Role of Trimethylamine N-Oxide in Heart Failure

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome characterizing by typical physical signs and symptomatology resulting from reduced cardiac output and/or intracardiac pressure at rest or under stress due to structural and/or functional abnormalities of the heart. HF is often the final stage of all cardiovascular diseases and a significant risk factor for sudden cardiac arrest, death, and liver or kidney failure. Current pharmacological treatments can only slow the progression and recurrence of HF. With advancing research into the gut microbiome and its metabolites, one such trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO)—has been implicated in the advancement of HF and is correlated with poor prognosis in patients with HF. However, the precise role of TMAO in HF has not yet been clarified. This review highlights and concludes the available evidence and potential mechanisms associated with HF, with the hope of contributing new insights into the diagnosis and prevention of HF.