Open AccessTrimethylamine N-oxide—a marker for atherosclerotic vascular disease
Author(s) -
Guinan Xie,
Yan An,
Peng Lin,
Yi Wang,
Liping Guo
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
reviews in cardiovascular medicine
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.555
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 2153-8174
pISSN - 1530-6550
DOI - 10.31083/j.rcm2203085
Subject(s) - trimethylamine n oxide , medicine , biomarker , disease , inflammation , arteriosclerosis , pathogenesis , stroke (engine) , cardiology , pathology , trimethylamine , biology , mechanical engineering , biochemistry , engineering
As a potential causative factor in various cardiovascular diseases, the gut microbe-generated metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) has courted considerable research interest as a potential biomarker. TMAO is a small molecule considered to be beneficial for the health of deep-water animals due to its ability to protect proteins against hydrostatic pressure stress. However, it may cause deleterious effects in humans as mounting evidence suggests that TMAO may enhance atherosclerosis, independent of traditional risk factors. This may be mediated by its capacity to enhance inflammation, platelet activation and thrombosis, and inhibit reverse cholesterol transport. In humans, circulating levels of TMAO have been found to be associated with increased risk of developing atherosclerotic diseases such as carotid atherosclerosis, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, stroke, and peripheral arteriosclerosis. This review aims to discuss the current role of TMAO in the atherosclerosis process, using animal models and clinical studies, with special attention to determining whether TMAO could be used as a marker for monitoring severity and prognosis in atherosclerosis and to evaluate evidence for its role as a mediator in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic vascular disease.