Ezetimibe exerts its primary effects by inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption through the NPC1L1 protein. Beyond this, its impact on gut microbiota remains an area of interest. Gut microbiota has been implicated in cholesterol metabolism and CVD pathogenesis through metabolic and non-metabolic pathways. Modulating gut microbiota has been explored as a potential strategy to prevent CVDs.
Despite its intestinal mechanism, the influence of ezetimibe on gut microbiota composition has not been thoroughly investigated. Future studies are needed to elucidate its potential interactions with gut microbial communities and their implications for cholesterol metabolism and cardiovascular health.