Intestinal microbiota metabolism and atherosclerosis.

Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), a metabolite produced by intestinal microbes, is associated with elevated atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease risk.

This study evaluated the association between the metabolic activity of intestinal microbes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Researchers analyzed data obtained from several published literatures on the subject. They found out that trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO)—an organic compound produced from the metabolism of foods that contain trimethylamine (TMA) by intestinal microbes—had pro-atherogenic activity, promoting the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. The findings of this meta-analysis strengthen the hypothesis that high intestinal microbial metabolism of TMA-containing compounds may increase the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular ailments.