HealthyNCT02558673
Trimethylamine-N-oxide Production and Metabolism
A study testing TMAO dietary precursors in people with Healthy, run by Cornell University at 2 sites in United States.
Trial summary
The purpose of this study was to understand the production of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and its metabolites from dietary precursors found in fish, eggs and beef. In addition, this study traced the fate of supplemental TMAO that has been labeled with deuterium to determine how TMAO is being used in the body. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 21 to 50 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy
- What is being tested?
- TMAO dietary precursors
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesUnited States
- Study dates
- May 2014to Jul 2016
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 21 to 50 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Healthy men of age 21-50 y
- BMI of 20-29.9 kg/m2 who are willing to comply with the study protocol (consumption of study meals and sample collections)
- Healthy participants who are able to undergo or watch medical procedures
Who cannot join
- Men over 50 y of age
- BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2
- Women, vegetarians, smokers, individuals with gastrointestinal diseases or complaints, chronic illnesses or other metabolic diseases (including trimethylaminuria), abnormal laboratory values, and those taking nutritional supplements, antibiotics or probiotics within 2 months of recruitment.
- Men with history of a negative or allergic reaction to local anesthetics
- Tendency toward easy bleeding or bruising, on medications that may increase the chance of bleeding or bruising (e.g., Aspirin, Coumadin, Anti-inflammatories, Plavix)
- Currently on any immunosuppressive medications (e.g., glucocorticoid steroids, chemotherapy), with disease pathologies that would impair the healing process (e.g., diabetes, cancer, keloids, hereditary healing disorders, jaundice, alcoholism, HIV/AIDS)
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country.
United States2 sites
Gannett Health Services, Cornell University
Ithaca, New York, 14853
Human Metabolic Research Unit, Cornell University
Ithaca, New York, 14853
About this study
Official title: Impact of Diet and Gut Microbiota on Trimethylamine-N-oxide Production and Fate in Humans
The purpose of this study was to understand the production of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and its metabolites from dietary precursors found in fish, eggs and beef. In addition, this study traced the fate of supplemental TMAO that has been labeled with deuterium to determine how TMAO is being used in the body.
Read the detailed description
Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is a carbon-containing organic compound formed from dietary precursors including TMAO (high in fish), choline (high in eggs) and carnitine (high in beef). However, TMAO production is highly variable (Zhang AQ et al., 1999), appears to be influenced by genetics (Cashman JR et al., 2001) and gut microbiome (Wang Z et al., 2011; Koeth RA et al., 2013), and is linked to heart disease in cardiac patients (Wang Z et al., 2011) and colorectal cancer among post-menopausal women (Bae S et al., 2015). At present, very little is known about the metabolic fate of TMAO and how it is used within the human body (Bain MA et al., 2005). This study sought to (i) quantify the effects of eggs, beef and fish on TMAO biomarkers in plasma, muscle, urine and stool; (ii) examine the metabolic fate of supplemental TMAO labeled isotopically with deuterium; and (iii) determine whether TMAO production is a function of the gut microbiome.
To accomplish these objectives, a randomized, controlled cross-over study was conducted in healthy male participants (n=40). The study incorporated four arms comprised of study meals representing animal sources of TMAO (egg, beef and fish) along with a fruit control. The study meals were (i) 3 whole hard-boiled eggs; (ii) 6 oz beef (Philly-Gourmet Beef Patties); (iii) 6 oz fish (cod fillet); and (iv) 2 single-serve packages of Mott's natural applesauce. Each meal was served with one cup of water, administered in a single day and separated by a 1-week washout period. For the fruit control, 50 mg deuterium-labeled methyl-d9-TMAO (d9-TMAO; Cambridge Isotopes) was added to one cup of water for oral consumption to enable the tracing of the metabolic fate of TMAO, and to assess its bioavailability and clearance.
Baseline blood sample was obtained by a phlebotomist using a standard venipuncture procedure, and participants collected their baseline urine sample. They also turned in self-collected baseline 24 h urine and stool samples. Following the consumption of the study meal, serial blood samples were collected at 15, 30 min and 1, 2, 4 and 6 h, while urine samples were collected throughout the 6 h study period. At 4.5 h, participants were provided a fixed fruit snack (i.e., applesauce) and water. On the day that participants consumed the d9-TMAO tracer, participants collected their urine throughout the next 24 h and their stool at the next bowel movement. In addition, a subset of this group (n=6) were invited to undergo a muscle biopsy procedure 6 h after the fruit + d9-TMAO tracer consumption.
- Conditions
- Healthy
- Being tested
- TMAO dietary precursors, Control (or active comparator)
- Keywords
- Trimethylamine-N-oxide, Biomarkers, Production, Metabolism, Gut microbiome, Healthy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
TMAO dietary precursorsOther
Control (or active comparator)Other
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Egg | Experimental | Study meals were administered in commonly consumed serving sizes (3 hard-boiled eggs) and provided comparable amounts of TMAO dietary precursors. Each meal was served with one cup of water, administered in a single day and separated by a 1-week washout period. Receives: Other: TMAO dietary precursors |
| Beef | Experimental | Study meals were administered in commonly consumed serving sizes (6 oz beef [Philly-Gourmet Beef Patties]) and provided comparable amounts of TMAO dietary precursors. Each meal was served with one cup of water, administered in a single day and separated by a 1-week washout period. Receives: Other: TMAO dietary precursors |
| Fish | Experimental | Study meals were administered in commonly consumed serving sizes (6 oz fish [cod fillet]) and provided comparable amounts of TMAO dietary precursors. Each meal was served with one cup of water, administered in a single day and separated by a 1-week washout period. Receives: Other: TMAO dietary precursors |
| Fruit | Active comparator | Study meals were administered in commonly consumed serving sizes (2 single-serve packages of Mott's natural applesauce) and provided comparable amounts of control (or active comparator). Each meal was served with one cup of water, administered in a single day and separated by a 1-week washout period. For the fruit control, 50 mg deuterium-labeled methyl-d9-TMAO (d9-TMAO; Cambridge Isotopes) was added to one cup of water for oral consumption to enable the tracing of the metabolic fate of TMAO, and to assess its bioavailability and clearance. Receives: Other: Control (or active comparator) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
TMAO biomarkers
Measured: Assess change from baseline; randomized, controlled, cross-over design with 4 study sessions with 1-week wash-out between visits. Participants were followed for 6 h (egg, beef and fish), and for 6-24 h (fruit + d9-TMAO)
Gut microbiome profile
Measured: Baseline
Secondary outcomes (2)
Flavin monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) 472 G>A
Measured: Baseline
One-carbon related biomarkers and carnitine
Measured: Assess change from baseline; randomized, controlled, cross-over design with 4 study sessions with 1-week wash-out between visits. Participants were followed for 6 h (egg, beef and fish), and for 6-24 h (fruit + d9-TMAO)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted24 Sep 2015 (estimated)
- Study startMay 2014
- Primary completionJul 2014
- Study completionJul 2016
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (7)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for HealthyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Cornell University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- American Egg Board, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Marie A. Caudill, PhD, Principal investigator, Cornell University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02558673
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- OSP 72118
- Status last verified
- Nov 2016
- First submitted
- 8 Sep 2015
- Last updated
- 2 Nov 2016
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
Publications
Bae S, Ulrich CM, Neuhouser ML, Malysheva O, Bailey LB, Xiao L, Brown EC, Cushing-Haugen KL, Zheng Y, Cheng TY, Miller JW, Green R, Lane DS, Beresford SA, Caudill MA. Plasma choline metabolites and colorectal cancer risk in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. Cancer Res. 2014 Dec 15;74(24):7442-52. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-14-1835. Epub 2014 Oct 21.
PubMed 25336191Bain MA, Fornasini G, Evans AM. Trimethylamine: metabolic, pharmacokinetic and safety aspects. Curr Drug Metab. 2005 Jun;6(3):227-40. doi: 10.2174/1389200054021807.
PubMed 15975041Cashman JR, Zhang J, Leushner J, Braun A. Population distribution of human flavin-containing monooxygenase form 3: gene polymorphisms. Drug Metab Dispos. 2001 Dec;29(12):1629-37.
PubMed 11717182Koeth RA, Wang Z, Levison BS, Buffa JA, Org E, Sheehy BT, Britt EB, Fu X, Wu Y, Li L, Smith JD, DiDonato JA, Chen J, Li H, Wu GD, Lewis JD, Warrier M, Brown JM, Krauss RM, Tang WH, Bushman FD, Lusis AJ, Hazen SL. Intestinal microbiota metabolism of L-carnitine, a nutrient in red meat, promotes atherosclerosis. Nat Med. 2013 May;19(5):576-85. doi: 10.1038/nm.3145. Epub 2013 Apr 7.
PubMed 23563705Wang Z, Klipfell E, Bennett BJ, Koeth R, Levison BS, Dugar B, Feldstein AE, Britt EB, Fu X, Chung YM, Wu Y, Schauer P, Smith JD, Allayee H, Tang WH, DiDonato JA, Lusis AJ, Hazen SL. Gut flora metabolism of phosphatidylcholine promotes cardiovascular disease. Nature. 2011 Apr 7;472(7341):57-63. doi: 10.1038/nature09922.
PubMed 21475195Zhang AQ, Mitchell SC, Smith RL. Dietary precursors of trimethylamine in man: a pilot study. Food Chem Toxicol. 1999 May;37(5):515-20. doi: 10.1016/s0278-6915(99)00028-9.
PubMed 10456680Taesuwan S, Cho CE, Malysheva OV, Bender E, King JH, Yan J, Thalacker-Mercer AE, Caudill MA. The metabolic fate of isotopically labeled trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) in humans. J Nutr Biochem. 2017 Jul;45:77-82. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2017.02.010. Epub 2017 Apr 13.
PubMed 28433924
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Nov 2016. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Impact of Diet and Gut Microbiota on Trimethylamine-N-oxide Production and Fate in Humans
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02558673
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- OSP 72118
- Conditions
- Healthy
- Keywords
- Trimethylamine-N-oxide, Biomarkers, Production, Metabolism, Gut microbiome, Healthy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Cornell UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- American Egg Board, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff
- Study start
- May 2014
- Primary completion
- Jul 2014 (actual)
- Study completion
- Jul 2016 (actual)
- First posted
- 24 Sep 2015 (estimated)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The purpose of this study was to understand the production of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and its metabolites from dietary precursors found in fish, eggs and beef. In addition, this study traced the fate of supplemental TMAO that has been labeled with deuterium to determine how TMAO is being used in the body.
Detailed description
Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is a carbon-containing organic compound formed from dietary precursors including TMAO (high in fish), choline (high in eggs) and carnitine (high in beef). However, TMAO production is highly variable (Zhang AQ et al., 1999), appears to be influenced by genetics (Cashman JR et al., 2001) and gut microbiome (Wang Z et al., 2011; Koeth RA et al., 2013), and is linked to heart disease in cardiac patients (Wang Z et al., 2011) and colorectal cancer among post-menopausal women (Bae S et al., 2015). At present, very little is known about the metabolic fate of TMAO and how it is used within the human body (Bain MA et al., 2005). This study sought to (i) quantify the effects of eggs, beef and fish on TMAO biomarkers in plasma, muscle, urine and stool; (ii) examine the metabolic fate of supplemental TMAO labeled isotopically with deuterium; and (iii) determine whether TMAO production is a function of the gut microbiome.
To accomplish these objectives, a randomized, controlled cross-over study was conducted in healthy male participants (n=40). The study incorporated four arms comprised of study meals representing animal sources of TMAO (egg, beef and fish) along with a fruit control. The study meals were (i) 3 whole hard-boiled eggs; (ii) 6 oz beef (Philly-Gourmet Beef Patties); (iii) 6 oz fish (cod fillet); and (iv) 2 single-serve packages of Mott's natural applesauce. Each meal was served with one cup of water, administered in a single day and separated by a 1-week washout period. For the fruit control, 50 mg deuterium-labeled methyl-d9-TMAO (d9-TMAO; Cambridge Isotopes) was added to one cup of water for oral consumption to enable the tracing of the metabolic fate of TMAO, and to assess its bioavailability and clearance.
Baseline blood sample was obtained by a phlebotomist using a standard venipuncture procedure, and participants collected their baseline urine sample. They also turned in self-collected baseline 24 h urine and stool samples. Following the consumption of the study meal, serial blood samples were collected at 15, 30 min and 1, 2, 4 and 6 h, while urine samples were collected throughout the 6 h study period. At 4.5 h, participants were provided a fixed fruit snack (i.e., applesauce) and water. On the day that participants consumed the d9-TMAO tracer, participants collected their urine throughout the next 24 h and their stool at the next bowel movement. In addition, a subset of this group (n=6) were invited to undergo a muscle biopsy procedure 6 h after the fruit + d9-TMAO tracer consumption.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 4
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Egg | Experimental | Other: TMAO dietary precursorsStudy meals were administered in commonly consumed serving sizes (3 hard-boiled eggs) and provided comparable amounts of TMAO dietary precursors. Each meal was served with one cup of water, administered in a single day and separated by a 1-week washout period. |
| Beef | Experimental | Other: TMAO dietary precursorsStudy meals were administered in commonly consumed serving sizes (6 oz beef [Philly-Gourmet Beef Patties]) and provided comparable amounts of TMAO dietary precursors. Each meal was served with one cup of water, administered in a single day and separated by a 1-week washout period. |
| Fish | Experimental | Other: TMAO dietary precursorsStudy meals were administered in commonly consumed serving sizes (6 oz fish [cod fillet]) and provided comparable amounts of TMAO dietary precursors. Each meal was served with one cup of water, administered in a single day and separated by a 1-week washout period. |
| Fruit | Active comparator | Other: Control (or active comparator)Study meals were administered in commonly consumed serving sizes (2 single-serve packages of Mott's natural applesauce) and provided comparable amounts of control (or active comparator). Each meal was served with one cup of water, administered in a single day and separated by a 1-week washout period. For the fruit control, 50 mg deuterium-labeled methyl-d9-TMAO (d9-TMAO; Cambridge Isotopes) was added to one cup of water for oral consumption to enable the tracing of the metabolic fate of TMAO, and to assess its bioavailability and clearance. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 21 to 50 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Healthy men of age 21-50 y
- BMI of 20-29.9 kg/m2 who are willing to comply with the study protocol (consumption of study meals and sample collections)
- Healthy participants who are able to undergo or watch medical procedures
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Men over 50 y of age
- BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2
- Women, vegetarians, smokers, individuals with gastrointestinal diseases or complaints, chronic illnesses or other metabolic diseases (including trimethylaminuria), abnormal laboratory values, and those taking nutritional supplements, antibiotics or probiotics within 2 months of recruitment.
- Men with history of a negative or allergic reaction to local anesthetics
- Tendency toward easy bleeding or bruising, on medications that may increase the chance of bleeding or bruising (e.g., Aspirin, Coumadin, Anti-inflammatories, Plavix)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| TMAO dietary precursors | Other | Beef, Egg, Fish |
| Control (or active comparator) | Other | Fruit |
Primary outcome
TMAO biomarkers
Time frame: Assess change from baseline; randomized, controlled, cross-over design with 4 study sessions with 1-week wash-out between visits. Participants were followed for 6 h (egg, beef and fish), and for 6-24 h (fruit + d9-TMAO)
Gut microbiome profile
Time frame: Baseline
2 secondary outcomes
Flavin monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) 472 G>A
Time frame: Baseline
One-carbon related biomarkers and carnitine
Time frame: Assess change from baseline; randomized, controlled, cross-over design with 4 study sessions with 1-week wash-out between visits. Participants were followed for 6 h (egg, beef and fish), and for 6-24 h (fruit + d9-TMAO)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 2 Nov 2016.
- Background: PubMed 25336191Bae S, Ulrich CM, Neuhouser ML, Malysheva O, Bailey LB, Xiao L, Brown EC, Cushing-Haugen KL, Zheng Y, Cheng TY, Miller JW, Green R, Lane DS, Beresford SA, Caudill MA. Plasma choline metabolites and colorectal cancer risk in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. Cancer Res. 2014 Dec 15;74(24):7442-52. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-14-1835. Epub 2014 Oct 21.
- Background: PubMed 15975041Bain MA, Fornasini G, Evans AM. Trimethylamine: metabolic, pharmacokinetic and safety aspects. Curr Drug Metab. 2005 Jun;6(3):227-40. doi: 10.2174/1389200054021807.
- Background: PubMed 11717182Cashman JR, Zhang J, Leushner J, Braun A. Population distribution of human flavin-containing monooxygenase form 3: gene polymorphisms. Drug Metab Dispos. 2001 Dec;29(12):1629-37.
- Background: PubMed 23563705Koeth RA, Wang Z, Levison BS, Buffa JA, Org E, Sheehy BT, Britt EB, Fu X, Wu Y, Li L, Smith JD, DiDonato JA, Chen J, Li H, Wu GD, Lewis JD, Warrier M, Brown JM, Krauss RM, Tang WH, Bushman FD, Lusis AJ, Hazen SL. Intestinal microbiota metabolism of L-carnitine, a nutrient in red meat, promotes atherosclerosis. Nat Med. 2013 May;19(5):576-85. doi: 10.1038/nm.3145. Epub 2013 Apr 7.
- Background: PubMed 21475195Wang Z, Klipfell E, Bennett BJ, Koeth R, Levison BS, Dugar B, Feldstein AE, Britt EB, Fu X, Chung YM, Wu Y, Schauer P, Smith JD, Allayee H, Tang WH, DiDonato JA, Lusis AJ, Hazen SL. Gut flora metabolism of phosphatidylcholine promotes cardiovascular disease. Nature. 2011 Apr 7;472(7341):57-63. doi: 10.1038/nature09922.
- Background: PubMed 10456680Zhang AQ, Mitchell SC, Smith RL. Dietary precursors of trimethylamine in man: a pilot study. Food Chem Toxicol. 1999 May;37(5):515-20. doi: 10.1016/s0278-6915(99)00028-9.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 28433924Taesuwan S, Cho CE, Malysheva OV, Bender E, King JH, Yan J, Thalacker-Mercer AE, Caudill MA. The metabolic fate of isotopically labeled trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) in humans. J Nutr Biochem. 2017 Jul;45:77-82. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2017.02.010. Epub 2017 Apr 13.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Marie A. Caudill, PhD principal investigator
Cornell University
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing TMAO dietary precursors in people with Healthy, run by Cornell University at 2 sites in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Nov 2016. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
TMAO biomarkers (time frame: Assess change from baseline; randomized, controlled, cross-over design with 4 study sessions with 1-week wash-out between visits. Participants were followed for 6 h (egg, beef and fish), and for 6-24 h (fruit + d9-TMAO)). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT02558673, which also lists 7 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 2 Nov 2016.