Biodistribution of Agmatine to Brain and Spinal Cord after Systemic Delivery

Therapeutic modulation of mitochondrial dynamics by agmatine in neurodegenerative disorders

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a pivotal factor in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, driving neuronal degeneration through mechanisms involving oxidative stress, impaired energy production, and dysregulated calcium homeostasis. Agmatine, an endogenous polyamine derived from arginine, has garnered attention for its neuroprotective properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and antiapoptotic effects. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of agmatine in preserving mitochondrial function and mitigating neurodegeneration, making it a promising candidate for therapeutic intervention. One of the key mechanisms by which agmatine exerts its neuroprotective effects is through the maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis. Agmatine has been shown to modulate mitochondrial dynamics, promoting mitochondrial fusion and fission balance essential for cellular energy metabolism and signaling. Moreover, agmatine acts as a regulator of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, preventing excessive calcium influx and subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction. Despite promising findings, challenges such as optimizing agmatine's pharmacokinetics, determining optimal dosing regimens, and elucidating its precise molecular targets within mitochondria remain to be addressed. Future research directions should focus on developing targeted delivery systems for agmatine, investigating its interactions with mitochondrial proteins, and conducting well-designed clinical trials to evaluate its therapeutic efficacy and safety profile in neurodegenerative disorders. Overall, agmatine emerges as a novel therapeutic agent with the potential to modulate mitochondrial homeostasis and alleviate neurodegenerative pathology, offering new avenues for treating these debilitating conditions.

Altered Arginine/Agmatine Pathway and Polyamines in Adolescents Diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder

Objective

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is common in childhood, but its etiopathogenesis is still unclear. Published neurochemical studies mostly focus on monoaminergic system, however, the pathophysiology of MDD cannot be explained by monoamine hypothesis only, medications that have effect on monoamines cannot have effect needed in all patients. We aimed to investigate the poliamine pathway of L-arginine metabolism which is proceeding by way of agmatine in adolescents with MDD.

Methods

Our study involved 45 patients with MDD (case group), and 44 healthy controls (control group) between the ages of 13-17. Sociodemographic data form, Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version-DSM-5-Turkish, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were applied to all subjects. All subjects were evaluated in terms of the levels of serum agmatine, putrescine, spermidine, and spermine.

Results

The levels of agmatine and spermine were significantly higher and putrescine and spermidine were significantly lower in case group compared with healthy controls. There was significant negative correlation with the levels of putrescine and spermidine between BDI scores, and there was significant positive correlation between the levels of spermine and BDI scores. No correlation found between the levels of agmatine and BDI scores.

Conclusion

These differences that the levels of agmatine and polyamines in the MDD group seem to be a field that worth researching. In the future, the evaluation of the arginine/polyamine metabolism in MDD with larger sample and longitudinal studies is going to capable to contribute to a better understanding of the disorder.

Agmatine as a novel intervention for Alzheimer's disease: Pathological insights and cognitive benefits

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline and a significant societal burden. Despite extensive research and efforts of the multidisciplinary scientific community, to date, there is no cure for this debilitating disease. Moreover, the existing pharmacotherapy for AD only provides symptomatic support and does not modify the course of the illness or halt the disease progression. This is a significant limitation as the underlying pathology of the disease continues to progress leading to the deterioration of cognitive functions over time. In this milieu, there is a growing need for the development of new and more efficacious treatments for AD. Agmatine, a naturally occurring molecule derived from L-arginine, has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for AD. Besides this, agmatine has been shown to modulate amyloid beta (Aβ) production, aggregation, and clearance, key processes implicated in AD pathogenesis. It also exerts neuroprotective effects, modulates neurotransmitter systems, enhances synaptic plasticity, and stimulates neurogenesis. Furthermore, preclinical and clinical studies have provided evidence supporting the cognition-enhancing effects of agmatine in AD. Therefore, this review article explores the promising role of agmatine in AD pathology and cognitive function. However, several limitations and challenges exist, including the need for large-scale clinical trials, optimal dosing, and treatment duration. Future research should focus on mechanistic investigations, biomarker studies, and personalized medicine approaches to fully understand and optimize the therapeutic potential of agmatine. Augmenting the use of agmatine may offer a novel approach to address the unmet medical need in AD and provide cognitive enhancement and disease modification for individuals affected by this disease.

The prenatal use of agmatine prevents social behavior deficits in VPA-exposed mice by activating the ERK/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

According to reports, prenatal exposure to valproic acid can induce autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like symptoms in both humans and rodents. However, the exact cause and therapeutic method of ASD is not fully understood. Agmatine (AGM) is known for its neuroprotective effects, and this study aims to explore whether giving agmatine hydrochloride before birth can prevent autism-like behaviors in mouse offspring exposed prenatally to valproic acid.

METHODS

In this study, we investigated the effects of AGM prenatally on valproate (VPA)-exposed mice. We established a mouse model of ASD by prenatally administering VPA. From birth to weaning, we evaluated mouse behavior using the marble burying test, open-field test, and three-chamber social interaction test on male offspring.

RESULTS

The results showed prenatal use of AGM relieved anxiety and hyperactivity behaviors as well as ameliorated sociability of VPA-exposed mice in the marble burying test, open-field test, and three-chamber social interaction test, and this protective effect might be attributed to the activation of the ERK/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, AGM can effectively reduce the likelihood of offspring developing autism to a certain extent when exposed to VPA during pregnancy, serving as a potential therapeutic drug.