Microbes play an important role in human health and disease. In the setting of heart failure
(HF), substantial hemodynamic changes, such as hypoperfusion and congestion in the
intestines, can alter gut morphology, permeability, function, and possibly the growth and
composition of gut microbiota. These changes can disrupt the barrier function of the
intestines and exacerbate systemic inflammation via microbial or endotoxin translocation
into systemic circulation. Furthermore, cardiorenal alterations via metabolites derived from�…