γ-Butyrobetaine Is a Proatherogenic Intermediate in Gut Microbial Metabolism of L-Carnitine to TMAO

Dec 3, 2014Cell metabolism

Gamma-Butyrobetaine is a gut microbe-produced compound that may promote artery disease by converting L-carnitine into TMAO

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Abstract

Following L-carnitine ingestion, γ-butyrobetaine is produced at a rate ∼1,000-fold higher than trimethylamine.

  • γ-Butyrobetaine is identified as the major gut microbial metabolite formed from dietary L-carnitine in mice.
  • γ-Butyrobetaine is converted into trimethylamine and trimethylamine-N-oxide in a manner dependent on gut microbes.
  • The production of γ-butyrobetaine is associated with the acceleration of atherosclerosis.
  • Distinct gut microbial taxa are linked to the metabolism of L-carnitine and γ-butyrobetaine.
  • Chronic dietary exposure to L-carnitine or γ-butyrobetaine leads to the development of functionally distinct microbial communities.

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