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Fig. 6 | Microbiome

Fig. 6

From: Statin therapy causes gut dysbiosis in mice through a PXR-dependent mechanism

Fig. 6

A PXR-dependent mechanism underlies the observed statin-associated secondary effects. Proposed mechanism by which statins may increase the risk of developing T2DM. Activation of PXR in the liver by statins and/or their derived metabolites deregulates BA metabolism (a). Based on the antimicrobial properties of statins (b) and BAs (c), the structure and diversity of the gut microbiota is affected. Progressive selection of BA- and statin-tolerant microbes alters the potential metabolism of the gut microbiota and results in a dysbiotic community defective in the production of butyric acid (d). Lower production of butyrate by the gut microbiota together with the aberrant expression in the liver of genes related to glucose metabolism (e) may predispose the host to develop new onset of T2DM

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