Association of TMAO levels with indicators of ulcerative colitis activity.

Background: The diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC) today is limited to a small number of biomarkers. Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is the product of reactions resulting from the degradation of dietary-free choline, phosphatidylcholine, and carnitine metabolism by the intestinal microbiota. Earlier studies showed his involvement in the pathogenesis of UC.

Alterations of the Gut Microbiome and TMAO Levels in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an idiopathic and heterogeneous large intestine disease, characterized by chronic mucosa and submucosa inflammation. Alteration of the intestinal microbiome in UC may be responsible for modifications in metabolite production. Aim: To investigate the microbiota status and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) metabolite levels in patients with UC according to clinical and endoscopic activity.