Betaine chemistry, roles, and potential use in liver disease.

摘要: Abstract Background Betaine is the trimethyl derivative of glycine and normally present in human plasma due to dietary intake endogenous synthesis liver kidney. utilized kidney primarily as an osmoprotectant, whereas its primary role metabolism a methyl group donor. In both organs, specific betaine transporter mediates cellular uptake from plasma. The abundance greatly exceeds that other organs. Scope review remarkable contributions normal animal health are summarized together with discussion mechanisms potential beneficial effects supplements on disease. Major conclusions A significant amount data models disease indicates administration can halt even reverse progression disruption function. well-tolerated, inexpensive, effective over wide range doses, already used livestock feeding practices. General significance accumulated indicate carefully controlled additional investigations humans merited. focus should be long-term use large patient populations diseases characterized by development fatty liver, especially non-alcoholic alcoholic