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Schwieren L, Jensen M, Schulz R, Lezius S, Laxy E, Milatz M, Thomalla G, Böger R, Gerloff C, Magnus T, Schwedhelm E, Choe CU. Homoarginine Associates with Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Atrial Fibrillation and Predicts Adverse Events after Stroke. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1590. [PMID: 37511965 PMCID: PMC10381763 DOI: 10.3390/life13071590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Homoarginine is associated with cardio- and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the underlying pathomechanisms remain elusive. Here, we evaluated the association of homoarginine with adverse events (i.e., death, stroke, and myocardial infarction) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in stroke patients. In the prospective bioMARKers in STROKE (MARK-STROKE) cohort, patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) were enrolled. Plasma homoarginine concentrations were analyzed and associated with clinical phenotypes in cross-sectional (374 patients) and prospective (273 patients) analyses. Adjustments for possible confounders were evaluated. A two-fold increase in homoarginine was inversely associated with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission, cIMT, and prevalent atrial fibrillation (mean factor -0.68 [95% confidence interval (CI): -1.30, -0.07], -0.14 [95% CI: -0.22, -0.05]; and odds ratio 0.57 [95% CI: 0.33, 0.96], respectively). During the follow-up (median 284 [25th, 75th percentile: 198, 431] days), individuals with homoarginine levels in the highest tertile had fewer incident events compared with patients in the lowest homoarginine tertile independent of traditional risk factors (hazard ratio 0.22 [95% CI: 0.08, 0.63]). A lower prevalence of atrial fibrillation and a reduced cIMT pinpointed potential underlying pathomechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Schwieren
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Märit Jensen
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Robert Schulz
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Lezius
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Elena Laxy
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Magalie Milatz
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Götz Thomalla
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Böger
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Gerloff
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tim Magnus
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Edzard Schwedhelm
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK e.V.) Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Chi-Un Choe
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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Kleist CJ, Choe CU, Atzler D, Schönhoff M, Böger R, Schwedhelm E, Wicha SG. Population kinetics of homoarginine and optimized supplementation for cardiovascular risk reduction. Amino Acids 2022; 54:889-896. [PMID: 35618975 PMCID: PMC9213336 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-022-03169-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Homoarginine is an endogenous amino acid whose levels are reduced in patients with renal, cardio- and cerebrovascular disease. Moreover, low homoarginine concentrations independently predict morbidity and mortality in these patients. Besides endogenous synthesis, homoarginine is also a constituent of the human diet. The objective of the present study was to analyze the kinetics of orally supplemented homoarginine in human plasma by means of a pharmacometric approach. We developed a pharmacometric model to evaluate different dosing regimens, especially the regimen of 125 mg once weekly, based on a previous clinical study (n = 20). The model was adapted to account for differences in baseline homoarginine plasma concentrations between healthy and diseased individuals. A novel dosing regimen of 25 mg once daily led to higher attainment of homoarginine reference concentrations using clinical trial simulations. With 25 mg/day, the trough concentration of only 6% of the older and 3.8% of the younger population was predicted to be below the target concentration of 2.0–4.1 µmol/L. In synopsis, the new dosing regimen recapitulates the kinetics of homoarginine in healthy individuals optimally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine J Kleist
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Hamburg, Bundesstraße 45, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Chi-Un Choe
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dorothee Atzler
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany.,Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mirjam Schönhoff
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Böger
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Edzard Schwedhelm
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian G Wicha
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Hamburg, Bundesstraße 45, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.
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Biochemistry of plants N-heterocyclic non-protein amino acids. Amino Acids 2021; 53:801-812. [PMID: 33950299 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-02990-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Plants catalyze the biosynthesis of a large number of non-protein amino acids, which are usually toxic for other organisms. In this review, the chemistry and metabolism of N-heterocyclic non-protein amino acids from plants are described. These N-heterocyclic non-protein amino acids are composed of β-substituted alanines and include mimosine, β-pyrazol-1-yl-L-alanine, willardiine, isowillardiine, and lathyrine. These β-substituted alanines consisted of an N-heterocyclic moiety and an alanyl side chain. This review explains how these individual moieties are derived from their precursors and how they are used as the substrate for biosynthesizing the respective N-heterocyclic non-protein amino acids. In addition, known catabolism and possible role of these non-protein amino acids in the actual host is explained.
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Association of Lower Plasma Homoarginine Concentrations with Greater Risk of All-Cause Mortality in the Community: The Framingham Offspring Study. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9062016. [PMID: 32604958 PMCID: PMC7356383 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9062016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lower circulating homoarginine concentrations have been associated with morbidity and mortality in patients with established cardiovascular disease (CVD). We assayed plasma homoarginine concentrations in 3331 Framingham Offspring Study participants attending examination cycle six (mean age 58.6 years, 53% women). We evaluated correlates of plasma homoarginine and related homoarginine to incident CVD and death. We also classified participants as having higher (upper quartile) versus lower (lower three quartiles) homoarginine and previously assayed asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) concentrations, and created cross-classification groups. We observed 630 incident CVD events and 940 deaths during a median follow-up of 18 years. In multivariable regression analysis, homoarginine was associated positively with male sex, body mass index, anti-hypertensive medication use and systolic blood pressure, but inversely with age and smoking. Higher homoarginine levels were associated with a lower mortality risk (hazard ratio (HR) per SD increment, 0.83, 95% CI: 0.74–0.93) adjusting for standard CVD risk factors, and ADMA. Among the cross-classification groups, participants with higher homoarginine and lower ADMA had a lower mortality risk (HR, 0.81, 95% CI: 0.67–0.98) compared to those with low levels of both. Further studies are needed to dissect the mechanisms of the association of homoarginine and mortality over decades in the community.
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Hari Kumar R, Khandare A, Laxmaiah A, Meshram I, Arlappa N, Validandi V, Venkaiah K, Amrutha Rao P, Sunu PV, Bhaskar V, Toteja GS. Prolonged consumption of grass pea (64 g/Cu/day) along with millets and other cereals causes no neurolathyrism. Nutr Neurosci 2019; 24:459-466. [PMID: 31331244 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2019.1642641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To assess the safe limit of L. sativus (grass pea) consumption along with cereals and millets.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken in three districts (Bilaspur, Durg and Raipur) of Chhattisgarh state. A total of 1500 households (HHs) were surveyed. A total of 360 split grass pea (SGP) samples were collected from all three districts for ?-ODAP analysis. Clinical examination was carried out for symptoms of neurolathyrism. Diet survey was done on 5769 HHs by 24hr recall method. Mean intake of different foods and nutrients were calculated. Based on food frequency questionnaire, HHs were separated into daily consumers of SGP along with its quantity consumed and that never consumed SGP.Results: The study revealed that 30 daily consuming and 89 never consuming HHs, in all the three districts. Daily SGP was consumed at an average of 64 g/Cu/day along with millets, cereals and vegetables. Whereas among the never consumers of SGP, mean intake of vegetables was higher than recommended intakes in addition to pulses. The average ?-ODAP content in SGP was 0.630 g%. The nutritional status of children <5 years and the adults was not significantly different between the daily SGP consumers and never consumers. Households in all the three districts, who consumed the SGP recipes, followed the method of washing, boiling, draining the excess water and cooking the pulse.Discussion: There were no adverse effects observed among daily consumers of grass pea (64 g/CU/day) along with millets, cereals and vegetables.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Hari Kumar
- Division of Community studies, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India
| | - Arjun Khandare
- Department of Food Toxicology, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India
| | - A Laxmaiah
- Division of Community studies, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India
| | - I Meshram
- Division of Community studies, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India
| | - N Arlappa
- Division of Community studies, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India
| | - Vakdevi Validandi
- Department of Food Toxicology, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India
| | - K Venkaiah
- Department of Biostatistics, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India
| | - P Amrutha Rao
- Clinical Division, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India
| | - P V Sunu
- Division of Community studies, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India
| | - V Bhaskar
- Department of Biostatistics, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India
| | - G S Toteja
- Desert Medicine Research Centre, ICMR, Jodhpur, India
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Atzler D, Appelbaum S, Cordts K, Ojeda FM, Wild PS, Münzel T, Blankenberg S, Böger RH, Blettner M, Beutel ME, Pfeiffer N, Zeller T, Lackner KJ, Schwedhelm E. Reference intervals of plasma homoarginine from the German Gutenberg Health Study. Clin Chem Lab Med 2017; 54:1231-7. [PMID: 26562034 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2015-0785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low circulating homoarginine has been associated with adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcome and mortality in patients at risk and in the general population. The present study aimed to define plasma homoarginine reference intervals from a representative population sample to improve risk stratification between healthy individuals and individuals at risk. METHODS We determined age- and sex-specific reference intervals for circulating plasma homoarginine in a subgroup of 786 healthy participants (no CV disease or risk factors) of the Gutenberg Health Study. Homoarginine concentrations were measured using a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. RESULTS Median EDTA plasma homoarginine concentration was 1.88 [25th; 75th percentile, 1.47; 2.41] μmol/L, with lower concentrations in women (1.77 [1.38; 2.26] μmol/L) than in men (2.01 [1.61; 2.56] μmol/L; p<0.001). Sex-specific 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of reference intervals were 0.84 and 3.89 μmol/L in women and 0.98 and 4.10 μmol/L in men, respectively. Homoarginine concentrations also depended on age and single nucleotide polymorphisms related to the L-arginine:glycine amidinotransferase gene. CONCLUSIONS We provide plasma homoarginine reference intervals in men and women of the general population. The determination of homoarginine levels might be favorable for individual risk stratification.
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Cortés-Giraldo I, Megías C, Alaiz M, Girón-Calle J, Vioque J. Purification of free arginine from chickpea (Cicer arietinum) seeds. Food Chem 2016; 192:114-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Revised: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Megías C, Cortés-Giraldo I, Girón-Calle J, Alaiz M, Vioque J. Purification of canavanine from the legume Vicia disperma. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2016.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Homoarginine in the renal and cardiovascular systems. Amino Acids 2015; 47:1703-13. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-015-1993-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/18/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Tomaschitz A, Meinitzer A, Pilz S, Rus-Machan J, Genser B, Drechsler C, Grammer T, Krane V, Ritz E, Kleber ME, Pieske B, Kraigher-Krainer E, Fahrleitner-Pammer A, Wanner C, Boehm BO, Marz W. Homoarginine, kidney function and cardiovascular mortality risk. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2014; 29:663-71. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gft512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Drechsler C, Kollerits B, Meinitzer A, März W, Ritz E, König P, Neyer U, Pilz S, Wanner C, Kronenberg F. Homoarginine and progression of chronic kidney disease: results from the Mild to Moderate Kidney Disease Study. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63560. [PMID: 23691067 PMCID: PMC3655120 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Homoarginine is an amino acid derivative mainly synthesized in the kidney. It is suggested to increase nitric oxide availability, enhance endothelial function and to protect against cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to investigate the relation between homoarginine, kidney function and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods We measured plasma homoarginine concentrations in baseline samples of the Mild to Moderate Kidney Disease (MMKD) Study, a prospective cohort study of 227 patients with CKD in Europe. Homoarginine concentrations were available in 182 of the baseline samples and in 139 of the prospectively-followed patients. We correlated homoarginine concentrations to parameters of kidney function. The association between homoarginine and progression of CKD was assessed during a follow-up of up to seven years (median 4.45 years, interquartile range 2.54–5.19) using Cox regression analysis. Progression of CKD was defined as doubling of baseline serum creatinine and/or end-stage renal disease. Results Study participants were at baseline on average 47±13 years old and 65% were male. Mean±standard deviation of homoarginine concentrations were 2.5±1.1 µmol/L and concentrations were incrementally lower at lower levels of GFR with mean concentrations of 2.90±1.02 µmol/L (GFR>90 ml/min), 2.64±1.06 µmol/L (GFR 60–90 ml/min), 2.52±1.24 µmol/L (GFR 30–60 ml/min) and 2.05±0.78 µmol/L (GFR<30 ml/min), respectively (p = 0.002). The age- and sex-adjusted risk to reach the renal endpoint was significantly higher by 62% with each decrease by one standard deviation (1.1 µmol/L) of homoarginine (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.16–2.27, p = 0.005). This association was independent of proteinuria (HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.11–2.20, p = 0.01), and was slightly attenuated when adjusting for GFR (HR 1.40 (95% CI 0.98–1.98, p = 0.06). Conclusions Homoarginine concentrations are directly correlated with kidney function and are significantly associated with the progression of CKD. Low homoarginine concentrations might be an early indicator of kidney failure and a potential target for the prevention of disease progression which needs further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Drechsler
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Kollerits
- Division of Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Meinitzer
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Winfried März
- Department of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Mannheim Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Eberhard Ritz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Paul König
- Innsbruck University Hospital, Department of Clinical Nephrology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ulrich Neyer
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Academic Teaching Hospital, Feldkirch, Austria
| | - Stefan Pilz
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christoph Wanner
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Florian Kronenberg
- Division of Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
- * E-mail:
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Davids M, Ndika JD, Salomons GS, Blom HJ, Teerlink T. Promiscuous activity of arginine:glycine amidinotransferase is responsible for the synthesis of the novel cardiovascular risk factor homoarginine. FEBS Lett 2012; 586:3653-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2012.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2012] [Revised: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 08/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Meinitzer A, Drechsler C, Tomaschitz A, Pilz S, Krane V, Wanner C, März W. Homoarginin: ein neuer kardiovaskulärer Risikomarker bei Dialysepatienten / Homoarginine: a new cardiovascular risk marker in hemodialysis patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1515/jlm.2011.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Rao SLN. A look at the brighter facets of β-N-oxalyl-l-α,β-diaminopropionic acid, homoarginine and the grass pea. Food Chem Toxicol 2010; 49:620-2. [PMID: 20654679 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2010.06.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2009] [Revised: 06/03/2010] [Accepted: 06/14/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The low incidence of neurolathyrism, its absence in several communities traditionally consuming Lathyrus sativus and the likely benefits of its inclusion as part of a normal diet are reviewed. The metabolism/detoxification of ODAP which is unique to humans may be a crucial factor in this regard. The presence of homoarginine in the pulse which has received scant attention in the past could make this an invaluable pulse since it could contribute to a sustained generation of NO. NO is well recognized for its role in cardiovascular physiology and general well-being and thus a daily dietary intake of homoarginine through small quantities of L. sativus may be of advantage and deserves to be exploited. The detoxification of ODAP in humans could spotlight the pulse further for its non-neurotoxic attributes. Activation of PKC by ODAP adds a new dimension to explore its possible therapeutic potentials in areas such as Alzheimer's disease, hypoxia, and long term potentiation. These novel approaches to both ODAP and homoarginine might entirely change our perception of this poor man's pulse.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L N Rao
- Department of Biochemistry, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India.
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Bell EA. The discovery of BMAA, and examples of biomagnification and protein incorporation involving other non-protein amino acids. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 10 Suppl 2:21-5. [PMID: 19929727 DOI: 10.3109/17482960903268700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Because of the similarity of ALS/PDC symptoms to those of the paralytic disease lathyrism, cycad seeds from Guam were analyzed for the presence of the non-protein amino acid b-ODAP, which is known to cause lathyrism. Although b-ODAP was not detected, a novel non-protein amino acid, now known as BMAA, was isolated. Primates are more sensitive to BMAA than rodents. It is possible that BMAA when ingested at a low concentration over a long period might be responsible for ALS/PDC. Some non-protein amino acids, including domoic acid and indospicine, are known to be biomagnified. Other non-protein amino acids including azetidine-2-carboxylic acid, canavanine, and selenium containing analogues of cystine and methionine have been shown to be misincorporated into proteins. Perhaps BMAA will not be the only non-protein amino acid that will be found in the brain tissues of those who died of a neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Arthur Bell
- Henriette Raphael Building, School of Biomedical Sciences, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London, UK
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Nunn PB, Bell EA, Watson AA, Nash RJ. Toxicity of Non-protein Amino Acids to Humans and Domestic Animals. Nat Prod Commun 2010. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x1000500329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-protein amino acids are common in plants and are present in widely consumed animal feeds and human foods such as alfalfa ( Medicago sativa), which contains canavanine, and lentil ( Lens culinaris), which contains homoarginine. Some occur in wild species that are inadvertently harvested with crop species. Some nonprotein amino acids and metabolites can be toxic to humans, e.g. Lathyrus species contain a neurotoxic oxalyl-amino acid. Some potential toxins may be passed along a food chain via animal intermediates. The increased interest in herbal medicines in the Western countries will increase exposure to such compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter B. Nunn
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, St Michael's Building, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 2DT, UK
| | - E. Arthur Bell
- Formerly at the School of Biomedical Sciences, King's College London, WC2R 2LS, England, UK
| | - Alison A. Watson
- Phytoquest Limited, Aberystwyth University, Plas Gogerddan, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3EB, UK
| | - Robert J. Nash
- Phytoquest Limited, Aberystwyth University, Plas Gogerddan, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3EB, UK
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Fowden L, Lewis D, Tristram H. Toxic amino acids: their action as antimetabolites. ADVANCES IN ENZYMOLOGY AND RELATED AREAS OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2006; 29:89-163. [PMID: 4881886 DOI: 10.1002/9780470122747.ch3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Bell EA, Tirimanna AS. Associations of amino acids and related compounds in the seeds of forty-seven species of Vicia: their taxonomic and nutritional significance. Biochem J 2006; 97:104-11. [PMID: 16749090 PMCID: PMC1264549 DOI: 10.1042/bj0970104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
1. The genus Vicia may be subdivided into groups of species characterized by associations of ninhydrin-positive compounds occurring in high concentrations in their seeds. Despite these subdivisions the overall distribution pattern emphasizes the unity of the genus and the possible value of such studies in establishing degrees of relationship between species within the genus. 2. Canavanine is a major constituent in the seeds of 17 species. 3. gamma-Hydroxyarginine, an amino acid that has not been found in other plant genera, occurs in 18 species. 4. gamma-Hydroxyornithine, a new natural amino acid, is found in two species. 5. A new naturally occurring ureido amino acid tentatively identified as ;gamma-hydroxycitrulline' is found in two species. 6. High concentrations of alphabeta-diaminopropionic acid are found in seed of V. baicalensis and of alphagamma-diaminobutyric acid in seed of V. aurantica. 7. The neurotoxic amino acid beta-cyanoalanine and its gamma-glutamyl peptide are found together in high concentrations in the seeds of 16 species of this agriculturally important genus. 8. Seven unidentified ninhydrin-positive compounds occur in high concentration (about 1% of the dry weight or more) in the seed of various species. Details of their R(F) values, ionic mobilities and colour reactions are given. 9. The total concentration of extractable ninhydrin-positive compounds varies little between seeds of different species and these compounds may, as has been suggested for those in Lathyrus, constitute a readily available form of storage nitrogen. 10. The nature and distribution, as opposed to the total concentration, of the amino acids and related compounds accumulated in the seeds of Vicia are different from those accumulated in the seeds of the related genus, Lathyrus. One particularly interesting difference is the accumulation of C(6) guanidino amino acids (arginine and gamma-hydroxyarginine) by Vicia and the accumulation of C(7) guanidino amino acids (homoarginine, gamma-hydroxyhomoarginine and the related amino acid lathyrine) by Lathyrus. Such differences afford a method for distinguishing between species of these genera.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Bell
- Department of Biochemistry, King's College, London, W.C. 2
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Carter JH, Du Bus RH, Dyer JR, Floyd JC, Rice KC, Shaw PD. Biosynthesis of viomycin. II. Origin of beta-lysine and viomycidine. Biochemistry 1974; 13:1227-33. [PMID: 4360783 DOI: 10.1021/bi00703a027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Ashworth TS, Brown EG, Roberts FM. Biosynthesis of willardiine and isowillardiine in germinating pea seeds and seedlings. Biochem J 1972; 129:897-905. [PMID: 4678967 PMCID: PMC1174235 DOI: 10.1042/bj1290897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The synthesis of the pyrimidinyl amino acids willardiine and isowillardiine was studied in vivo and in vitro. Uracil derivatives stimulate the biosynthesis of both compounds; the free base is the most effective. Significant incorporation of [2-(14)C]uracil and [6-(14)C]orotate into willardiine and isowillardiine was found. Incorporation of [6-(14)C]orotate was substantially decreased in the presence of uracil, and to a lesser extent by uridine and UMP. [3-(14)C]Serine was incorporated into the alanine side chain of the two uracilylalanines but not into the ring. The effect of a number of uracil analogues and inhibitors of pyrimidine metabolism was examined. Some were shown to stimulate the biosynthesis; the most noticeable effects were obtained with 6-azauracil and 2-thiouracil. Attempts to obtain extracts capable of synthesizing the uracilylalanines from uracil and serine were unsuccessful, but weak activity was observed when serine was replaced by O-acetylserine.
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Bradford Vickery H. The History of the Discovery of the Amino Acids II. A Review of Amino Acids Described Since 1931 as Components of Native Proteins. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1972. [DOI: 10.1016/s0065-3233(08)60140-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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RAMACHANDRAN LK, RAO KK. The occurrence of putrescine and a new guanidino amino acid in seeds of Lathyrus tingitanus. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1963; 13:49-53. [PMID: 14069511 DOI: 10.1016/0006-291x(63)90160-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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