LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Intestinal microbiota produced Trimethylamine-N-oxide can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease

Madam, the involvement of intestinal microbiota has been suggested previously in few metabolic diseases such as obesity. However only recently it was suggested that intestinal microbiota can initiate atherosclerosis. Intestinal microbial metabolism of dietary lecithin produces a compound known as Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) which is believed to cause formation of atherosclerotic plaques through interactions with various cells such as macrophages and plasma cells. A recent cohort study has concluded that higher the levels of TMAO the greater the risk for cardiovascular disease. The researchers also suggested that TMAO levels can predict heart risk better than other factors such as high blood pressure and hyperlipidaemia.