Choline and trimethylamine N-oxide supplementation in normal chow diet and western diet promotes the development of atherosclerosis in Apoe -/- mice through different mechanisms

• Published in: International journal of food sciences and nutrition Vol. 74; no. 2; pp. 234 - 246
• Main Authors: Mu, Hong-Na, Zhao, Xiang-Hui, Zhang, Ran-Ran, Li, Zi-Yun, Yang, Rui-Yue, Wang, Si-Ming, Li, Hong-Xia, Chen, Wen-Xiang, Dong, Jun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 01.03.2023; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Animals; Aorta; Apolipoprotein E; Apolipoproteins E - genetics; Arteriosclerosis; Atherosclerosis; Atherosclerosis - etiology; Atherosclerosis - metabolism; bile acid; Cardiovascular disease; Cardiovascular Diseases; Choline; Choline - metabolism; Choline - pharmacology; Diet; Diet, Western - adverse effects; Dietary Supplements; Digestive system; Food science; Gastrointestinal tract; gut microbiota; Intestinal microflora; Lipids; Metabolites; Methylamines; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout, ApoE; Microbiota; Microorganisms; Serum lipids; TMAO; Trimethylamine; TMAO; atherosclerosis; choline; bile acid; gut microbiota
• ISSN: 0963-7486; 1465-3478
• DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2023.2187742

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a gut microbiota-dependent metabolite, has been shown to aggravate cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms of TMAO in the setting of cardiovascular disease progress remain unclear. Here, we aim to investigate the effects of TMAO on atherosclerosis (AS) development and the underlying mechanisms. Apoe -/- mice received choline or TMAO supplementation in a normal diet and a western diet for 12 weeks. Choline or TMAO supplementation in both normal diet and western diet significantly promoted plaque progression in Apoe-/- mice. Besides, serum lipids levels and inflammation response in the aortic root were enhanced by choline or TMAO supplementation. In particular, choline or TMAO supplementation in the western diet changed intestinal microbiota composition and bile acid metabolism. Therefore, choline or TMAO supplementation may promote AS by modulating gut microbiota in mice fed with a western diet and by other mechanisms in mice given a normal diet, even choline or TMAO supplementation in a normal diet can promote AS.