Trimethylamine N-oxide dihydrate is a gut microbe-dependent metabolite derived from dietary choline and other trimethylamine-containing nutrients. It is known to induce inflammation and accelerate fibroblast-myofibroblast differentiation. This compound is commonly found in marine organisms, providing protection against adverse effects of temperature, salinity, high urea, and hydrostatic pressure.
- Increases the size and migration of fibroblasts.
- Enhances TGF-β receptor I expression.
- Promotes Smad2 phosphorylation.
- Up-regulates α-SMA and collagen I expression.
- Decreases ubiquitination of TGF-βRI and inhibits smurf2 expression.
- Can be used in animal models to induce cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
- Stimulates cardiac hypertrophy.
- Induces cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in SD rats.