Graduation Year

2024

Date of Submission

12-2023

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Biology

Reader 1

Pete Chandrangsu

Reader 2

Elise Ferree

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Terms of Use for work posted in Scholarship@Claremont.

Rights Information

© 2023 Mary Markaryan

Abstract

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the relationship between the gut microbiome and cardiovascular disease (CVD) through a comprehensive analysis of microbial composition. The human gut, housing trillions of microbes, plays crucial roles in metabolic functions, immune regulation, and protection against pathogenic bacteria. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes dominate the gut microbiome, influencing metabolic homeostasis. Microbial functions encompass nutrient breakdown, dietary fat absorption, bile acid composition, and amino acid synthesis. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in immune system regulation and prevention of pathogenic bacterial growth. This study will examine the gut microbiome's connection with CVD, emphasizing high blood pressure, cholesterol, atherosclerosis, and additional risk factors like dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut homeostasis. The LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio is highlighted as a heart disease predictor. Dietary impacts will discuss implications for distinguishing bacterial composition and overall maintaining a healthy gut. Previous studies reveal a common trend that increased Bacteroidetes and decreased Firmicutes correlate positively with cardiovascular health. Additionally, positive of microbial changes such as prebiotics, probiotics, and dietary alterations

This proposed study involves a 3-month study with 100 participants from Southern California, assessing microbial diversity through stool sample collection, DNA extraction, sequencing, statistical data analysis, and dietary tracking.

The goal of this study is to expand understanding of the gut microbiome in cardiovascular health to further implicate therapeutic strategies and prevention measures, as well as overall human health.

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This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.

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