Dioxin-like pollutants increase hepatic flavin containing monooxygenase (FMO3) expression to promote synthesis of the pro-atherogenic nutrient biomarker Trimethylamine N-oxide from dietary precursors

The etiology of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is impacted by multiple modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors including dietary choices, genetic predisposition, and environmental exposures. However, mechanisms linking diet, exposure to pollutants, and CVD risk are largely unclear. Recent studies identified a strong link between plasma levels of nutrient-derived Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and coronary artery disease. Dietary precursors of TMAO include carnitine and phosphatidylcholine, which are abundant in animal-derived foods.

Source: The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry - March 31, 2016 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Michael C. Petriello, Jessie B. Hoffman, Manjula Sunkara, Banrida Wahlang, Jordan T. Perkins, Andrew J. Morris, Bernhard Hennig Source Type: research