Glycine betaine (N, N, N-trimethyl amine) is an osmolyte accumulated in cells that is key for cell volume and turgor regulation, is the principal methyl donor in the methionine cycle and is a DNA and proteins stabilizer. In humans, glycine betaine is synthesized from choline and can be obtained from some foods. Glycine betaine (GB) roles are illustrated in chemical, metabolic, agriculture, and clinical medical studies due to its chemical and physiological properties. Several studies have extensively described GB role and accumulation related to specific pathologies, focusing mainly on analyzing its positive and negative role in these pathologies. However, it is necessary to explain the relationship between glycine betaine and different pathologies concerning its role as an antioxidant, ability to methylate DNA, interact with transcription factors and cell receptors, and participate in the control of homocysteine concentration in liver, kidney and brain. This review summarizes the most important findings and integrates GB role in neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, hepatic, and renal diseases. Furthermore, we discuss GB impact on other dysfunctions as inflammation, oxidative stress, and glucose metabolism, to understand their cross-talks and provide reliable data to establish a base for further investigations.

甘氨酸甜菜碱 ( N , N , N-三甲胺）是细胞中积累的渗透剂，是细胞体积和膨胀调节的关键，是蛋氨酸循环中的主要甲基供体，是 DNA 和蛋白质的稳定剂。在人类中，甘氨酸甜菜碱是由胆碱合成的，可以从一些食物中获得。由于其化学和生理特性，甘氨酸甜菜碱 (GB) 的作用在化学、代谢、农业和临床医学研究中得到了说明。几项研究广泛描述了与特定病理相关的 GB 作用和积累，主要侧重于分析其在这些病理中的积极和消极作用。然而，有必要解释甘氨酸甜菜碱与不同病理之间的关系，包括其作为抗氧化剂的作用、甲基化 DNA 的能力、与转录因子和细胞受体的相互作用，并参与肝、肾、脑同型半胱氨酸浓度的控制。本综述总结了最重要的发现并整合了 GB 在神经退行性疾病、心血管、肝脏和肾脏疾病中的作用。此外，我们讨论了 GB 对炎症、氧化应激和葡萄糖代谢等其他功能障碍的影响，以了解它们的相互影响并提供可靠的数据为进一步研究奠定基础。