Distinct Gut Microbiome Profiles Underlying Cardiometabolic Risk Phenotypes in Individuals with Obesity

TL;DR

This study found that specific gut bacteria are linked to heart and metabolic risks in obese individuals, suggesting potential microbial markers for these conditions.

Contribution

The study identifies specific gut microbiome signatures associated with cardiometabolic risk phenotypes in obesity.

Findings

Reduced Lachnospiraceae abundance is linked to metabolic syndrome.

Lower Faecalibacterium abundance is associated with arterial hypertension.

Increased Prevotella abundance correlates with dyslipidemia.

Abstract

Background: Obesity-related cardiometabolic disorders have been linked to alterations in selected gut microbiome components, yet clinically relevant microbial signatures remain incompletely defined. Objectives: This study investigated associations between selected gut bacterial taxa and cardiometabolic risk phenotypes in individuals with obesity. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 adults with obesity were stratified according to metabolic syndrome status. Gut microbiome composition was assessed using targeted multiplex real-time PCR of functionally relevant bacterial taxa. Associations with anthropometric and cardiometabolic parameters were examined using correlation analysis, ROC curves, and multivariable logistic regression models. Results: Reduced relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae was associated with metabolic syndrome, lower Faecalibacterium abundance with arterial hypertension, and increased Prevotella abundance with dyslipidemia. ROC analyses identified cohort-specific discriminative thresholds with moderate accuracy. Conclusions: Selected taxon-specific gut microbiome signatures are associated with cardiometabolic risk phenotypes in obesity. These findings are exploratory and require validation in longitudinal and independent cohorts.

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