Researchers found bits of bacteria and a protein called LL‑37 in the blood of people with heart disease. The bacterial DNA showed up more often in younger patients and those with diabetes, and higher LL‑37 levels were linked to the presence of these bacteria. This suggests a possible link between gut bacteria, inflammation, and heart problems, but it doesn’t give clear steps you can take right now.

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the most prevalent type of cardiovascular disease. The main cause of IHD is atherosclerosis, which is a multifactorial inflammatory disease of blood vessels. Studies show that bacteria might have a significant impact on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and plaque rupture. This study aimed to evaluate the complexity of interactions between bacteria and the human body concerning metabolites and bacterial genes in patients with ischemic heart disease. Bacterial <i>16S rDNA</i> and <i>wcaF</i>, <i>papC</i>, and <i>sdhC</i> genes were detected in whole blood using a real-time PCR methodology. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the concentration of the LL-37 protein. An analysis of ARA in blood plasma was performed. Bacterial <i>16S rDNA</i> was detected in 31% of the study patients, and the genes <i>wcaF</i> and <i>sdhC</i> in 20%. <i>Enterobacterales</i> genes were detected more frequently in patients younger than 65 years than in patients aged 65 years and older (<i>p</i> = 0.018) and in patients with type 2 diabetes (<i>p</i> = 0.048). Concentrations of the human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 and 12S-HETE concentrations were determined to be higher if patients had <i>16S rDNA</i> and biofilm-specific genes. The results of this study enhance the understanding that <i>Enterobacterales</i> bacteria may participate in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and IHD. Bacterial DNA and host metabolites in higher concentrations appear to be detected.