Gut microbiota-derived Trimethylamine N-oxide impairs spermatogenesis (PRJCA041981)

Growing evidence indicates that the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in male reproductive health; however, its impact on spermatogenic dysfunction remains insufficiently explored. This study investigates the role of gut microbiota in male reproductive health, focusing on the choline-to-trimethylamine (TMA) microbe and the microbial metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). Metabolomics, together with in vitro validation, confirmed that Phocaeicola massiliensis, Veillonella sp., and Klebsiella pneumoniae convert choline into TMA. Elevated serum TMAO was negatively associated with sperm quality. Transcriptomic analysis of mouse testis after TMAO intervention revealed activation of Hippo signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction.