Flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs) metabolize numerous foreign chemicals, including drugs, pesticides and dietary components and, thus, mediate interactions between humans and their chemical environment. We describe the mechanism of action of FMOs and insights gained from the structure of yeast FMO. We then concentrate on the three FMOs (FMOs 1, 2 and 3) that are most important for metabol...

Upon sexual maturation, olfactory acuity in women ameliorates and starts oscillating across the cycle. During ovulation, mean olfactory threshold is 30 times lower than during bleeding. Interestingly, menstruated women undergo maleodorant trimethylaminuria. We argued that olfactory amelioration during ovulation might concur to a mating strategy, whereas olfactory impairment during bleeding migh...

A number of non-oral causes for oral malodor have been discussed. Several well documented etiologies for non-oral malodor include renal failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and diabetes mellitus. Each of these conditions has been examined using analytical instrumentation. In addition there appear to be several other metabolic conditions involving enzymatic and transport anomalies (such as trimethyl...

Some advanced cancer patients suffer from pungent sulfury malodor. To determine the chemical identity of the odorant, we performed gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry analysis of volatiles from fungating cancer wounds. We identified the source of the characteristic smell as dimethyl trisulfide, a compound that is known to be emitted from some vegetables and microorganisms. Control...

Biotilters are recognized by an increasing number of state air quality regulatory agencies as ”best available control technology” (BACT) for treatment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odor. This has been the case for two cocomposting facilities permitted by Bedminster Bioconversion Corporation in Cobb County, Georgia, and Marlborough. Massachusetts. Both areas are in ozone non-attainmen...

Background Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is a rare metabolic disorder manifesting in enormous excretion of trimethylamine (TMA) with urea, sweat and breath that leads to unpleasant body odour similar to rotting fish. TMAU has a strong genetic basis: 18 mutations (associated with 17 amino acid substitutions or chain truncation) of flavincontaining monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) are now recognized as a causat...