Impact of age-related gut microbiota dysbiosis and reduced short-chain fatty acids on the autonomic nervous system and atrial fibrillation in rats.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Aging is the most significant contributor to the increasing prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF). Dysbiosis of gut microbiota has been implicated in age-related diseases, but its role in AF development remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the correlations between changes in the autonomic nervous system, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and alterations in gut microbiota in aged rats with AF.

Methods

Electrophysiological experiments were conducted to assess AF induction rates and heart rate variability in rats. 16S rRNA gene sequences extracted from fecal samples were used to assess the gut microbial composition. Gas and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy was used to identify SCFAs in fecal samples.

Results

The study found that aged rats exh

SUBMITTER: Liu L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11199889 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature