Propionate attenuates atherosclerosis by immune-dependent regulation of intestinal cholesterol metabolism.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, and increased low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) play a critical role in development and progression of atherosclerosis. Here, we examined for the first time gut immunomodulatory effects of the microbiota-derived metabolite propionic acid (PA) on intestinal cholesterol metabolism.

Methods and results

Using both human and animal model studies, we demonstrate that treatment with PA reduces blood total and LDL cholesterol levels. In apolipoprotein E-/- (Apoe-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), PA reduced intestinal cholesterol absorption and aortic atherosclerotic lesion area. Further, PA increased regulatory T-cell numbers and interleukin (IL)-10 levels in the intestinal micr

SUBMITTER: Haghikia A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9097250 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature