Cited by 670Gut microbiota and healthOral microbiology and periodontitis researchAbdominal vascular conditions and treatments

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 23 of the 23 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; none of the 20 sources its claims cite is checked for support yet.

Dysbiosis of gut microbiota with reduced trimethylamine-N-oxide level in patients with large-artery atherosclerotic stroke or transient ischemic attack

Open access
Yin, Jia, Liao, Shuo‐Xi, He, Yan, Wang, Shan, Xia, Geng‐Hong, Liu, Fei‐Tong, Zhu, Jia‐Jia, You, Chao, Chen, Qiong, Zhou, Liang, Pan, Su‐Yue, Zhou, Hong‐Wei·2015·Journal of the American Heart Association

Abstract

Background: Gut microbiota has been suggested to play a role in almost all major diseases including cardio‐ and cerebrovascular diseases. A possible mechanism is the transformation of dietary choline and l ‐carnitine into trimethylamine by gut bacteria. This metabolite is further oxidized into trimethylamine‐N‐oxide ( TMAO ) in liver and promotes atherogenesis. Nevertheless, little is known about gut microbial diversity and blood TMAO levels in stroke patients. Methods and Results: We performed a case‐control study of patients with large‐artery atherosclerotic ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack. TMAO was determined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Gut microbiome was profiled using Illumina sequencing of the 16S rRNA V4 tag. Within the asymptomatic control group, participants with and without carotid atherosclerotic plaques showed similar levels of TMAO without a significant difference in gut microbiota; however, the gut microbiome of stroke and transient ischemic attack patients was clearly different from that of the asymptomatic group. Stroke and transient ischemic attack patients had more opportunistic pathogens, such as Enterobacter , Megasphaera , Oscillibacter , and Desulfovibrio , and fewer commensal or beneficial genera including Bacteroides , Prevotella , and Faecalibacterium . This dysbiosis was correlated with the severity of the disease. The TMAO level in the stroke and transient ischemic attack patients was significantly lower, rather than higher, than that of the asymptomatic group. Conclusions: Participants with asymptomatic atherosclerosis did not exhibit an obvious change in gut microbiota and blood TMAO levels; however, stroke and transient ischemic attack patients showed significant dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, and their blood TMAO levels were decreased.

Overview

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

In a Chinese case-control study, large-artery atherosclerotic stroke/TIA patients showed gut microbiota dysbiosis and significantly lower blood TMAO than asymptomatic controls. Asymptomatic participants with carotid atherosclerosis did not show clear gut microbiota or TMAO differences from those without.

Key findings

  • Stroke/TIA patients had a distinct gut microbiome from asymptomatic controls, with more opportunistic pathogens such as *Enterobacter*, *Megasphaera*, *Oscillibacter*, and *Desulfovibrio*, and fewer commensal/beneficial genera including *Bacteroides*, *Prevotella*, and *Faecalibacterium*. LEfSe also showed increased Proteobacteria and reduced *Bacteroides*, *Prevotella*, and *Faecalibacterium* in patients.
  • Within asymptomatic controls, the non-AS, IMT, and AS subgroups showed no significant TMAO difference (median TMAO 2.68, 2.63, and 2.92 μmol/L, respectively; P=0.999) and no obvious gut microbiota grouping by PCoA.
  • TMAO was significantly lower in stroke/TIA patients than in asymptomatic controls (P<0.001); the text reports patient average and median TMAO levels of 2.68 and 1.91 μmol/L, respectively.
  • Dysbiosis correlated with stroke severity: severe stroke (NIHSS >4) differed from mild stroke (NIHSS ≤4) in phylogenetic diversity (P=0.014) and overall microbiota by Adonis (P=0.034), with Proteobacteria more abundant and *Bacteroides* depleted in severe stroke.

Methods

  • Case-control study conducted February 2014–February 2015 at Nanfang Hospital, southern China. It recruited 322 large-artery atherosclerotic ischemic stroke/TIA patients and 231 asymptomatic controls for blood samples; fecal samples were available from 141 patients and 97 controls by the text (Table 1 lists 94 controls).
  • Plasma TMAO was measured by stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Gut microbiome was profiled by Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the 16S rRNA V4 region, with QIIME, PCoA, random forest classification, and LEfSe analyses.
  • Statistical comparisons used Wilcoxon rank sum, Kruskal–Wallis with Nemenyi pairwise tests, chi-square, and Adonis; P<0.05 was considered significant.

Limitations

  • The paper states that patients and controls were not well balanced for age and sex; although 47 age- and sex-matched pairs still separated by microbiota, the original imbalance remains. It also states that only 9 TIA patients were enrolled, so the negative stroke-vs-TIA comparison needs larger studies.
  • The paper states that all samples came from stroke inpatients, so it cannot determine whether gut microbiota changes or lower TMAO occurred before stroke/TIA or were caused by the event/treatment; earliest samples were about 14 hours after the event, with too few early samples for analysis.
  • Evident from the text: Table 1’s TMAO row appears inconsistent with the abstract/text direction of lower TMAO in patients, and the control fecal sample count differs between the text (97) and Table 1 (94).

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1161/jaha.115.002699

Cites

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Statistics

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Figures

Figure 1 A, Comparison of blood GLU, SBP, blood TMAO, and VLDL values among the non‐AS, IMT, and AS subgroups within the asymptomatic control group. B, Three enterotypes were determined including type 1 (dominated by Bacteroides), type 2 (dominated by Prevotella), and type 3 (consisting of Bacteroides and other bacteria including Roseburia and Blautia). C, Comparison of TMAO levels in the 3 enterotypes in the control group. D, Principal coordinate analysis illustrating the grouping patterns of the non‐AS, IMT, and AS subgroups based on the Bray‐Curtis, euclidean, weighted UniFrac, and unweighted UniFrac distances. Each circle represents a sample, and the corresponding group can be found in the legend. Distances between any pair of samples represent the dissimilarities between these 2 samples. AS indicates atherosclerotic; GLU, glucose; SBP, systolic blood pressure; TMAO, trimethylamine‐N‐oxide; VLDL, very low‐density lipoprotein.
Figure 1 A, Comparison of blood GLU, SBP, blood TMAO, and VLDL values among the non‐AS, IMT, and AS subgroups within the asymptomatic control group. B, Three enterotypes were determined including type 1 (dominated by Bacteroides), type 2 (dominated by Prevotella), and type 3 (consisting of Bacteroides and other bacteria including Roseburia and Blautia). C, Comparison of TMAO levels in the 3 enterotypes in the control group. D, Principal coordinate analysis illustrating the grouping patterns of the non‐AS, IMT, and AS subgroups based on the Bray‐Curtis, euclidean, weighted UniFrac, and unweighted UniFrac distances. Each circle represents a sample, and the corresponding group can be found in the legend. Distances between any pair of samples represent the dissimilarities between these 2 samples. AS indicates atherosclerotic; GLU, glucose; SBP, systolic blood pressure; TMAO, trimethylamine‐N‐oxide; VLDL, very low‐density lipoprotein.CC BY-NC · PubMed Central
Figure 2 Comparison of α‐diversity between the gut microbiota of patients and controls. Four indices were used to represent the α‐diversity which is (A) Chao1, (B) observed species, (C) Shannon index, and (D) PD whole tree. PD indicates phylogenetic diversity.
Figure 2 Comparison of α‐diversity between the gut microbiota of patients and controls. Four indices were used to represent the α‐diversity which is (A) Chao1, (B) observed species, (C) Shannon index, and (D) PD whole tree. PD indicates phylogenetic diversity.CC BY-NC · PubMed Central
Figure 3 Taxonomic summary of the gut microbiota of patients and controls at (A) phylum level and (B) genus level.
Figure 3 Taxonomic summary of the gut microbiota of patients and controls at (A) phylum level and (B) genus level.CC BY-NC · PubMed Central
Figure 4 Comparison of gut microbiota between asymptomatic controls and stroke/TIA patients. A, Principal coordinate analysis based on the unweighted UniFrac distances. The red open circles represent samples (intestinal microbiota) of patients, and the blue closed circles represent samples of controls. B, Machine learning classification based on gut microbiota using random forest algorithms. C, Significantly discriminative taxa between the control participants and patients were determined using linear discriminant analysis effect size (LD[1]A effect size). The red bar chart represents the bacteria that was more abundant in patients’ fecal samples, and the blue bar chart represents the controls. It showed the increasing levels of Proteobacteria and reduced amounts of Bacteroides, Prevotella and Faecalibacterium in the patients. D, Unweighted UniFrac distances of each subgroup of control compared with stroke/TIA patients. AS indicates atherosclerotic; AUC indicates area under the curve; IMT, intima–media thickness; LEfSe, linear discriminate analysis size effect; ROC, receiver operating characteristic; TIA, transient ischemic attack.
Figure 4 Comparison of gut microbiota between asymptomatic controls and stroke/TIA patients. A, Principal coordinate analysis based on the unweighted UniFrac distances. The red open circles represent samples (intestinal microbiota) of patients, and the blue closed circles represent samples of controls. B, Machine learning classification based on gut microbiota using random forest algorithms. C, Significantly discriminative taxa between the control participants and patients were determined using linear discriminant analysis effect size (LD[1]A effect size). The red bar chart represents the bacteria that was more abundant in patients’ fecal samples, and the blue bar chart represents the controls. It showed the increasing levels of Proteobacteria and reduced amounts of Bacteroides, Prevotella and Faecalibacterium in the patients. D, Unweighted UniFrac distances of each subgroup of control compared with stroke/TIA patients. AS indicates atherosclerotic; AUC indicates area under the curve; IMT, intima–media thickness; LEfSe, linear discriminate analysis size effect; ROC, receiver operating characteristic; TIA, transient ischemic attack.CC BY-NC · PubMed Central
Figure 5 Diversity comparisons of the gut microbiota from different admission times (grouped as “within 24 hours” and “within 48 hours”) of stroke and transient ischemic attack patients: (A) Shannon index, α‐diversity; (B) PD whole tree, α‐diversity; and (C) principal coordinate analysis based on unweighted UniFrac, β‐diversity, tested by Adonis. PD indicates phylogenetic diversity.
Figure 5 Diversity comparisons of the gut microbiota from different admission times (grouped as “within 24 hours” and “within 48 hours”) of stroke and transient ischemic attack patients: (A) Shannon index, α‐diversity; (B) PD whole tree, α‐diversity; and (C) principal coordinate analysis based on unweighted UniFrac, β‐diversity, tested by Adonis. PD indicates phylogenetic diversity.CC BY-NC · PubMed Central
Figure 6 Principal coordinate analysis of 47 pairs of age‐ and sex‐matched controls and patients based on unweighted UniFrac.
Figure 6 Principal coordinate analysis of 47 pairs of age‐ and sex‐matched controls and patients based on unweighted UniFrac.CC BY-NC · PubMed Central
Figure 7 Diversity comparisons between the gut microbiota of stroke and TIA patients (A through C) and of initial and recurrent stroke patients (D through F): (A and D) Shannon index, α‐diversity; (B and E) PD whole tree, α‐diversity; and (C and F) principal coordinate analysis based on unweighted UniFrac, β‐diversity, tested by Adonis. IS indicates initial stroke; PD, phylogenetic diversity; RS, recurrent stroke; TIA, transient ischemic attack.
Figure 7 Diversity comparisons between the gut microbiota of stroke and TIA patients (A through C) and of initial and recurrent stroke patients (D through F): (A and D) Shannon index, α‐diversity; (B and E) PD whole tree, α‐diversity; and (C and F) principal coordinate analysis based on unweighted UniFrac, β‐diversity, tested by Adonis. IS indicates initial stroke; PD, phylogenetic diversity; RS, recurrent stroke; TIA, transient ischemic attack.CC BY-NC · PubMed Central
Figure 8 Diversity comparisons between the gut microbiota of mild and severe stroke or transient ischemic attack patients: (A) Shannon index, α‐diversity; (B) PD whole tree, α‐diversity; (C) principal coordinate analysis based on unweighted UniFrac, β‐diversity, tested by Adonis; and (D) linear discriminant analysis effect size–determined differential features. NIHSS indicates National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale; PD, phylogenetic diversity.
Figure 8 Diversity comparisons between the gut microbiota of mild and severe stroke or transient ischemic attack patients: (A) Shannon index, α‐diversity; (B) PD whole tree, α‐diversity; (C) principal coordinate analysis based on unweighted UniFrac, β‐diversity, tested by Adonis; and (D) linear discriminant analysis effect size–determined differential features. NIHSS indicates National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale; PD, phylogenetic diversity.CC BY-NC · PubMed Central
Figure 9 TMAO levels in stroke or transient ischemic attack patients and asymptomatic controls. TMAO indicates trimethylamine‐N‐oxide.
Figure 9 TMAO levels in stroke or transient ischemic attack patients and asymptomatic controls. TMAO indicates trimethylamine‐N‐oxide.CC BY-NC · PubMed Central

Verification

Claims the paper makes

32 Own result · 11 Not checked yet · 7 Own method · 6 Own interpretation

Verify all 20 references — free account

Show all 36 claims

  • Probably not a substantial claim. 12
  • It may state two separate claims as one. 12
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 3
20 of 20
  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    Little is known about gut microbial diversity and blood TMAO levels in stroke patients.

    “Nevertheless, little is known about gut microbial diversity and blood TMAO levels in stroke patients.”
    “these diseases have rarely been examined with respect to TMAO level and gut microbiota.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The observed differences in gut microbiota and TMAO between stroke/TIA patients and controls are not due to differences in age, sex, or comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) between the groups.

    “stroke and transient ischemic attack patients showed significant dysbiosis of the gut microbiota”
    “Male, n (%) | 220 (68.3) | 130 (56.3) | 0.004”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The gut microbiota composition from a single fecal sample is representative of the participant's gut microbiota at the time relevant to stroke/TIA.

    “their first available fecal samples within 48 hours after admission were collected”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The blood TMAO level measured within 24 hours after admission reflects the patient's usual TMAO level and is not substantially altered by acute stroke.

    “The first fasting blood samples were drawn from all participants within 24 hours after admission”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    No reports have examined the increase in TMAO levels in asymptomatic atherosclerosis patients.

    “no reports have examined the increase in TMAO levels in asymptomatic atherosclerosis patients.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The three major depleted genera (Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Faecalibacterium) are major commensal or beneficial microbes.

    “the 3 major depleted genera in the patient groups, namely, Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Faecalibacterium, are major commensal or beneficial microbes.”
6 of 6

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Metadata

Authors
Yin, J., Liao, S., He, Y., Wang, S., Xia, G., Liu, F., Zhu, J., You, C., Chen, Q., Zhou, L., Pan, S., & Zhou, H.
Affiliations
  • Nanfang Hospital (CN)
  • Southern Medical University (CN)
  • Department of Neurology, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
  • Department of Environmental Health, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
  • State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
Venue
Journal of the American Heart Association
Published
2015-10-29
Volume
4
Issue
11
ISSN
2047-9980 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2178133650
Cited by
669
References
23
Citations by year
2026: 35 · 2025: 72 · 2024: 71 · 2023: 96 · 2022: 117 · 2021: 76 · 2020: 78 · 2019: 57 · 2018: 34 · 2017: 20 · 2016: 13
FWCI
9.69
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by-nc
Locations
  • Journal of the American Heart Association (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (31270152)
  • Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province
  • Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Project
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Gut microbiota and health
  • Health Sciences › Dentistry › Periodontics › Oral microbiology and periodontitis research
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Abdominal vascular conditions and treatments
Keywords
gut dysbiosis, trimethylamine N-oxide, large artery atherosclerotic stroke, transient ischemic attack, ischemic stroke, carotid plaque, opportunistic pathogens, Enterobacter, Megasphaera, Oscillibacter, Bacteroides, Prevotella, Faecalibacterium, atherogenesis, disease severity
MeSH terms
Gastrointestinal Microbiome, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Bacteria, Carotid Artery Diseases, Ischemic Attack, Transient, Chromatography, Liquid, Feces, Female, Humans, Intestines, Male, Methylamines, Middle Aged, Mass Spectrometry, Down-Regulation, Case-Control Studies, Stroke, Ribotyping, Asymptomatic Diseases, Dysbiosis

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