The conditions "Trimethylaminuria (Fish-Malodor Syndrome)": FECAL ODOR

What is trimethylaminuria?
Trimethyaminuria is a metabolic disorder in which an individual is not able to break down trimethylamine, the compound that gives fish their fishy odor, into smaller compounds. Consequently, trimethylamine accumulates in the body and is then released in the person's sweat, urine and breath, giving off a strong fishy odor.

Trimethyaminuria, also known as Fish Odor Syndrome, Fish Malodor Syndrome and Stale Fish Syndrome, has been around for centuries, but has only gained scientific recognition and support in the past 30 years. Some people with trimethyaminuria have a strong odor all the time, but most have a moderate smell that varies in intensity over time.

The syndrome seems to be more common in women than men, but scientists do not know why. Scientists suspect that female sex hormones, such as progesterone and/or estrogen, aggravate symptoms. There are several reports that the condition in women worsens around puberty, just before and during menstrual periods, after taking oral contraceptives, and around menopause.

The condition is considered rare. However, an accurate count of individuals with this condition is not available, in part because people with trimethyaminuria often show varying degrees of symptoms. In addition, many are so ashamed of the symptoms that they conceal them rather than seek professional help. Due to the pungent odor of their bodies, people with trimethyaminuria are often depressed, maladjusted and suicidal.

People with trimethyaminuria lack the enzyme flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3), which is produced by the liver and is part of a family of similar enzymes responsible for breaking down compounds that contain nitrogen, sulfur or phosphorous. Not all of the functions of FMO3 are known, so physicians don't know what other symptoms besides odor may be associated with trimethyaminuria.

Researchers suspect (and non-human studies have suggested) that FMO3 breaks down other substances beyond trimethylamine, such as antidepressant drugs, nicotine and tamoxifen (an anticancer drug). If this is true, people with trimethyaminuria may have side effects when taking these other drugs that people without the condition don't experience (or experience with less severity).

Here's a link
for more info on this disorder
http://www.genome.gov/11508983#Q1


Tweet