Exponential increase in the number of studies indicates the crucial role of gut microbiota in metabolic as well as cardiovascular homeostasis. The interplay occurring between the host and its microbiome is a bidirectional and complex process. Various pathological states like diabetes or cardiovascular diseases may help shaping the composition and activity of microbiota, on one hand. On the other, bacteria present in the gut may trigger or contribute to the initiation of pathological processes. In particular, molecules of bacterial origin, i.e., bacterial metabolites, emerges as important mediators of gut microbiota actions. For example, it has been shown that they may directly affect cardiovascular homeostasis acting on the blood vessels and the heart. This fast-growing line of research may identify bacterial metabolite biomarkers that can be used in novel diagnostic tests and therapeutic interventions targeted on gut microbiome.

Our goal is to provide readers with the methodologies to investigate microbial metabolic pathways and their relationship with the disease pathogenesis as well as to discover potential microbiome-based targets of therapy. Therefore, in this Methods Collection, we will provide an overview of the current basic research approaches around the role of gut microbiome in cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, ranging from multi-omics combined application on gut microbiota to cellular analyses and animal disease models. Emphasis will be given to methods regarding bacteria-derived metabolites such as methylamines, short-chain fatty acids, and others.