Role of gut bacteria

The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in the metabolism of dietary choline and its conversion to trimethylamine (TMA) in individuals with Trimethylaminuria (TMAU). The process involves the enzymatic activity of various gut microbial species, particularly those harboring choline TMA-lyase genes, which catalyze the breakdown of choline into TMA. The diversity and abundance of these microbial populations within the gastrointestinal tract can significantly influence the rate and extent of TMA production, thereby impacting the severity of TMAU symptoms. Dysbiosis, characterized by alterations in the composition and function of the gut microbiota, may exacerbate TMAU by promoting the proliferation of TMA-producing bacteria and altering metabolic pathways involved in choline metabolism.

Furthermore, interactions between gut bacteria and host factors, such as genetic predisposition and dietary habits, further modulate TMA production and subsequent malodor manifestation in individuals with TMAU. Understanding the intricate interplay between gut microbiota diversity, choline metabolism, and TMA production is crucial for elucidating the pathophysiology of TMAU and developing targeted therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating microbial communities and mitigating malodor symptoms.

Last updated : March 2024