Bacteroides vulgatus and Bacteroides dorei reduce gut microbial lipopolysaccharide production and inhibit atherosclerosis

Increasing evidence suggests gut microbiota play a pivotal role in development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, it still remains unclear how the specific gut bacteria contributes to the atherosclerosis progression. Here, we compared the gut microbiome in patients with or without coronary artery disease (CAD), and studied the underlying mechanisms using mice model. Fecal 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed lower abundance of Bacteroides vulgatus and Bacteroides dorei in patients with CAD. Gavage with live-B. vulgatus and B. dorei ameliorated the atherosclerotic lesion formation in atherosclerosis-prone mice. Markedly decreasing gut microbial lipopolysaccharide production and intestinal permeability attributed to the attenuation of endotoxemia and suppression of the proinflammatory immune response. Furthermore, significant increasing gut microbial lipopolysaccharide production in CAD patients was observed. Our findings identify causal link between specific gut bacteria and atherosclerosis, and provide a novel intervention in CAD by targeting the gut microbiota.