P. gingivalis-enhanced atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic ApoE-/- mice was associated with changes in the intestinal microflora (82, 164), increased intestinal permeability (82), as well as with raised systemic levels of LPS and TMAO (164) or altered metabolites indicating changes in lipid metabolism and primary bile acid synthesis (82). This evidence concerns the gene APOE and atherosclerosis.