Mark Harker1, Ann-Marie Carvell2, Vernon P J Marti2, Svetlana Riazanskaia2, Hailey Kelso2, David Taylor2, Sally Grimshaw2, David S Arnold2, Ruediger Zillmer2, Jane Shaw2, Jayne M Kirk3, Zee M Alcasid4, Sheila Gonzales-Tanon4, Gertrude P Chan5, Egge A E Rosing6, Adrian M Smith7. 1. Unilever Research & Development, Quarry Road East, Port Sunlight, United Kingdom. Electronic address: mark.harker@unilever.com. 2. Unilever Research & Development, Quarry Road East, Port Sunlight, United Kingdom. 3. Waters Corporation, MS Technologies Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom. 4. Unilever Philippines Inc., 1351 United Nations Avenue, Paco, 1007 Manila, Philippines. 5. Clinical Trial Management & Testing Associates, Inc., Unit 1207, 2301 Civic Place, Civic Drive, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Philippines. 6. Unilever Research Laboratory, Oliver van Noortlaan 120, 3133 AT Vlaardingen, The Netherlands. 7. Unilever Discover, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, United Kingdom.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), 538G→A, leading to a G180R substitution in the ABCC11 gene results in reduced concentrations of apocrine derived axillary odour precursors. OBJECTIVE: Determine the axillary odour levels in the SNP ABCC11 genotype variants and to investigate if other parameters associated with odour production are affected. METHODS: Axillary odour was assessed by subjective quantification and gas chromatography headspace analysis. Metabolite profiles, microbiome diversity and personal hygiene habits were also assessed. RESULTS: Axillary odour in the A/A homozygotes was significantly lower compared to the G/A and G/G genotypes. However, the perception-based measures still detected appreciable levels of axillary odour in the A/A subjects. Metabolomic analysis highlighted significant differences in axillary skin metabolites between A/A subjects compared to those carrying the G allele. These differences resulted in A/A subjects lacking specific volatile odourants in the axillary headspace, but all genotypes produced odoriferous short chain fatty acids. Microbiomic analysis revealed differences in the relative abundance of key bacterial genera associated with odour generation between the different genotypes. Deodorant usage indicated a high level of self awareness of axillary odour levels with A/A individuals less likely to adopt personal hygiene habits designed to eradicate/mask its presence. CONCLUSIONS: The SNP in the ABCC11 gene results in lower levels of axillary odour in the A/A homozygotes compared to those carrying the G allele, but A/A subjects still produce noticeable amounts of axillary odour. Differences in axillary skin metabolites, bacterial genera and personal hygiene behaviours also appear to be influenced by this SNP.
BACKGROUND: A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), 538G→A, leading to a G180R substitution in the ABCC11 gene results in reduced concentrations of apocrine derived axillary odour precursors. OBJECTIVE: Determine the axillary odour levels in the SNP ABCC11 genotype variants and to investigate if other parameters associated with odour production are affected. METHODS: Axillary odour was assessed by subjective quantification and gas chromatography headspace analysis. Metabolite profiles, microbiome diversity and personal hygiene habits were also assessed. RESULTS: Axillary odour in the A/A homozygotes was significantly lower compared to the G/A and G/G genotypes. However, the perception-based measures still detected appreciable levels of axillary odour in the A/A subjects. Metabolomic analysis highlighted significant differences in axillary skin metabolites between A/A subjects compared to those carrying the G allele. These differences resulted in A/A subjects lacking specific volatile odourants in the axillary headspace, but all genotypes produced odoriferous short chain fatty acids. Microbiomic analysis revealed differences in the relative abundance of key bacterial genera associated with odour generation between the different genotypes. Deodorant usage indicated a high level of self awareness of axillary odour levels with A/A individuals less likely to adopt personal hygiene habits designed to eradicate/mask its presence. CONCLUSIONS: The SNP in the ABCC11 gene results in lower levels of axillary odour in the A/A homozygotes compared to those carrying the G allele, but A/A subjects still produce noticeable amounts of axillary odour. Differences in axillary skin metabolites, bacterial genera and personal hygiene behaviours also appear to be influenced by this SNP.
Authors: Katharine A Prokop-Prigge; Corrine J Mansfield; M Rockwell Parker; Erica Thaler; Elizabeth A Grice; Charles J Wysocki; George Preti Journal: J Chem Ecol Date: 2014-12-13 Impact factor: 2.626
Authors: Julie Urban; Daniel J Fergus; Amy M Savage; Megan Ehlers; Holly L Menninger; Robert R Dunn; Julie E Horvath Journal: PeerJ Date: 2016-02-02 Impact factor: 2.984