Distinct Gut Microbiota Signatures Associated With Progression of Atherosclerosis in People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus - Report - MDSpire
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Distinct Gut Microbiota Signatures Associated With Progression of Atherosclerosis in People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Unique Gut Microbiota Profiles Linked to Atherosclerosis Progression in HIV
Overview
In a 96-week longitudinal study of virologically suppressed people with HIV (PWH), distinct gut microbiota profiles were associated with the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis. Specifically, progression correlated with increased abundance of Agathobacter and Ruminococcus 2, while nonprogression correlated with Prevotella 7.
Background
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in PWH, with risk remaining elevated despite viral suppression and antiretroviral therapy. Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory condition, may be influenced by gut microbiota through immune and metabolic pathways. Prior studies on microbiota and cardiovascular disease in HIV have been limited and cross-sectional, lacking longitudinal data to clarify temporal relationships. This study prospectively examined gut microbiota dynamics and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) progression over two years in PWH.
Data Highlights
Timepoint
Patients with Fecal Samples
Atherosclerosis Progression (%)
New Carotid Plaque (%)
Baseline
191
43%
26.7%
48 weeks
190
96 weeks
167
Key Findings
87 participants (43%) exhibited progression of subclinical atherosclerosis over 96 weeks.
Distinct gut microbial profiles were observed between progression and nonprogression groups (β-diversity, P = .03).
Adjusted α-diversity indices showed no significant differences between groups.
Longitudinal analysis identified Agathobacter and Ruminococcus 2 as consistently associated with cIMT progression.
Prevotella 7 was consistently associated with lack of atherosclerosis progression.
Associations remained significant after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, MSM status, and nadir CD4 count.
Clinical Implications
Monitoring gut microbiota composition may provide novel insights into cardiovascular risk stratification in PWH. Targeting specific microbial taxa such as Agathobacter, Ruminococcus 2, and Prevotella 7 could represent future therapeutic strategies to mitigate atherosclerosis progression. These findings underscore the importance of considering microbiome dynamics alongside traditional risk factors in managing cardiovascular health in HIV-infected individuals.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in virologically suppressed PWH is associated with distinctive gut microbiota signatures. Longitudinal microbiome profiling may enhance understanding of HIV-associated cardiovascular disease pathogenesis.
References
Serrano-Villar and Martínez 2024 -- Editorial Commentary on Gut Microbiota and Atherosclerosis in HIV
by Mar Masiá, José A García, Javier García-Abellán, Sergio Padilla, Marta Fernández-González, Vanesa Agulló, Maria José Gosalbes, Sonia Ruíz-Pérez, Paula Mascarell, Angela Botella, Félix Gutiérrez
