Distinct gut microbiota and metabolite patterns were associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) in a cross-sectional study of Thai men published in Scientific Reports. The analysis evaluated whether specific gut microbes and fecal metabolites were linked to CHD.

The study included 55 participants categorized as normal controls (n=24), hyperlipidemia (n=17), and CHD (n=14). Fecal water samples were analyzed for short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and branched short-chain fatty acids (BSCFAs) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Gut microbial composition was assessed using 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene sequencing.

An unidentified Eubacterium species with 100% sequence similarity to Eubacterium liposum was present at higher abundance in CHD than in controls (FDR=0.0002) and hyperlipidemia (FDR=0.0018).

Levels of 2-methylbutyric acid were higher in CHD than in controls (FDR=0.0006). Spearman analysis showed a moderate positive correlation between 2-methylbutyric acid and CHD presence (r=0.5037; p=0.0001).

These findings suggest specific gut microbial and metabolite profiles were associated with CHD, although confirmation in larger and more diverse cohorts is needed.