Alterations in gut microbiota of abdominal aortic aneurysm mice

Abstract Background The gut microbiome plays an important role in various cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and hypertension, which are associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Methods Here, we used 16S rRNA sequencing to explore gut microbiota in C57BL ApoE−/− mice with AAAs. A mouse model of abdominal aortic aneurysms was induced with angiotensin II (Ang II) (1000 ng/min per kg). On day 28 after the operation, fecal samples were collected and stored at − 80 °C until DNA extraction. We determined the relative abundances of bacterial taxonomic groups using 16S rRNA amplicon metabarcoding, and sequences were analyzed using a combination of mother software and UPARSE. Results We found that the gut microbiome was different between control and AAA mice. The results of correlation analysis between AAA diameter and the gut microbiome as well as LEfSe of the genera Akkermansia, Odoribacter, Helicobacter and Ruminococcus might be important in the progression of AAAs. Conclusions AAA mice is subjected to gut microbial dysbiosis, and gut microbiota might be a potential target for further investigation.