New insights on the beneficial effects of the probiotic kefir on vascular dysfunction in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. - GreenMedInfo Summary

The mechanisms responsible for the cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases have been the focus of experimental and clinical studies for decades. Among those studies, the relationship between the gut microbiota and the organs and system tissues, represents the research field that has generated the highest number of publications. Homeostasis of the gut microbiota is important to the host because promotes maturation of the autoimmune system, harmonic integrative functions of the brain and the normal function of organs related with cardiovascular and metabolic systems. On the other hand, when occurs a gut microbiota dysbiosis, the target organs become vulnerable to the onset or aggravation of complex chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular (e.g., arterial hypertension) and neurodegenerative (e.g., dementia) diseases. In the present brief review, we discuss the main mechanisms involved in those disturbances and the promising beneficial effects that have been revealed using functional food (nutraceuticals), such as the traditional probiotic Kefir. Here, we highlight current scientific advances, concerns and limitations about the use of this nutraceutical. The focus of our discussion is the endothelial dysfunction that accompanies the hypertension, and the neurovascular dysfunction that characterizes the ageing-related dementia in patients suffering of Alzheimer disease.