What is the link between Christensenellaceae, gut microbiome, low BMI and a low triglyceridemia?

Evidence suggests the gut microbiome is involved in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD), with the host-microbe interaction regulating immune and metabolic pathways. After correcting for age and gender, cross-validation analysis revealed that microbiota explain 4.5% of the variance in BMI, 6% in triglycerides, and 4% in high-density lipoproteins (HDL), independent of age, gender and genetic risk factors. In particular the family Christensenellaceae (phylum Firmicutes) was associated with low BMI (P=9.8×10^-7) as reported in the Twins UK cohort (Goodrich et al 2014). In addition, they identified a novel and strong association of these particular bacteria with lower levels of triglycerides (TG) (P=2.1×10^-5 ).

This study suggests that the gut microbiome may play an important role in the variation in BMI and blood lipid levels, independent of age, gender and host genetics. These findings support the potential of therapies altering the gut microbiome to control body mass and TG.