Gut microbiota: a novel strategy affecting atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a common chronic inflammatory cardiovascular disease affecting both coronary and peripheral arteries, which is influenced by multiple factors. It is increasingly evident that gut microbes and their byproducts play a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis. The most representative feature of microbial dysbiosis in coronary artery disease patients is the reduction of the abundance of the phylum Bacteroidetes and the increase of the abundance of the phylum Firmicutes, which may cause changes in functional genes and metabolites. The gut microbiota and its metabolites influence the early, intermediate, and late stages of atherosclerosis mainly by inhibiting or promoting inflammatory responses. In addition, the reshaping of gut microbiota through probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is discussed as an alternative to traditional therapeutic methods. By summarizing how gut microbiota and their metabolites affect the process of atherosclerosis, we can better understand the complex relationship between gut microbiota and atherosclerosis.IMPORTANCEAtherosclerosis is an inflammatory cardiovascular disease, making it crucial to understand its pathogenesis and develop effective treatments. This review thoroughly examines the literature, emphasizing the gut microbiome as a key factor influencing atherosclerosis. It also explores how the gut microbiota and its metabolites impact the primary, intermediate, and advanced stages of atherosclerosis and proposes that remodeling the gut microbiota is a promising strategy for improving atherosclerosis.