The role of gut microbiome, plasma metabolome, and proteome biomarkers in understanding alcohol-induced cardiovascular disease risk

Project description

Alcohol is recognized as a determinant for cardiovascular health, and heavy consumption can lead to the development of atherosclerosis and an increased risk of cardiovascular events; however, the details of underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Alcohol intake can lead to changes in the gut microbiota composition, metabolomic and proteomic profile, all potentially contributing to the underlying risk of developing atherosclerotic plaques and CVD development.

We aim to explore the relationship between alcohol consumption, especially drinking patterns (e.g., binge drinking) and types of alcohol (e.g., beer, wine and liquor), to the gut microbiome composition, circulating metabolomic and proteomic profile and their functional pathways. To address these aims, we leverage several large Swedish cohort studies (SCAPIS, SIMPLER and EpiHealth) with extensive clinical measurements, and dietary and lifestyle assessments, together with deep sequencing of the gut microbiome and high-performance measurement of plasma metabolome and proteome.

Through profiling of the gut microbiome and the circulating metabolome and proteome, as well as alcohol intake in relation to atherosclerosis and CVD events, the current project has key aspects of precision medicine, and will likely lead to the identification of biomarkers that predict response to alcohol intake.