Zinc protoporphyrin–trimethylamine-N-oxide complex involves cholesterol oxidation causing atherosclerosis

Metabolism of food protein by gut microbes produce trimethylamine which on oxidation hepatic flavin-containing monooxygenases is transformed to trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO). TMAO has recently been implicated as a biomarker for atherosclerosis. TMAO, (CH3)3N+–O−), ionic and so hydrophilic molecule that freely available in blood plasma. For the effective interaction with lipid-soluble molecules, should be phase transferred lipid site. We show free effectively bonded zinc protoporphyrin IX dimethyl ester [ZnPPDME] yield [TMAOZnPPDME] using transfer reaction. The IX, [ZnPP], general, may form [TMAOZnPP] complex. nature such between [ZnPP] structurally shown model complex, [TMAOZnTPP] (TPP = tetraphenylporphyrin). These complexes readily move from polar plasma non-polar (lipid) site act oxo-transfer agent oxidize cholesterol causing Chromatographic circular dichroism (CD) studies either or alone cannot cholesterol. Free zinc-protoporphyrin transported this reacting species