Relationships between gut microbiota, plasma metabolites, and metabolic syndrome traits in the METSIM cohort.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The gut microbiome is a complex and metabolically active community that directly influences host phenotypes. In this study, we profile gut microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in 531 well-phenotyped Finnish men from the Metabolic Syndrome In Men (METSIM) study.

Results

We investigate gut microbiota relationships with a variety of factors that have an impact on the development of metabolic and cardiovascular traits. We identify novel associations between gut microbiota and fasting serum levels of a number of metabolites, including fatty acids, amino acids, lipids, and glucose. In particular, we detect associations with fasting plasma trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) levels, a gut microbiota-dependent metabolite associated with coronary artery disease and stroke.

SUBMITTER: Org E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5390365 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature