Gut microbe-derived metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide induces cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis

Aug 3, 2018Laboratory investigation; a journal of technical methods and pathology

Gut microbe chemical trimethylamine N-oxide linked to heart muscle growth and scarring

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Abstract

TMAO levels were significantly elevated in rats after 6 weeks of induced cardiac hypertrophy.

  • TMAO, derived from gut microbes, is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk.
  • Induction of cardiac hypertrophy in rats was achieved through transverse aortic constriction (TAC).
  • TMAO treatment in cultured heart cells stimulated hypertrophy, indicated by larger cell size and increased levels of specific markers.
  • In rats, TMAO treatment led to both cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis.
  • Using antibiotics to reduce TMAO synthesis decreased the cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis caused by TAC.
  • Inhibition of Smad3 reduced the effects of TMAO on heart cell size and hypertrophic marker expression.

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