Abstract
Background: Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is a rare metabolic syndrome characterized by the accumulation and the excretion of trimethylamine (TMA), a volatile diet compound produced by gut microbiota. Gut microbiota alterations are mainly involved in the secondary TMAU, whose patients show also different psychiatric conditions. We hypothesized that the biological activity of several molecules acting as intermediate in TMA metabolic reaction might be at the basis of TMAU psychiatric comorbidities. Methods: To corroborate this hypothesis, we performed the analysis of microbiota of both psychiatric suffering secondary TMAU patients and TMAU “mentally ill” controls, comparing the alteration of metabolites produced by their gut bacteria possibly involved in neurotransmission and, in the same time, belonging to biochemical pathways leading to TMA accumulation. Results: Microbiota analyses showed that Clostridiaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Coriobacteriaceae alterations represented the bacterial families with highest variations. This results in an excessive release of serotonin and an hyperactivation of the vagus nerve that might determine the widest spectrum of psychiatric disorders shown by affected patients. These metabolites, as short chain fatty acids, lactate and neurotransmitter precursors, are also related to TMA accumulation. Conclusions: Knowledge of microbiota-gut-brain axis may become a potential new strategy for improving metabolic diseases and to treat linked psychiatric disorders.
Highlights
Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is a metabolic syndrome characterized by the accumulation and the body excretion of trimethylamine (TMA), a compound that can be introduced with diet or synthesized by gut microbiota
In order to corroborate this hypothesis, we performed the analysis of microbiota of both psychiatric suffering secondary TMAU patients and TMAU “mentally ill” controls, comparing the alteration of their bacterial produced metabolites possibly involved in neurotransmission and, in the same time, belonging to biochemical pathways leading to TMA accumulation
Microbiotas of cases showed a prevalent over-abundance of bacteria (10 families), with Clostridiaceae reaching the highest values in 4 cases, and Enterococcaceae in 2
Summary
Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is a metabolic syndrome characterized by the accumulation and the body excretion of trimethylamine (TMA), a compound that can be introduced with diet or synthesized by gut microbiota. TMA is excreted through sweat, breath, urine and other body fluids, determining an unpleasant rotten fish odor. The metabolic and clinical manifestations of TMAU are generally considered benign, as there is no associated organ dysfunction. Such evaluation, as well as the evidence that the condition is frequently unrecognized by clinicians, can have important consequences on the delayed or missed diagnosis [1]. At least two different types of TMAU are
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
