Trimethylamine-N-oxide as a marker of a human metabolism

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), an organic compound produced by gut microbiota from dietary precursors, has been considered in recent years as a biomarker of the body's metabolic state. Objective. To summarize and present current data on the biosynthesis of trimethylamine N-oxide, its physiological functions and pathological consequences of elevated serum concentrations of this metabolite, to substantiate the opportunities for improving the effectiveness of preventive measures. Materials and methods. A search for domestic and international literature on the physiological functions and consequences of elevated serum TMAO concentration, as well as potential interventions aimed at improvement of the effectiveness of cardiovascular pathology prevention, was carried out. The following databases were used for the search: Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, eLibrary, Cyberleninka. Results. We searched for full-text sources in Russian and English containing research findings on the relationship between elevated TMAO level and the development of cardiovascular pathology. In particular, TMAO-induced mechanisms include endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and impaired cholesterol metabolism, which together trigger atherosclerosis and cause its progression. Conclusion. Trimethylamine N-oxide plays a key role in the complex interaction between diet, gut microbiota and human health. Elevated level of trimethylamine N-oxide create conditions for the development of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and atherosclerosis, which emphasizes the need to find effective strategies aimed at normalizing the level of this metabolite. The innovative potential of influencing trimethylamine N-oxide level through nutraceutical and microbiome modulating strategies offers a modern, personalized approach to the prevention of metabolic disorders.