Gut microbial-dependent trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) pathway contributes to both development of renal insufficiency and mortality risk in chronic kidney disease.

High serum concentrations of TMAO are associated with high incidence of renal disorders and mortality.

Dietary choline, lecithin (phosphatidylcholine), and L-carnitine are rich sources of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO). This research work was carried out to determine the relationship between plasma levels of TMAO and renal disease development, progression, and mortality risks. Researchers measured the fasting serum concentrations of TMAO in 521 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and healthy subjects. The renal and total mortality hazard risks of the subjects were also assessed.

Researchers discovered that the CKD patients had higher blood levels of TMAO than the healthy subjects. A high prevalence of renal disorders, such as renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, was found in subjects with high plasma levels of TMAO. The findings of this study show that a greater risk of renal morbidity and mortality is associated with high consumption of choline-, lecithin, and L-carnitine-rich foods.