Key result
Inhibiting TMAO formation presents a potential strategy to prevent atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
Literature review identifies TMAO's role in atherosclerosis and suggests therapeutic strategies for prevention.
Current research supports the evidence that the gut microbiome (GM), which consist of gut microbiota and their biologically active metabolites, is associated with atherosclerosis development. Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), a metabolite produced by the GM through trimethylamine (TMA) oxidation, significantly enhances the formation and vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques. TMAO promotes inflammation and oxidative stress in endothelial cells, leading to vascular dysfunction and plaque formation. Dimethyl-1-butanol (DMB), iodomethylcholine (IMC) and fluoromethylcholine (FMC) have been recognized for their ability to reduce plasma TMAO by inhibiting trimethylamine lyase, a bacterial enzyme involved in the choline cleavage anaerobic process, thus reducing TMA formation. Conversely, indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and trigonelline inhibit TMA oxidation by inhibiting flavin-containing monooxygenase-3 (FMO3), resulting in reduced plasma TMAO. The combined use of inhibitors of choline trimethylamine lyase and flavin-containing monooxygenase-3 could provide novel therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular disease prevention by stabilizing existing atherosclerotic plaques. This review aims to present the current evidence of the roles of TMA/TMAO in atherosclerosis as well as its potential therapeutic prevention aspects.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Oktaviono et al. (2023) conducted a review in Atherosclerosis. Current evidence suggests that trimethylamine-N-oxide enhances atherosclerosis development, and inhibiting its formation presents a potential therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular disease prevention.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: