Endothelial Function is improved by Inducing Microbial Polyamine Production in the Gut: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Mitsuharu Matsumoto,Yusuke Kitada,Yuji Naito

doi:10.3390/nu11051188

Mitsuharu Matsumoto, Yusuke Kitada + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11051188

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Abstract

Recently, it was demonstrated that spermidine-induced autophagy reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in mice. Intestinal bacteria are a major source of polyamines, including spermidine. We previously reported that the intake of both Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (Bifal) and arginine (Arg) increases the production of putrescine, a spermidine precursor, in the gut. Here, we investigated the effects of Bifal and Arg consumption on endothelial function in healthy subjects. Healthy individuals with body mass index (BMI) near the maximum value in the “healthy” range (BMI: 25) (n = 44) were provided normal yogurt containing Bifal and Arg (Bifal + Arg YG) or placebo (normal yogurt) for 12 weeks in this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparative study. The reactive hyperemia index (RHI), the primary outcome, was measured using endo-peripheral arterial tone (EndoPAT). The change in RHI from week 0 to 12 in the Bifal + Arg YG group was significantly higher than that in the placebo group, indicating that Bifal + Arg YG intake improved endothelial function. At week 12, the concentrations of fecal putrescine and serum putrescine and spermidine in the Bifal + Arg YG group were significantly higher than those in the placebo group. This study suggests that consuming Bifal + Arg YG prevents or reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.

Highlights

Atherosclerosis, a cardiovascular, inflammatory disease characterized by arterial lumen narrowing owing to plaque formation, is a major cause of death globally [1,2]
This study suggests that consuming Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (Bifal) + Arg YG prevents or reduces the risk of atherosclerosis
Polyamines, which are involved in the synthesis and stabilization of nucleic acids and stimulation of cell proliferation and differentiation [4], have become a recent focus in the field of atherosclerosis

Summary

Introduction

Atherosclerosis, a cardiovascular, inflammatory disease characterized by arterial lumen narrowing owing to plaque formation, is a major cause of death globally [1,2]. Endothelial dysfunction occurs early in atherosclerosis development and is involved in plaque formation and disease progression [3]. Improving endothelial function might help prevent cardiovascular disease in at-risk individuals. Polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, and spermine), which are involved in the synthesis and stabilization of nucleic acids and stimulation of cell proliferation and differentiation [4], have become a recent focus in the field of atherosclerosis. The intracellular production and concentration of polyamines in tissues and organs decrease with age [6]; older individuals are at higher risk of developing atherosclerosis

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