Science has long been unsure of the origin of underarm odor. However, some researchers believe that it comes from the action of bacteria, which is supported by a new study. However, the study goes further by highlighting the development of enzymes producing molecules that cause the smell.
In 2017, the French dermatologist Fabien Guibal explained that our body produces two types of sweat. In case of stress, anxiety or panic, the body secretes sweat through the apocrine glands located under the armpits, on the skin around the nipples and anus. In the case of physical exertion, sweat is secreted by the eccrine glands found everywhere on our skin, especially on the forehead, palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
As for the debate on the origin of the smell of perspiration , the latter remains open, but seems to be becoming clearer. Is it really the action of bacteria? A study published in the journal Scienctific Reports on July 27, 2020 looked at the origin of this smell. Researchers from the Department of Biology at the University of York (United Kingdom) indeed evoke the presence of bacteria, which is not surprising. However, the novelty lies in the development by these same bacteria of an enzyme producing the molecules at the origin of the odor.
The researchers named this enzyme BO, for "body odors". The resolution of its structure made it possible to locate the molecular step inside some bacteria. These make the molecules responsible for bad odors. For scientists, this is a step forward in understanding how body odor works. The next step will be the development of inhibitors that will target the production of these scents at the source without disrupting the armpit microbiome.
The staphylococcus hominis is one of the main strains of bacteria responsible for the production of the BO enzyme. This group of bacteria is closely linked to human evolution from the beginning. The researchers even indicate that it predates Homo sapiens and could date back to the time of primates. There is therefore an evolutionary relationship between human armpits and these bacteria producing the BO enzyme. However, the study directors believe that more research is needed to better understand this relationship.
Let's remember that perspiration is regularly at the heart of scientific research. In 2017, US researchers developed an adhesive patch made up of small sensors. The goal? Assess the wearer's health and transmit information to a smartphone.
