• Protective Effects of Gut Microbial Metabolites SCFAs, H2S, Polyamines, and Polyphenols on Cardiovascular Health
  • Alireza Nokhodchi,1,* Zohreh Arab,2
    1. Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch, Iran
    2. Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran


  • Introduction: The gut microbiota also produces metabolites with protective effects against cardiovascular diseases. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate, regulate blood pressure, reduce systemic inflammation, and enhance endothelial function. SCFAs activate G-protein coupled receptors in vascular tissues, leading to vasodilation and improved vascular homeostasis. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), another microbial metabolite, functions as a gaseous signaling molecule with vasodilatory and antioxidant properties. H2S reduces oxidative stress in vascular cells, inhibits atherogenesis, and protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Polyamines, including spermidine and spermine, promote autophagy, reduce inflammatory cytokine production, and protect cardiomyocytes from stress-induced damage. Additionally, diet-derived microbial metabolites such as polyphenols exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the cardiovascular system. Polyphenols improve endothelial function, decrease LDL oxidation, and attenuate vascular inflammation. Through these combined mechanisms, SCFAs, H2S, polyamines, and polyphenols contribute to reduced risk of hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart failure.
  • Methods: We conducted a literature review using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to July 2025. Keywords included gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids, hydrogen sulfide, polyamines, polyphenols, and cardiovascular health. Relevant experimental and clinical studies were selected and summarized according to the main microbial metabolites and their cardiovascular effects.
  • Results: The reviewed studies showed that: SCFAs improve blood pressure control, endothelial function, and reduce inflammation. H2S acts as a vasodilator and antioxidant, protecting against oxidative stress and atherosclerosis. Polyamines support autophagy and protect cardiomyocytes from damage. Polyphenols reduce LDL oxidation and vascular inflammation. Overall, these metabolites work through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vascular-protective pathways, lowering the risk of hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart failure.
  • Conclusion: We conducted a literature review using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to July 2025. Keywords included gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids, hydrogen sulfide, polyamines, polyphenols, and cardiovascular health. Relevant experimental and clinical studies were selected and summarized according to the main microbial metabolites and their cardiovascular effects.
  • Keywords: Gut microbiota, Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), Polyamines, Polyphenols, Ca