Molecular Identification and Selection of Probiotic Strains Able to Reduce the Serum TMAO Level in Mice Challenged with Choline.

Trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) originates from trimethylamine (TMA), which is oxidized in the liver by hepatic flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMO3). TMA is produced by its dietary precursors such as choline, carnitine, and phosphatidylcholine by gut microbiota. TMAO attracts attention, identified as a novel and independent risk factor for promoting obesity, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), insulin tolerance, and colon cancer.