Gut heart axis in aortic stenosis

The Human Microbiome Project in Aortic Stenosis investigates the composition and functional role of the intestinal microbiota in patients with degenerative aortic valve disease. Stool samples are collected from individuals with clinically confirmed aortic stenosis as well as from matched control groups, including patients with aortic regurgitation and bacteremia. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing (V3–V4 region, Illumina MiSeq), the project aims to characterize taxonomic shifts, identify microbial biomarkers, and explore potential gut–heart interactions contributing to systemic inflammation and valvular calcification. The overarching goal is to define specific microbial signatures linked to inflammatory and metabolic pathways involved in aortic stenosis progression.