A molecule identified to confer these benefits is resveratrol (RSV), a polyphenol studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Resveratrol has been widely studied for its action against atherosclerosis (AS), a prevalent cardiovascular disease increasing in Western countries as well as in developing countries. However, its mechanisms of action remain unclear.
Resveratrol impacts the gut microbiota
A Chinese research team focused its attention on the benefits of resveratrol against AS via its impact on our gut microbiota. TMAO (trimethylamine N-oxyde), a compound reported as a risk factor for AS, is produced by specific microorganisms in the gut, which metabolize dietary choline to trimethylamine (TMA) and then liver enzymes complete the conversion to TMAO. These 2 compounds have been measured in mice with an increased risk of developing AS.
Authors showed that RSV attenuated TMAO-induced AS by decreasing TMAO levels and increasing hepatic BA neosynthesis via gut microbiota remodeling. Phylum level analysis showed that resveratrol was associated with increases in Bacteroidetes at the expense of Firmicutes. Looking at the genus level, authors showed that resveratrol consumption was associated with increases in the relative abundances of Akkermansia, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and a decrease in the relative abundances of Prevotella, Anaerotruncus, or Helicobacter in the animals.
These results support previous findings highlighting the stimulating role of resveratrol on the beneficial commensal bacteria. This study once again shows the importance of gut microbiota on our global health. These new data support the idea that the microbiota can be considered in many ways, in research as well as in a clinical approach.
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