What is the purpose of this trial?Researchers at MCW have discovered a new pathway that links the type of bacteria present in the intestines to the severity of heart attacks. This discovery of a relationship between intestinal bacteria, bacterial metabolites, and severity of heart attacks means that for the first time, the investigators may be able to determine a person's probability of having a heart attack via non-conventional risk factors. This may provide opportunities for novel diagnostic tests as well as a potential for therapeutic intervention. The link between gut microbiota and the severity of heart attacks may also lead to novel therapeutic approaches (probiotics, non-absorbable antibiotics) to prevent heart attacks from happening. The studies proposed will test the hypothesis that altered intestinal microbiota are mechanistically linked to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. The investigator's objective is to determine whether inflammatory markers in the blood are decreased and endothelial cell function improved by a probiotic in patients with established coronary artery disease. Furthermore, the investigators wish to elucidate a mechanism by which the gut microbiota regulates serum inflammatory markers.
1. Specific Aim 1 will determine the impact of a probiotic on circulating leptin and TMAO levels, conventional risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, oxidized LDL, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, fibrinogen and adiponectin, glucose-dependent- insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon-like-peptide (GLP-1), glucagon, insulin), and their relationship to the intestinal microbiota (15 representative microbial groups) as non conventional risk factors. Several blood samples will be collected to measure biomarkers. Participants will provide periodic stool samples in order to measure gut bacterial biodiversity. Lastly, endothelial cell function (flow mediated dilation) will be measured in order to assess blood vessel function.
2. Specific Aim 2 will determine the impact of a probiotic on metabolites derived from the intestinal microbiota as candidates for non-conventional risk factors of cardiovascular disease. The relationship between metabolites derived from the intestinal microbiota, endothelial cell function and risk factors for cardiovascular disease identified in Specific Aim 1 will be correlated.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you've had changes in certain heart-related medications in the last 6 weeks or if you're taking specific blood thinners like warfarin.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Goodbelly, which contains Lactobacillus plantarum 299v, for cardiovascular disease?Research shows that Lactobacillus plantarum, a component of Goodbelly, can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are linked to heart disease. In animal studies, it has been shown to decrease the size of atherosclerotic lesions, suggesting potential benefits for cardiovascular health.
12345 Is Lactobacillus plantarum safe for human use?Research shows that Lactobacillus plantarum, a type of probiotic, is generally safe for human use, with studies noting its effects on cholesterol levels and inflammation without significant side effects.
14678 How does the treatment Goodbelly differ from other treatments for cardiovascular disease?Goodbelly, containing Lactobacillus plantarum 299v, is unique because it uses probiotics to potentially lower blood glucose and lipids, regulate blood pressure, and reduce cardiovascular disease risk by improving gut health, unlike traditional medications that directly target cholesterol or blood pressure.
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