Causes And Risk Factors Of Trimethylaminuria
Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is a genetic metabolic disease that renders the body incapable of breaking down a smelly compound called trimethylamine (TMA). In normal individuals, the body converts TMA into trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) through a complex enzyme system in the liver. Trimethylamine has an odor similar to rotting fish. When the liver enzyme is functioning properly, TMA is broken down into TMAO, which is odorless. However, individuals with trimethylaminuria lack this critical enzyme. These unfortunate individuals emit a body odor that smells like decomposing fish, garbage and urine. Trimethylaminuria is caused by a mutation to the gene known as flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3). Like most genetic diseases, trimethylaminuria is recessive. An individual won't have this disease unless they inherit the mutation from both parents. Get to know more about the causes and risk factors of trimethylaminuria now.