Journal article
Metabolomic profiles of an atherogenic TMAO-dietary pattern among postmenopausal women
European journal of nutrition, Vol.64(6), 271
09/04/2025
DOI: 10.1007/s00394-025-03792-w
PMCID: PMC12411603
PMID: 40908426
Abstract
Purpose
We previously identified a dietary pattern (DP) associated with plasma trimethylamine
n
-oxide (TMAO) and choline, the TMAO-DP, where higher scores represent more atherogenic potential of the diet. The mechanisms linking dietary intake to the presence of choline and TMAO in the plasma, and by which TMAO may influence atherosclerosis in humans require further clarification. The objective was to evaluate associations between the TMAO-DP and metabolomic profiles in postmenopausal women from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI).
Methods
This cross-sectional analysis used baseline WHI data. Dietary intake was assessed using a modified Block food frequency questionnaire. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to measure 446 metabolites from plasma samples. Linear regression models were used to evaluate associations between the TMAO-DP and metabolites. Metabolites associated with the TMAO-DP were first identified in a Discovery Sample (WHI Hormone Trials participants; n = 1117) and then were replicated in an independent sample, the Replication Sample (WHI Observational Study participants; n = 870). Pathway enrichment analysis was used to identify overrepresented metabolic pathways in our set of significant metabolites.
Results
There were 132 metabolites associated with the TMAO-DP in the Discovery Sample, and 83 of those were replicated. In the Replication Sample, metabolite classes positively associated with the TMAO-DP included phosphatidylcholine plasmalogen, phosphatidylethanolamine plasmalogen, and acyl carnitine, and the metabolite classes negatively associated included phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol ester. Overrepresented pathways included pathways of lipid metabolism.
Conclusion
This study provides insights into the metabolic processes linking dietary intake to TMAO production, and TMAO to atherosclerosis, among postmenopausal women.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Metabolomic profiles of an atherogenic TMAO-dietary pattern among postmenopausal women
- Creators
- Kaelyn F. Burns - University at Buffalo, State University of New YorkRachael Hageman Blair - University at Buffalo, State University of New YorkMichael J. LaMonte - University at Buffalo, State University of New YorkJean Wactawski-Wende - University at Buffalo, State University of New YorkKathryn M. Rexrode - Brigham and Women's HospitalRaji Balasubramanian - University of Massachusetts AmherstFred K. Tabung - The Ohio State UniversityLinda Snetselaar - University of IowaAmy E. Millen - University at Buffalo, State University of New York
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- European journal of nutrition, Vol.64(6), 271
- DOI
- 10.1007/s00394-025-03792-w
- PMID
- 40908426
- PMCID
- PMC12411603
- NLM abbreviation
- Eur J Nutr
- ISSN
- 1436-6207
- eISSN
- 1436-6215
- Publisher
- Springer Berlin Heidelberg
- Grant note
- 75N92021D00001; 75N92021D00002; 75N92021D00003; 75N92021D00004; 75N92021D00005; HHSN268201300008C; 1F31HL168805 / National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100000050)
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 09/04/2025
- Academic Unit
- Epidemiology; Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center; Internal Medicine
- Record Identifier
- 9984958287202771
Metrics
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