Figure 2.

Dysbiosis can induce metabolic endotoxemia, an increased presence of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in circulation. The LPS-mediated interference of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) in macrophages occurs (1) directly by reduced expression of LXR and (2) indirectly through mechanisms that upregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines. Abbreviations: oxLDL—oxidized low density lipoprotein, HDL—high density lipoprotein, LXR—liver X receptor, LXRE – Liver X Receptor response element, ScR – scavenger receptor, TLR4 – Toll like receptor 4, ABCA1— adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette (ABC) cholesterol transporters including ABC subfamily A member 1.