Fish odor syndrome (trimethylaminuria) supporting the possible FMO3 down expression in childhood: a case report
Introduction:
Trimethylaminuria is a rare inherited disorder due to decreased metabolism of dietary-derived trimethylamine by flavin-containing monooxygenase 3. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms of the flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 gene have been described and result in an enzyme with decreased or abolished functional activity for trimethylamine N-oxygenation thus leading to trimethylaminuria.
Case Presentation:
Here we investigated an Italian family in which the proband was a 7-year-old girl with suspected trimethylaminuria, by flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 gene direct sequencing and urinary determination of trimethylamine and trimethylamine N-oxide. Genetic analysis found that, as with her parents and one of her two brothers, the proband carried three polymorphisms: c.472 G>A p. E158K (rs 2266782) in exon 4, c.627+10 C>G (IVS5+10G>C) (rs 2066534) and c.485-21 G>A (IVS4-22G>A) (rs 1920149) in intronic regions.
Conclusions:
Despite the same genotypic condition only the girl had symptoms attributable to the trimethylaminuria. The suspicion is that she has transient childhood trimethylaminuria. Therefore, we bring attention to the importance of genetic testing and eventual determination of urinary trimethylamine and trimethylamine N-oxide as instruments to offer to clinicians in the management of these pediatric patients.
Insights
Trimethylaminuria, a metabolic disorder, can present differently even within families carrying the same genetic mutations. Genetic testing and metabolite analysis are crucial for diagnosing and managing this condition in children.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Trimethylaminuria is a rare inherited metabolic disorder caused by reduced activity of flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3).
- FMO3 enzyme dysfunction impairs the metabolism of dietary trimethylamine, leading to its accumulation.
- Genetic variations in the FMO3 gene are known to cause decreased or abolished enzyme activity, resulting in trimethylaminuria.
Observation:
- A 7-year-old Italian girl presented with suspected trimethylaminuria.
- Genetic analysis of her family revealed the proband, her parents, and one brother shared three FMO3 gene polymorphisms (c.472 G>A, c.627+10 C>G, and c.485-21 G>A).
Findings:
- Despite sharing the same FMO3 genotype, only the proband exhibited symptoms of trimethylaminuria.
- This suggests the possibility of transient childhood trimethylaminuria in the affected girl.
- Urinary trimethylamine and trimethylamine N-oxide levels were determined.
Implications:
- Genetic testing and urinary metabolite analysis are vital tools for clinicians.
- These diagnostic methods aid in the management of pediatric patients with suspected trimethylaminuria.
- Understanding genotype-phenotype variability is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
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