Impact of Gut Microbiota and Diet on the Development of Atherosclerosis in Apoe ^−/− Mice

A 12-week study found smaller aortic lesions and lower plasma cholesterol levels in conventionally raised mice compared to germ-free mice on a chow diet.

• Conventional mice on a chow diet exhibited reduced aortic lesions and lower cholesterol than germ-free mice.
• No differences in aortic lesions or cholesterol levels were observed in mice fed a Western diet.
• Choline supplementation raised plasma trimethylamine N-oxide levels in conventional mice but had no effect on germ-free mice.
• Choline supplementation did not alter aortic lesion size or plasma cholesterol levels.
• Differences in gut microbiota composition were noted between chow and Western diet-fed mice.

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