An association between plasma and urinary levels of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and metabolic factors in a population of community-dwelling Japanese

Abstract

Aim: Previous studies have suggested a role for the intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Intestinal microbiota convert the choline moiety of dietary phosphatidylcholine into trimethylamine (TMA), which is subsequently converted into trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) in liver. Recent reports have shown a correlation between high plasma levels of TMAO and an increased risk of incident major adverse cardiovascular events.