- Untargeted Metabolomics
- Lipidomics
- Targeted Metabolomics
- Functional Metabolomics
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Proteomics
- Nanoparticle proteomics
- iTRAQ/TMT-based Proteomics Analysis
- Label free Quantitative Proteomics
- Protein Identification
- DIA proteomics
- Peptidomics
- Parallel Reaction Monitoring (PRM) Targeted Proteome
- Metpro -Ⅱ Protein-Metabolite Interactions
- Phosphoproteomics
- Acetylation Analysis
- Protein Ubiquitination Analysis
Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is present in foods such as pork, eggs, and seafood, contributing to a distinctive umami taste. It is formed by the microbial and enzymatic breakdown of trimethylamine (TMA) and serves as an indicator of freshness in seafood and meat products. Generally, a higher ratio of TMAO to TMA indicates fresher meat. The chemical structure of TMAO is similar to that of methyl donors like choline, betaine, and S-adenosylmethionine, which can be converted to choline in the body. Choline, through bacterial deamination, can hydrolyze to produce TMA, a highly volatile amine responsible for the fishy odor in fish, shrimp, eggs, pork, beef, etc.
TMAO is a metabolic byproduct formed by the anaerobic bacteria in the gut and the human body. Intestinal bacteria convert dietary or indirectly generated compounds like choline, betaine, and carnitine into the malodorous and volatile TMA. TMA can be directly absorbed by the intestines and, upon entering the liver through the portal vein, undergo oxidation by the liver cells' flavin monooxygenase (FMO) to form TMAO, entering the bloodstream.
Studies have revealed that TMAO can promote the accumulation of macrophages in blood vessel walls, inhibit cholesterol recycling pathways, and enhance platelet aggregation activity, leading to the formation of atherosclerosis and blood vessel thrombosis. The association between TMAO and cardiovascular diseases has been extensively researched. Additionally, TMAO has been linked to chronic kidney disease, renal function impairment, mortality risk, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and certain cancers. Analyzing the levels of TMAO and related metabolites could provide a basis for intervening in TMAO-related diseases.
Applications include research on TMAO metabolism and the diagnosis, prediction, etiological mechanisms, and efficacy assessment of TMAO-related diseases.
