Fucus vesiculosus fucoidan alone and in combination with simvastatin is associated with both alleviation of atherosclerosis and modulations in the gut microbiota and its metabolites in New Zealand rabbits

BackgroundWhile fucoidans show anti-atherosclerotic potential, their impact on this gut-host axis is unclear. This study investigated the effects of Fucus vesiculosus fucoidan, alone and combined with simvastatin, on gut microbiota and metabolome in an atherosclerotic rabbit model that closely recapitulates key features of human atherosclerotic pathogenesis.MethodsAtherosclerosis was induced in New Zealand rabbits via high-fat diet feeding combined with balloon catheter injury. Animals in the ex