Transmission of Atherosclerosis Susceptibility with Gut Microbial Transplantation

A strong association was noted between atherosclerotic plaque and plasma TMAO levels in a mouse diversity panel (n = 22 strains, r = 0.38; p = 0.0001).

• Gut microbial transplantation may transmit choline diet-induced TMAO production and atherosclerosis susceptibility.
• Mice receiving microbes from a high TMAO-producing strain exhibited increased atherosclerotic plaque burden compared to those receiving microbes from a low TMAO-producing strain.
• Initial levels of TMA and TMAO were higher in recipients on a choline diet with microbes from the high TMAO strain, but these differences did not persist.
• Transplanted donor microbial community features were detectable in recipients, with variations in microbial taxa proportions associated with TMAO levels.
• Specific microbial taxa proportions correlated with plasma TMAO levels and atherosclerotic lesion area in recipient mice.

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