Choline is an essential nutrient for neurotransmitter synthesis, cell-membrane signaling, lipid transport, and methyl-group metabolism [1]. Choline can affect DNA methylation, leading to impaired DNA repair function, and regulate cell signaling mediated by phospholipid metabolic intermediates to support the synthesis of cell membranes, thereby promoting cell proliferation [2]. Choline has been widely used to promote brain development and the function of the nervous system [3].
In vitro, Choline (70μM) treatment for 2 days significantly increased the viability of PC12 cells and reduced DNA fragmentation [4]. Treatment with 13.2μM Choline for 2 hours significantly inhibited the phagocytic and killing capacity of bovine neutrophils, and increased the mRNA abundance of muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic receptors [5]. Treatment with 70μM Choline for 72 hours significantly inhibited the accumulation of triglycerides in C3A cells, protected mitochondrial membrane potential from decrease, and increased the activity of GSH-Px in the cells [6].
In vivo, Choline treatment via oral administration at a dose of 1mg/kg/day for 14 days significantly reduced oxidative stress and inhibited inflammatory responses in a mouse model of allergic airway disease[7]. Oral administration of 4.95g/kg of Choline daily for 10 months significantly improved the cognitive deficits and anxiety symptoms in APP/PS1 mice, and inhibited the deposition of β-amyloid protein[8].
References:
[1] Zeisel S H, Da Costa K A. Choline: an essential nutrient for public health[J]. Nutrition reviews, 2009, 67(11): 615-623.
[2] Awwad H M, Geisel J, Obeid R. The role of choline in prostate cancer[J]. Clinical biochemistry, 2012, 45(18): 1548-1553.
[3] Zeisel S H. Choline: an essential nutrient for humans[J]. Nutrition, 2000, 16(7-8): 669-671.
[4] Holmes-McNary M Q, Loy R, Mar M H, et al. Apoptosis is induced by choline deficiency in fetal brain and in PC12 cells[J]. Developmental Brain Research, 1997, 101(1-2): 9-16.
[5] Garcia M, Mamedova L K, Barton B, et al. Choline regulates the function of bovine immune cells and alters the mRNA abundance of enzymes and receptors involved in its metabolism in vitro[J]. Frontiers in immunology, 2018, 9: 2448.
[6] Zhu J, Wu Y, Tang Q, et al. The effects of choline on hepatic lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function and antioxidative status in human hepatic C3A cells exposed to excessive energy substrates[J]. Nutrients, 2014, 6(7): 2552-2571.
[7] Mehta A K, Arora N, Gaur S N, et al. Choline supplementation reduces oxidative stress in mouse model of allergic airway disease[J]. European journal of clinical investigation, 2009, 39(10): 934-941.
[8] Wang Y, Guan X, Chen X, et al. Choline supplementation ameliorates behavioral deficits and Alzheimer's disease‐like pathology in transgenic APP/PS1 mice[J]. Molecular nutrition & food research, 2019, 63(18): 1801407.