Evaluation of Microbial-derived TMAO Production From Carnitine Intake by Testing Fecal Bbu Gene
Study Details
Study Description
Brief Summary
The risk of cardiovascular diseases from red meat consumption varies among individuals due to variations in gut microbiota. L-carnitine in red meat can be converted to TMAO in the body by certain bacteria. Not everyone experiences a significant increase in TMAO levels after consuming carnitine. Gut microbiota differences are observed between high and low TMAO producers. The presence of the bbu gene in gut microbiota is linked to TMAO production. This clinical research aims to determine if the bbu gene can predict TMAO levels after carnitine intake.
| Condition or Disease | Intervention/Treatment | Phase |
|---|---|---|
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N/A |
Detailed Description
The risk of developing cardiovascular diseases due to the consumption of red meat varies among individuals, and this may be attributed to differences in the composition and function of gut microbiota. Studies have found that red meat, rich in L-carnitine, may be metabolized by certain anaerobic bacteria in the intestines to produce trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in the human body. Previous research utilizing the oral carnitine challenge test (OCCT) revealed that not everyone experiences a significant increase in blood TMAO levels after consuming carnitine. Moreover, individuals with high TMAO production and low TMAO production showed distinct differences in their gut microbiota.
Furthermore, we have discovered a significant correlation between the presence of the bbu gene in gut microbiota and the production of TMAO in response to dietary carnitine intake. Therefore, through the design of clinical research, we aim to investigate and assess whether the abundance of the bbu gene in gut microbiota can predict the levels of TMAO produced in the human body after consuming carnitine.
Study Design
Arms and Interventions
| Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
|---|---|
| Experimental: L-Carnitine supplementation Participants are required to take a capsule containing 500mg L-carnitine/day continuous for 7-10 days. During the intervention, participants are asked to collect urine sample and dietary record each day. Blood and fecal samples will be collected before and after the intervention. Each participant needs to complete a food frequency questionnaire. |
Dietary Supplement: L-carnitine
Participants are required to take a capsule containing 500mg L-carnitine/day continuous for 7-10 days.
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Outcome Measures
Primary Outcome Measures
- Blood TMAO level measured by LC-MS/MS [up to 7-10 days]
- Urine TMAO level measured by LC-MS/MS [up to 7-10 days]
- Fecal bbuB gene abundance measured by qPCR [up to 7-10 days]
Secondary Outcome Measures
- Carnitine intake measured by 24hr dietary record [up to 7-10 days]
- Gut microbiome profiles measured by shotgun metagenome sequencing [up to 7-10 days]
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
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Adult with age between 18 to 70
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Must be able to swallow tablets
Exclusion Criteria:
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Antibiotics use within one month
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L-carnitine supplement use within one month
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Chronic diarrhea
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Myasthenia gravis
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Diabetes mellitus
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Parathyroid disorders
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Chronic kidney disease
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Epilepsy
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Severe anemia
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Cardiovascular diseases.
Contacts and Locations
Locations
| Site | City | State | Country | Postal Code | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | National Taiwan University Hospital | Taipei | Taiwan |
Sponsors and Collaborators
- National Taiwan University Hospital
Investigators
None specified.Study Documents (Full-Text)
None provided.More Information
Publications
None provided.- 202303144RINA