Progressive and Concordant Alterations in Transcriptional and Gut Microbiota Across Aortic Valve Calcification Severity (PRJCA039760)
Aortic valve calcification (CAVD) is a prevalent disorder that leads to significant morbidity and mortality. The gut microbiota is thought to influence CAVD, but its characteristics across different levels of calcification are not well understood. This study investigated the transcriptional profiles of calcified aortic valve tissues from 31 patients with varying calcification levels and their corresponding gut microbiota characteristics. Our findings revealed subtle yet widespread transcriptional changes in mild CAVD (m-CAVD), indicating a dose-dependent relationship between calcification severity and gene expression. Notably, the gut microbiota in m-CAVD patients reflected a transitional state between healthy and severe profiles, suggesting its potential involvement in disease progression. Functional analysis also revealed specific bacterial taxa linked to calcification, highlighting the complex interactions between gut microbiota and the calcification process. These results enhanced our understanding of CAVD's pathophysiology and suggest that gut microbiota modulation, particularly in the early stages of the disease, could offer a new therapeutic strategy.