ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the role of TMAO from gut microbiota in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),we detected the serum level of TMAO and its precursor metabolites in NAFLD,as well as the expression level of Eubacterium rectum,Bacteroidetes multiforme,Lactobacillus and bifidobacterium in the intestinal flora.Methods We collected 118 subjects and divided into NAFLD group(86 cases)and healthy control group(32 cases)randomly.We also detected the serum level of TMAO and its precursor metabolites in subjects by high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry detection(LC-MS),and the expression of target bacterial DNA was detected by qRT-PCR.Results Serum TMAO,TMA and choline levels were significantly increased in NAFLD(P<0.05),and liver fat content was positively correlated with TMAO(P<0.05).The expression level of Lactobacillus and Eubacterium rectum in NAFLD group were increased(P<0.05);the expression level of Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides multiform were decreased(P<0.05).The serum TMAO level was positively correlated with Eubacterium rectum(r=0.280,P<0.05),and negatively correlated with Bifidobacterium(r=-0.332,P<0.05).Conclusion The level of TMAO in serum shows a positive correlation with NAFLD.The structure of intestinal flora in individuals with NAFLD is altered and linked to TMAO.This suggests that the intestinal flora may have a significant impact on the development of NAFLD through TMAO.