The Relationship among Physical Activity, Intestinal Flora, and Cardiovascular Disease.

Qiuyu Yan,Xiushan Wu,Zihao Li,Wenhui Zhai,Chenghao Yang,Longfei Mao,Mingyi Zhao,Victor Garcia

doi:10.1155/2021/3364418

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which are associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide, include atherosclerosis (AS), hypertension, heart failure (HF), atrial fibrillation, and myocardial fibrosis. CVDs are influenced by the diversity, distribution, and metabolites of intestinal microflora, and their risk can be reduced through physical activity (PA) such as regular exercise. PA benefits the metabolic changes that occur in the gut microbiota (GM). The major metabolites of the GM influence pathogenesis of CVDs through various pathways. However, the relationship between PA and GM is less well understood. In this review, we discuss the impacts of different types of PA on intestinal microflora including the diversity, distribution, metabolites, and intestinal barrier function including intestinal permeability, with a focus on the mechanisms by which PA affects GM. We also discuss how GM influences CVDs. Finally, we summarize current research and knowledge on the effects of PA on CVD via regulation of the GM and intestinal function. More understanding of relevant relationship between PA and GM may provide hope for the prevention or treatment of CVDs. Furthermore, a better understanding of regulation of the GM and intestinal function may lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, improving the clinical care of CVD patients.

Highlights

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of circulatory system diseases or disorders that include AS, hypertension, heart failure (HF), atrial fibrillation, and myocardial fibrosis
A recent study discovered that a majority of CVDs is attributable to dietary risks, high systolic blood pressure (SBP), high body mass index(BMI), high total cholesterol (TC) level, high fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level, tobacco smoking, and low levels of physical activity (PA) [1]
The study of mice’s changes following voluntary wheel running (VWR) or forced treadmill running (FTR) revealed that voluntary exercise reduced the richness of the microbial community but increased the distribution of bacterial communities [30]

Summary

Introduction

CVDs are a group of circulatory system diseases or disorders that include AS, hypertension, HF, atrial fibrillation, and myocardial fibrosis. A recent study discovered that a majority of CVDs is attributable to dietary risks, high systolic blood pressure (SBP), high body mass index(BMI), high total cholesterol (TC) level, high fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level, tobacco smoking, and low levels of PA [1]. All of these factors promote the occurrence and progression of CVDs. The term “gut microbiota” refers to the hundreds of billions of bacterial microorganisms found in the human digestive tract, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, and protists [2]. We analyze the current knowledge on the effects of PA on CVD through modulation of the intestinal microflora and intestinal function and how we may apply these to future research and medical treatment

Effects of PA on GM

Effect of GM on CVD

Conclusions