Table 1.

Characteristics of gut bacteria-derived metabolites associated with cardiometabolic traits.

Precursor or dietary nutrient	Metabolite	Target tissue	Biological Pathway(s) Affected
Quaternary amines
Choline, carnitine	TMAO	Liver Vessel wall Platelets	Adverse effects on lipid/glucose metabolism Promotes inflammation/oxidized LDL update Activates and promotes thrombosis
Amino acids
Tryptophan	IPA	Intestine	Improves barrier function
		Pancreas	Improves beta-cell function
		Liver Heart Vasculature	Decreases lipid content, steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis Improves contractility and mitochondrial function Increases blood pressure
Phenylalanine	PAG	Platelets	Activates and promotes thrombosis
Histidine	Imidazole propionate	Liver, skeletal muscle, adipose Heart	Impairs Insulin signaling
Tyrosine	Phenols	Kidney Intestine	Reduces kidney function Reduces epithelial barrier function
BCAAs	BCAAs	White adipose, skeletal muscle, liver, heart, kidney, and pancreas	Increases insulin resistance
Microbiota-accessible carbohydrates (MACs)	Butyrate	Intestine Regulatory T cells	Improves barrier function Decreases inflammation
	Acetate	Liver	Attenuates steatosis and inflammation
	Propionate	Intestine	Reduces cholesterol absorption and atherosclerosis
Sterols
Primary BAs	Secondary BAs	Liver, intestine, pancreas, adipose	Improves glucose homeostasis and energy expenditure