Dietary Modulation of Gut Microbiome in High Cholesterol Diet–Induced Atherosclerosis
In a rabbit model of cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis, a cornstarch diet significantly suppressed serum TMAO and hepatic FMO3 expression, whereas casein and soy oil diets yielded only partial metabolic and microbial recovery.
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What the study showed
Atherosclerotic animals showed elevated serum TMAO and BCAA levels and increased hepatic FMO3 expression, associated with overrepresentation of TMA-producing taxa including Clostridium, Ruminococcus, and methanogenic archaea. The cornstarch-fed group exhibited significant suppression of these markers and enrichment of genera such as Olsenella and Dorea. Casein and soy oil diets produced only partial microbial and metabolic recovery with sustained TMA-generating bacteria.
How it was done
Experimental study in a rabbit model of high cholesterol diet–induced atherosclerosis, comparing groups fed cornstarch, casein, or soy oil. Outcomes included gut microbiota composition, serum TMAO and BCAA levels, and hepatic FMO3 expression.
Risk of bias
Rabbit animal model limits direct translation to humans; the abstract does not report sample size, study duration, or complete statistical details. Full-text inaccessibility prevents assessment of randomization, controls, and bias.
What this study does NOT prove
The study does not prove that equivalent dietary modifications reduce cardiovascular risk or atherosclerosis progression in humans.
In clinical practice
Findings do not support immediate clinical dietary recommendations; the diet–microbiota–TMAO relationship in humans involves individual variability not captured by this model. Cautious interpretation is required.
Limitations
Rabbit animal model limits direct translation to humans; the abstract does not report sample size, study duration, or complete statistical details. Full-text inaccessibility prevents assessment of randomization, controls, and bias.
Technical appendix
Version history
- 1.0 · 2026-09-12 — Auto-generated under Evidence Standard v1.0
Paid access: structured summary from public metadata; consult the original study at the source.