Our research interest lie in understanding the pathogenesis of obesity, particularly at the crossroad of inflammation and energy metabolism (glucose and lipid metabolism). We aim to identify the primary factors contributing to obesity-related diseases. A significant portion of our research focuses on the gut microbiome’s role in cardiovascular health, in particular atheroslcerosis. We aim to establish causal relationships and provide mechanistic insights into how gut microbiota dysbiosis influences cardiovascular disease risk.
We concentrate on:
Our work aims to:
The gut microbiota profoundly influences many host functions. It offers various benefits through a range of physiological functions, including:
These beneficial effects can be disrupted when gut microbial homeostasis is imbalanced, a condition known as dysbiosis. Dysbiosis refers to a disproportion of certain intestinal bacteria (pathological versus healthy bacteria) and has been associated with cardiometabolic diseases, including atherosclerosis. Our group has provided the first proof of principle supporting a causal role for the gut microbiota in atherogenesis, however, more research is needed to understand its precise role in disease development.
The microbiota's composition and function are influenced by factors like diet, lifestyle, and medications. However, the precise roles of particular dietary components and medications in shaping the microbiota and their relationship to cardiovascular risk factors have not been fully delineated. Moreover, the complex interplay among sex, microbiota and host metabolism has remained largely unexplored.
Understanding these dynamic interactions opens up possibilities for microbiome-targeted therapies to prevent or treat various diseases.
To achieve our research goals, we employ cutting edge technologies:
Key Research Areas:
Our group is part of the Groningen Microbiome Hub.
Our work opens up promising avenues for innovative therapies that focus on modulating the gut microbiota. Such approaches could offer new strategies to:
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), primarily caused by atherosclerosis, are the leading cause of death globally. Traditional risk factors include hyperlipidemia, chronic inflammation, and hypertension. Although the scientific community has made tremendous progress in understanding, preventing, and modulating these risk factors, a significant residual cardiovascular risk remains, highlighting the urgent need for additional treatment strategies.
In recent years, non-traditional drivers of atherosclerosis, such as the gut microbiota, have gained attention. An imbalanced gut microbiota, or dysbiosis, has been associated with cardiometabolic diseases, i.e., atherosclerosis, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH]. Dysbiosis can lead to increased intestinal permeability, which results in the translocation of bacteria and endotoxins that promote chronic inflammation. In addition, the gut microbiota has been implicated in CVD through the actions of microbiota-derived metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), trimethylamine (TMA), and secondary bile acids (BAs). Further understanding of the role of gut microbiota in atherosclerosis development could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing and treating cardiovascular disease.
UMCG
Department of Pediatrics (HPC EA12)
Postbus 30.001
9700 RB Groningen
The Netherlands
Visiting address
UMCG
Antonius Deusinglaan 1
3226.0410
9713 AV Groningen
The Netherlands
