INHIBITION OF THE GUT MICROBIAL METABOLITE TRIMETHYLAMINE N-OXIDE (TMAO) USING ORANGE PEEL TO PREVENT CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Our long-term goal is to improve gut health using orange peel to prevent cardiovascular disease and promote heart health. Our preliminary study has demonstrated the effects of orange peel on inhibiting TMAO formation via remodeling gut microbiota, and several additional studies have indicated antimicrobial effects of orange peel as well. Therefore, a solid foundation has been established for investigating orange peel for its capability to adjust the gut microbiome and inhibit TMAO formation. The overall objectives of this project are to adjust gut microbiota with orange peel, which in turn will inhibit TMA/TMAO formation and ultimately, effectively prevent atherosclerosis, as well as to identify the bioactive components of orange peel that influence the gut microbiome function of converting food ingredients (choline, carnitine etc.) into trimethylamine (TMA).