THE ROLE OF OLIGOFRUCTOSE-ENRICHED PREBIOTIC IN THE PRESERVATION OF THE GUT MICROBIOME AND THE MITIGATION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK IN MENOPAUSAL MODELS

Abstract

The incidence of cardiovascular disease and subsequent myocardial infarction in menopausal women is of great concern. Previous research has identified that the loss estrogen leads to a significant decline in cardioprotection due to the follicular dysfunction seen in menopause. However, recent findings suggest that the severity of myocardial infarction may be linked to intestinal health and maintenance of the gut microbiome. Dysbiosis is one of the leading causes of local and systemic inflammation, which is a common symptom seen in menopausal women. Moreover, fluctuations in bacterial profiles create widespread effects throughout the body, including increased inflammation, increased immune infiltrates, and severe metabolic dysfunction. This study investigates the uses of oligofructose-enriched prebiotic as a means to preserve bacterial profiles and mitigate cardiovascular disease risk in menopausal models. Murine models replicating menopausal transition were used to better understand the uses of prebiotic treatment in alleviating menopausal pathology. Oligofructose proved to have extensive benefits in menopausal models, including decreased inflammatory activation, preserved bacterial profiles, decreased immune infiltration, preserved metabolic function, and smaller infarct sizes. There are still many avenues that must be explored, but this research has created a strong foundation from which further research can be conducted.