Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of the gut microbiome on Cardiovascular health, particularly its effects on the repair and regeneration of the heart via Cardiac Stem Cells (CSCs) and Cardiac Progenitor Cells (CPCs). Microbial metabolites, particularly Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs), were shown to affect key signalling pathways such as Wnt, Notch, and BMP, which are crucial for the differentiation and functionality of CSCs and CPCs. SCFAs contribute to lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhancing angiogenesis, thereby fostering an environment that is conducive to cardiac repair. CPCs and epicardial cells are involved in the heart’s limited regenerative capabilities, challenging the earlier belief that the adult heart lacks regenerative capacity. Progress in regulating CPCs through transcription factors and epigenetic strategies has resulted in promising approaches, such as reprogramming CPCs and combining them with biomaterials. Nonetheless, issues like immune rejection, the maturation of tissues, and the aging of CSCs must be addressed. While there are current challenges, stem cell therapies, gene therapies, and microbiome modulation present potential avenues for improving cardiac repair. Additional research is required to refine these approaches and tackle the challenges in order to better cardiac medicine and treatment options for heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases.