| The gut microbiota-derived metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) has been regarded as one of the
potent risk factors for cardiovascular events and diabetes. In the current meta-analysis we quantitatively
summarized and updated the results of studies regarding the association between TMAO and mortality. A
systematic search was performed from PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, and Embase. All of the studies that evaluated
the association between TMAO and mortality were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis.
Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed to identify the source of heterogeneity. There were
31 230 participants included and the results showed that being in the highest category of TMAO increased
the hazard ratio (HR) of mortality by 47%. Moreover, there was a non-linear association between increased
TMAO concentrations and HR of mortality. In the current dose-response meta-analysis, we revealed a positive
association between TMAO and mortality risk among an adult population. |