Betaine inhibits atherosclerosis via anti-inflammation

Five groups of mice were studied: ApoE-deficient (model group and three betaine groups) and wild-type mice as control. The control group and model group were fed AIN-93G diet. Three betaine groups were fed AIN-93G diet supplemented with 1, 2, 4 g betaine/100 g diet, respectively.

The study found:

- The percentage of aorta sinus plaque to lumen area of 1% and 2% betaine groups were 41% and 33% smaller than that of the model group.

- Serum TNF-alpha level of three betaine groups were lower than that of the model group, but there was no significant difference in the methylation status of TNF-alpha promotor among all five groups.

They concluded that betaine could inhibit the development of atherosclerosis via anti-inflammation.

Fan et al (2008). "Anti-atherosclerotic effect of betaine in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice." Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi 42(10): 742-7.