Vascular wall Tissue Factor contributes to trimethylamine N-oxide-induced arterial thrombosis

The gut microbiota and their generated metabolites impact the host vascular phenotype. The metaorganismal metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is both associated with adverse clinical thromboembolic events, and enhances platelet responsiveness in subjects. The impact of TMAO on vascular tissue factor (TF) in vivo is unknown. Here, we explore whether TMAO enhanced thrombosis potential extends beyond TMAO effects on platelets, and is linked to TF. We also further explore the links between gut microbiota and vascular TF expression in vivo.