AUTHOR=Shen Xinyi , Li Lihua , Sun Zhen , Zang Guangyao , Zhang Lili , Shao Chen , Wang Zhongqun 

TITLE=Gut Microbiota and Atherosclerosis—Focusing on the Plaque Stability

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine

VOLUME=8

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cardiovascular-medicine/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2021.668532

DOI=10.3389/fcvm.2021.668532

ISSN=2297-055X

ABSTRACT=<p>Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are major causes of mortality and morbidity in the modern society. The rupture of atherosclerotic plaque can induce thrombus formation, which is the main cause of acute cardiovascular events. Recently, many studies have demonstrated that there are some relationships between microbiota and atherosclerosis. In this review, we will focus on the effect of the microbiota and the microbe-derived metabolites, including trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), on the stability of atherosclerotic plaque. Finally, we will conclude with some therapies based on the microbiota and its metabolites.</p>