiome modulation, specifically through VSL#3 administration, as a promising strategy to improve aortic parameters, suggesting a novel avenue for cardiovascular health interventions.