Research has found that bacterial metabolites in the gut may affect the heart through specific brain neurons, revealing a new gut-brain-heart connection. The discovery suggests that increasing these metabolites through diet changes or supplements might help prevent cardiovascular disease.
Scientists at the Max Delbrück Center detail that the indole-3 acetic acid (IAA) metabolite is key to neuronal activity in the hypothalamus, which controls the relaxation and stiffness of the heart muscle. This metabolite is derived from the essential amino acid tryptophan.
They explain that doctors do not fully understand the reasons behind diastolic dysfunction, where the heart struggles to relax, affecting millions globally.
“We were surprised that a single bacterial metabolite could influence the central nervous system, the…