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Updated: Aug 30, 2025

Mouse Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Model Induced by Perivascular Application of Elastase
Published on: February 11, 2022
Effects of Spermidine on Gut Microbiota Modulation in Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Mice
Shuai Liu1, Yu Liu1, Jiani Zhao1
1Department of General & Vascular Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
Abstract:
Accumulating evidence in recent years has demonstrated the important role of gut microbiota in maintaining cardiovascular function. However, their functions in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are largely unexplored. In this study, we established a porcine pancreatic elastase-infused experimental AAA mouse model and explored gut microbiota modulation using 16S rDNA sequencing. Here, we found that a significant alteration to gut microbiota composition and function occurred in AAA. The functional change in the gut microbiome revealed dysregulated biosynthesis metabolism and transport of spermidine in AAA. Furthermore, exogenous spermidine was administrated via drinking water and attenuated the progression of experimental AAA disease, which supports our recent study that spermidine alleviates systemic inflammation and AAA. These effects were associated with remitted gut microbiota dysbiosis and metabolism in AAA progression as demonstrated by 16S rDNA gene analysis. In addition, several bacterial florae, such as Bacteroides, Parabacteroides and Prevotella, were identified to be associated with the progression of AAA. Our results uncovered altered gut microbial profiles in AAA and highlighted the potential therapeutic use of spermidine in the treatment of gut microbiota dysbiosis and AAA.
Insights
Gut microbiota alterations are linked to abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) progression. Supplementing with spermidine reversed these changes, suggesting its therapeutic potential for AAA and gut dysbiosis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health.
- The specific functions of gut microbiota in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) remain largely unknown.
- Investigating the gut microbiome's role in AAA is essential for understanding disease mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the impact of gut microbiota on the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
- To investigate the potential therapeutic effects of spermidine on AAA progression and associated gut dysbiosis.
- To identify specific bacterial taxa linked to AAA development.
Main Methods:
- Establishment of a porcine pancreatic elastase-infused experimental AAA mouse model.
- 16S rDNA sequencing for gut microbiota composition and functional analysis.
- Administration of exogenous spermidine via drinking water to assess therapeutic effects.
Main Results:
- Significant alterations in gut microbiota composition and function were observed in the AAA model.
- Dysregulated spermidine biosynthesis metabolism and transport were identified in the AAA gut microbiome.
- Exogenous spermidine administration attenuated AAA progression, reduced systemic inflammation, and ameliorated gut dysbiosis.
- Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Prevotella were identified as bacterial genera associated with AAA progression.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbial dysbiosis is a key feature of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
- Spermidine demonstrates therapeutic potential in mitigating AAA progression and associated gut dysbiosis.
- Targeting gut microbiota and spermidine metabolism offers a promising therapeutic strategy for AAA.

