AUTHOR=Shen Xinyi , Li Lihua , Sun Zhen , Zang Guangyao , Zhang Lili , Shao Chen , Wang Zhongqun TITLE=Gut Microbiota and Atherosclerosis—Focusing on the Plaque Stability JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine VOLUME=Volume 8 - 2021 YEAR=2021 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cardiovascular-medicine/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2021.668532 DOI=10.3389/fcvm.2021.668532 ISSN=2297-055X ABSTRACT=Cardiovascular diseases(CVDs) ,which are caused by atherosclerosis, are major causes of mortality and morbidity in the modern society. The rupture of atherosclerotic plaques can induce thrombus formation,which is the main cause of acute cardiovascular events.Recently,many studies have demonstrated that there are some relationships between microbiota and atherosclerosis.In this review,we will focus on the effect of the microbiota and the microbe-derived metabolites ,including trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and lipopolysaccharide(LPS), on the stability of atherosclerotic plaque. Finally,we will conclude with some therapies based on the microbiota and its metabolites.