So, in general there is an obvious need to further validate Apoe−/− rats as a model of dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, changes in gut microbiota, and atherosclerosis and more specifically, to investigate the translational aspects of our previous observations on the relationship between gut microbiota and atherosclerosis in Apoe−/− mice in a larger model such as a rat. This evidence concerns the gene APOE and atherosclerosis.