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Frontiers in Immunology 2018Betaine is known as trimethylglycine and is widely distributed in animals, plants, and microorganisms. Betaine is known to function physiologically as an important... (Review)
Review
Betaine is known as trimethylglycine and is widely distributed in animals, plants, and microorganisms. Betaine is known to function physiologically as an important osmoprotectant and methyl group donor. Accumulating evidence has shown that betaine has anti-inflammatory functions in numerous diseases. Mechanistically, betaine ameliorates sulfur amino acid metabolism against oxidative stress, inhibits nuclear factor-κB activity and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, regulates energy metabolism, and mitigates endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis. Consequently, betaine has beneficial actions in several human diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Betaine; Biomarkers; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress; Energy Metabolism; Humans; Inflammation; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Signal Transduction; Structure-Activity Relationship
PubMed: 29881379
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01070 -
International Journal of Molecular... Aug 2021Polybetaines, that have moieties bearing both cationic (quaternary ammonium group) and anionic groups (carboxylate, sulfonate, phosphate/phosphinate/phosphonate groups)... (Review)
Review
Polybetaines, that have moieties bearing both cationic (quaternary ammonium group) and anionic groups (carboxylate, sulfonate, phosphate/phosphinate/phosphonate groups) situated in the same structural unit represent an important class of smart polymers with unique and specific properties, belonging to the family of zwitterionic materials. According to the anionic groups, polybetaines can be divided into three major classes: poly(carboxybetaines), poly(sulfobetaines) and poly(phosphobetaines). The structural diversity of polybetaines and their special properties such as, antifouling, antimicrobial, strong hydration properties and good biocompatibility lead to their use in nanotechnology, biological and medical fields, water remediation, hydrometallurgy and the oil industry. In this review we aimed to highlight the recent developments achieved in the field of biomedical applications of polybetaines such as: antifouling, antimicrobial and implant coatings, wound healing and drug delivery systems.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents; Betaine; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Wound Healing
PubMed: 34502230
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179321 -
Journal of Immunology Research 2022Depression is one of the most important mental illnesses and is closely related to inflammation. Betaine is a natural product with an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant...
Betaine Inhibits NLRP3 Inflammasome Hyperactivation and Regulates Microglial M1/M2 Phenotypic Differentiation, Thereby Attenuating Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Depression-Like Behavior.
Depression is one of the most important mental illnesses and is closely related to inflammation. Betaine is a natural product with an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, the mechanism by which betaine ameliorates depression-like behaviors induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of betaine on LPS-induced depression-like behavior in mice and its mechanism of action. ICR mice were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, the LPS model group (0.83 mg/kg), the positive drug group (MIDO, 50 mg/kg), and the betaine group (5% and 1% in drinking water). The betaine group was administered for 21 days, and on the 22nd day, except for the blank group, LPS (0.83 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected to establish a lipopolysaccharide-induced mice depression-like model. Twenty-four hours after LPS injection, the tail suspension test (TST), open field test (OFT), and sucrose preference test (SPT) were performed to evaluate the effect of betaine on LPS-induced depressive behavior in mice. After the behavioral study, the mouse brain, hippocampus, and serum were taken for detection. The expressions of cytokines and inflammatory mediators were detected by ELISA, HE staining, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, and ASC, the protein expression levels of the microglial polarization markers COX-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and CD206. The results showed that betaine significantly ameliorated the depression-like behavior in LPS-induced mice, significantly attenuated the production of proinflammatory cytokines and increased the release of an anti-inflammatory cytokines. Betaine decreased the expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome, decreased the expression of M1 polarization markers, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-), interleukin-1 (IL-1), COX-2, and iNOS and promoted the expression of M2 polarization marker CD206. Our study suggests that betaine may promote the transition of microglia from the M1 to the M2 phenotype by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation, thereby attenuating lipopolysaccharide-induced depression-like behavior.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Betaine; Cyclooxygenase 2; Cytokines; Depression; Inflammasomes; Lipopolysaccharides; Mice, Inbred ICR; Microglia; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein; Phenotype
PubMed: 36339940
DOI: 10.1155/2022/9313436 -
Nutrients Jul 2017Studies implicate choline and betaine metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in cardiovascular disease (CVD). We conducted a systematic review and random-effects... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Studies implicate choline and betaine metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in cardiovascular disease (CVD). We conducted a systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis to quantify a summary estimated effect of dietary choline and betaine on hard CVD outcomes (incidence and mortality). Eligible studies were prospective studies in adults with comprehensive diet assessment and follow-up for hard CVD endpoints. We identified six studies that met our criteria, comprising 18,076 incident CVD events, 5343 CVD deaths, and 184,010 total participants. In random effects meta-analysis, incident CVD was not associated with choline (relative risk (RR): 1.00; 95% CI: 0.98, 1.02) or betaine (RR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98, 1.01) intake. Results did not vary by study outcome (incident coronary heart disease, stroke, total CVD) and there was no evidence for heterogeneity among studies. Only two studies provided data on phosphatidylcholine and CVD mortality. Random effects meta-analysis did not support an association between choline and CVD mortality (RR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.89, 1.35), but one study supported a positive association and there was significant heterogeneity (² = 84%, -value < 0.001). Our findings do not support an association between dietary choline/betaine with incident CVD, but call for further research into choline and CVD mortality.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Betaine; Cardiovascular Diseases; Choline; Diet; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Risk; Risk Factors
PubMed: 28686188
DOI: 10.3390/nu9070711 -
European Journal of Nutrition Apr 2022Alcohol-associated liver disease (AALD) is one of most common chronic liver diseases. Hepatic steatosis is the earliest stage in AALD pathological spectrum, reversible... (Review)
Review
Alcohol-associated liver disease (AALD) is one of most common chronic liver diseases. Hepatic steatosis is the earliest stage in AALD pathological spectrum, reversible by alcohol abstinence. Untreated steatosis can progress to steatohepatitis, fibrosis and/or cirrhosis. Considering the difficulties in achieving complete abstinence, challenges in disease reversal at advanced stages, high costs of AALD management and lack of standardised prescribed medications for treatment, it is essential to explore low-cost natural compounds that can target AALD at an early stage and halt or decelerate disease progression. Betaine is a non-hazardous naturally occurring nutrient. Here, we address the mechanisms of alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis, the role of betaine in reversing the effects i.e., its action against hepatic steatosis in animal models and humans, and the associated cellular and molecular processes. Accordingly, the review discusses how betaine restores the alcohol-induced reduction in methylation potential by elevating the levels of S-adenosylmethionine and methionine. It details how betaine reinstates alcohol-induced alterations in the expressions and/or activities of protein phosphtase-2A, FOXO1, PPAR-α, AMPK, SREBP-1c, fatty acid synthase, diacylglycerol transferase-2, adiponectin and nitric oxide. Interrelationships between these factors in preventing de novo lipogenesis, reducing hepatic uptake of adipose-tissue-derived free fatty acids, promoting VLDL synthesis and secretion, and restoring β-oxidation of fatty acids to attenuate hepatic triglyceride accumulation are elaborated. Despite its therapeutic potential, very few clinical trials have examined betaine's effect on alcohol-induced hepatic lipid accumulation. This review will provide further confidence to conduct randomised control trials to enable maximum utilisation of betaine's remedial properties to treat alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis.
Topics: Animals; Betaine; Fatty Liver; Lipogenesis; Liver; Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1
PubMed: 34817678
DOI: 10.1007/s00394-021-02738-2 -
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta Jun 2016Betaine is the trimethyl derivative of glycine and is normally present in human plasma due to dietary intake and endogenous synthesis in liver and kidney. Betaine is... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Betaine is the trimethyl derivative of glycine and is normally present in human plasma due to dietary intake and endogenous synthesis in liver and kidney. Betaine is utilized in the kidney primarily as an osmoprotectant, whereas in the liver its primary role is in metabolism as a methyl group donor. In both organs, a specific betaine transporter mediates cellular uptake of betaine from plasma. The abundance of both betaine and the betaine transporter in liver greatly exceeds that of other organs.
SCOPE OF REVIEW
The remarkable contributions of betaine to normal human and animal health are summarized together with a discussion of the mechanisms and potential beneficial effects of dietary betaine supplements on liver disease.
MAJOR CONCLUSIONS
A significant amount of data from animal models of liver disease indicates that administration of betaine can halt and even reverse progression of the disruption of liver function. Betaine is well-tolerated, inexpensive, effective over a wide range of doses, and is already used in livestock feeding practices.
GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE
The accumulated data indicate that carefully controlled additional investigations in humans are merited. The focus should be on the long-term use of betaine in large patient populations with liver diseases characterized by development of fatty liver, especially non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic liver disease.
Topics: Animals; Betaine; Humans; Kidney; Liver; Liver Diseases; Liver Diseases, Alcoholic; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
PubMed: 26850693
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.02.001 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2021Trimethylamine -oxide (TMAO), as a gut-derived metabolite, has been found to be associated with enhanced risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. We...
Trimethylamine -oxide (TMAO), as a gut-derived metabolite, has been found to be associated with enhanced risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. We presented a method for targeted profiling of TMAO and betaine in serum and food samples based on a combination of one-step sample pretreatment and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The key step included a processing of sample preparation using a selective solid-phase extraction column for retention of basic metabolites. Proton signals at 3.29 and 3.28 were employed to quantify TMAO and betaine, respectively. The developed method was examined with acceptable linear relationship, precision, stability, repeatability, and accuracy. It was successfully applied to detect serum levels of TMAO and betaine in TMAO-fed mice and high-fructose-fed rats and also used to determine the contents of TMAO and betaine in several kinds of food, such as fish, pork, milk, and egg yolk.
Topics: Animals; Betaine; Female; Food Analysis; Male; Metabolomics; Methylamines; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Oxides; Rats; Rats, Wistar
PubMed: 33801417
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26051334 -
Poultry Science Dec 2022Betaine is a well-known component of poultry diets with various effects on nutritional physiology. For example, increased water retention due to the osmolytic effect of...
Betaine is a well-known component of poultry diets with various effects on nutritional physiology. For example, increased water retention due to the osmolytic effect of betaine increases the volume of the cell, thereby accelerating the anabolic activity, integrity of cell membrane, and overall performance of the bird. Betaine is a multifunctional component (trimethyl derivative) acting as the most efficient methyl group donor and as an organic osmolyte, which can directly influence the gastrointestinal tract integrity, functionality, and health. So far, nothing is known about the effect of betaine on the intestinal barrier in chickens. In addition, little is known about comparing natural betaine with its synthetic form. Therefore, an animal study was conducted to ascertain the effects of betaine supplementation (natural and synthetic) on performance and intestinal physiological responses of broilers. One hundred and five 1-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned into 3 groups with 35 birds each: control, natural betaine (1 kg active natural (n)-betaine/ton of feed) and synthetic (syn)-betaine-HCL (1 kg active betaine /ton of feed). Histological assessment showed lower jejunal crypt depth and villi height/crypt depth ratio in syn-betaine-HCL group compared with natural n-betaine fed birds. Furthermore, it was found that syn-betaine-HCL negatively affects the integrity of the intestine by increasing the intestinal paracellular permeability in both jejunum and cecum as evidenced by a higher mannitol flux. Additionally, syn-betaine-HCl significantly upregulated the IFN-γ mRNA expression at certain time points, which could promote intestinal permeability, as it plays an important role in intestinal barrier dysfunction. Body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) did not differ (P > 0.05) between the control birds and birds supplemented with syn-betaine-HCL. However, the BW and BWG were significantly (P < 0.05) improved by the dietary inclusion of n-betaine compared with other treatments. Altogether, the dietary inclusion of n-betaine had a positive effect on performance and did not negatively affect gut paracellular permeability. Furthermore, our results show that syn-betaine-HCl induces changes in the intestine, indicating an alteration of the intestinal histology and permeability. Thus, natural or synthetic betaine has different effects, which needs to be considered when using them as a feed supplement.
Topics: Animals; Chickens; Betaine; Animal Feed; Intestines; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Intestinal Diseases; Weight Gain; Body Weight; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
PubMed: 36228528
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102173 -
Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism:... Jul 20225-Aminovaleric acid betaine (5-AVAB) is a trimethylated compound associated with the gut microbiota, potentially produced endogenously, and related to the dietary intake... (Review)
Review
5-Aminovaleric acid betaine (5-AVAB) is a trimethylated compound associated with the gut microbiota, potentially produced endogenously, and related to the dietary intake of certain foods such as whole grains. 5-AVAB accumulates within the metabolically active tissues and has been typically found in higher concentrations in the heart, muscle, and brown adipose tissue. Furthermore, 5-AVAB has been associated with positive health effects such as fetal brain development, insulin secretion, and reduced cancer risk. However, it also has been linked with some negative health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease and fatty liver disease. At the cellular level, 5-AVAB can influence cellular energy metabolism by reducing β-oxidation of fatty acids. This review will focus on the metabolic role of 5-AVAB with respect to both physiology and pathology. Moreover, the analytics and origin of 5-AVAB and related compounds will be reviewed.
Topics: Amino Acids, Neutral; Betaine; Diet; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans
PubMed: 35508517
DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2022.04.004 -
Applied and Environmental Microbiology Apr 2013Most sequenced bacteria possess mechanisms to import choline and glycine betaine (GB) into the cytoplasm. The primary role of choline in bacteria appears to be as the... (Review)
Review
Most sequenced bacteria possess mechanisms to import choline and glycine betaine (GB) into the cytoplasm. The primary role of choline in bacteria appears to be as the precursor to GB, and GB is thought to primarily act as a potent osmoprotectant. Choline and GB may play accessory roles in shaping microbial communities, based on their limited availability and ability to enhance survival under stress conditions. Choline and GB enrichment near eukaryotes suggests a role in the chemical relationships between these two kingdoms, and some of these interactions have been experimentally demonstrated. While many bacteria can convert choline to GB for osmoprotection, a variety of soil- and water-dwelling bacteria have catabolic pathways for the multistep conversion of choline, via GB, to glycine and can thereby use choline and GB as sole sources of carbon and nitrogen. In these choline catabolizers, the GB intermediate represents a metabolic decision point to determine whether GB is catabolized or stored as an osmo- and stress protectant. This minireview focuses on this decision point in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which aerobically catabolizes choline and can use GB as an osmoprotectant and a nutrient source. P. aeruginosa is an experimentally tractable and ecologically relevant model to study the regulatory pathways controlling choline and GB homeostasis in choline-catabolizing bacteria. The study of P. aeruginosa associations with eukaryotes and other bacteria also makes this a powerful model to study the impact of choline and GB, and their associated regulatory and catabolic pathways, on host-microbe and microbe-microbe relationships.
Topics: Betaine; Carbon; Choline; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; Glycine; Homeostasis; Nitrogen; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Stress, Physiological; Water-Electrolyte Balance
PubMed: 23354714
DOI: 10.1128/AEM.03565-12