NCBI Taxonomy: 137763
Laurencia obtusa (ncbi_taxid: 137763)
found 218 associated metabolites at species taxonomy rank level.
Ancestor: Laurencia
Child Taxonomies: none taxonomy data.
Trimethylglycine
Glycine betaine is the amino acid betaine derived from glycine. It has a role as a fundamental metabolite. It is an amino-acid betaine and a glycine derivative. It is a conjugate base of a N,N,N-trimethylglycinium. Betaine is a methyl group donor that functions in the normal metabolic cycle of methionine. It is a naturally occurring choline derivative commonly ingested through diet, with a role in regulating cellular hydration and maintaining cell function. Homocystinuria is an inherited disorder that leads to the accumulation of homocysteine in plasma and urine. Currently, no treatments are available to correct the genetic causes of homocystinuria. However, in order to normalize homocysteine levels, patients can be treated with vitamin B6 ([pyridoxine]), vitamin B12 ([cobalamin]), [folate] and specific diets. Betaine reduces plasma homocysteine levels in patients with homocystinuria. Although it is present in many food products, the levels found there are insufficient to treat this condition. The FDA and EMA have approved the product Cystadane (betaine anhydrous, oral solution) for the treatment of homocystinuria, and the EMA has approved the use of Amversio (betaine anhydrous, oral powder). Betaine is a metabolite found in or produced by Escherichia coli (strain K12, MG1655). Betaine is a Methylating Agent. The mechanism of action of betaine is as a Methylating Activity. Betaine is a modified amino acid consisting of glycine with three methyl groups that serves as a methyl donor in several metabolic pathways and is used to treat the rare genetic causes of homocystinuria. Betaine has had only limited clinical use, but has not been linked to instances of serum enzyme elevations during therapy or to clinically apparent liver injury. Betaine is a natural product found in Hypoestes phyllostachya, Barleria lupulina, and other organisms with data available. Betaine is a metabolite found in or produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A naturally occurring compound that has been of interest for its role in osmoregulation. As a drug, betaine hydrochloride has been used as a source of hydrochloric acid in the treatment of hypochlorhydria. Betaine has also been used in the treatment of liver disorders, for hyperkalemia, for homocystinuria, and for gastrointestinal disturbances. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p1341) See also: Arnica montana Flower (part of); Betaine; panthenol (component of); Betaine; scutellaria baicalensis root (component of) ... View More ... A - Alimentary tract and metabolism > A16 - Other alimentary tract and metabolism products > A16A - Other alimentary tract and metabolism products > A16AA - Amino acids and derivatives D057847 - Lipid Regulating Agents > D000960 - Hypolipidemic Agents > D008082 - Lipotropic Agents Acquisition and generation of the data is financially supported in part by CREST/JST. D009676 - Noxae > D000963 - Antimetabolites CONFIDENCE standard compound; ML_ID 42 D005765 - Gastrointestinal Agents KEIO_ID B047
Hordenine
Hordenine is a potent phenylethylamine alkaloid with antibacterial and antibiotic properties produced in nature by several varieties of plants in the family Cactacea. The major source of hordenine in humans is beer brewed from barley. Hordenine in urine interferes with tests for morphine, heroin and other opioid drugs. Hordenine is a biomarker for the consumption of beer Hordenine is a phenethylamine alkaloid. It has a role as a human metabolite and a mouse metabolite. Hordenine is a natural product found in Cereus peruvianus, Mus musculus, and other organisms with data available. See also: Selenicereus grandiflorus stem (part of). Alkaloid from Hordeum vulgare (barley) CONFIDENCE Reference Standard (Level 1); INTERNAL_ID 2289 Hordenine, an alkaloid found in plants, inhibits melanogenesis by suppression of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production[1]. Hordenine. CAS Common Chemistry. CAS, a division of the American Chemical Society, n.d. https://commonchemistry.cas.org/detail?cas_rn=539-15-1 (retrieved 2024-10-24) (CAS RN: 539-15-1). Licensed under the Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0).
Palmitic acid
Palmitic acid, also known as palmitate or hexadecanoic acid, is a member of the class of compounds known as long-chain fatty acids. Long-chain fatty acids are fatty acids with an aliphatic tail that contains between 13 and 21 carbon atoms. Thus, palmitic acid is considered to be a fatty acid lipid molecule. Palmitic acid is practically insoluble (in water) and a weakly acidic compound (based on its pKa). Palmitic acid can be found in a number of food items such as sacred lotus, spinach, shallot, and corn salad, which makes palmitic acid a potential biomarker for the consumption of these food products. Palmitic acid can be found primarily in most biofluids, including feces, sweat, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and urine, as well as throughout most human tissues. Palmitic acid exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to humans. In humans, palmitic acid is involved in several metabolic pathways, some of which include alendronate action pathway, rosuvastatin action pathway, simvastatin action pathway, and cerivastatin action pathway. Palmitic acid is also involved in several metabolic disorders, some of which include hypercholesterolemia, familial lipoprotein lipase deficiency, ethylmalonic encephalopathy, and carnitine palmitoyl transferase deficiency (I). Moreover, palmitic acid is found to be associated with schizophrenia. Palmitic acid is a non-carcinogenic (not listed by IARC) potentially toxic compound. Palmitic acid, or hexadecanoic acid in IUPAC nomenclature, is the most common saturated fatty acid found in animals, plants and microorganisms. Its chemical formula is CH3(CH2)14COOH, and its C:D is 16:0. As its name indicates, it is a major component of the oil from the fruit of oil palms (palm oil). Palmitic acid can also be found in meats, cheeses, butter, and dairy products. Palmitate is the salts and esters of palmitic acid. The palmitate anion is the observed form of palmitic acid at physiologic pH (7.4) . Palmitic acid is the first fatty acid produced during lipogenesis (fatty acid synthesis) and from which longer fatty acids can be produced. Palmitate negatively feeds back on acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) which is responsible for converting acetyl-ACP to malonyl-ACP on the growing acyl chain, thus preventing further palmitate generation (DrugBank). Palmitic acid, or hexadecanoic acid, is one of the most common saturated fatty acids found in animals, plants, and microorganisms. As its name indicates, it is a major component of the oil from the fruit of oil palms (palm oil). Excess carbohydrates in the body are converted to palmitic acid. Palmitic acid is the first fatty acid produced during fatty acid synthesis and is the precursor to longer fatty acids. As a consequence, palmitic acid is a major body component of animals. In humans, one analysis found it to make up 21–30\\\% (molar) of human depot fat (PMID: 13756126), and it is a major, but highly variable, lipid component of human breast milk (PMID: 352132). Palmitic acid is used to produce soaps, cosmetics, and industrial mould release agents. These applications use sodium palmitate, which is commonly obtained by saponification of palm oil. To this end, palm oil, rendered from palm tree (species Elaeis guineensis), is treated with sodium hydroxide (in the form of caustic soda or lye), which causes hydrolysis of the ester groups, yielding glycerol and sodium palmitate. Aluminium salts of palmitic acid and naphthenic acid were combined during World War II to produce napalm. The word "napalm" is derived from the words naphthenic acid and palmitic acid (Wikipedia). Palmitic acid is also used in the determination of water hardness and is a surfactant of Levovist, an intravenous ultrasonic contrast agent. Hexadecanoic acid is a straight-chain, sixteen-carbon, saturated long-chain fatty acid. It has a role as an EC 1.1.1.189 (prostaglandin-E2 9-reductase) inhibitor, a plant metabolite, a Daphnia magna metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a long-chain fatty acid and a straight-chain saturated fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of a hexadecanoate. A common saturated fatty acid found in fats and waxes including olive oil, palm oil, and body lipids. Palmitic acid is a metabolite found in or produced by Escherichia coli (strain K12, MG1655). Palmitic Acid is a saturated long-chain fatty acid with a 16-carbon backbone. Palmitic acid is found naturally in palm oil and palm kernel oil, as well as in butter, cheese, milk and meat. Palmitic acid, or hexadecanoic acid is one of the most common saturated fatty acids found in animals and plants, a saturated fatty acid found in fats and waxes including olive oil, palm oil, and body lipids. It occurs in the form of esters (glycerides) in oils and fats of vegetable and animal origin and is usually obtained from palm oil, which is widely distributed in plants. Palmitic acid is used in determination of water hardness and is an active ingredient of *Levovist*TM, used in echo enhancement in sonographic Doppler B-mode imaging and as an ultrasound contrast medium. A common saturated fatty acid found in fats and waxes including olive oil, palm oil, and body lipids. A straight-chain, sixteen-carbon, saturated long-chain fatty acid. Palmitic acid. CAS Common Chemistry. CAS, a division of the American Chemical Society, n.d. https://commonchemistry.cas.org/detail?cas_rn=57-10-3 (retrieved 2024-07-01) (CAS RN: 57-10-3). Licensed under the Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0).
Stigmasterol
Stigmasterol is a phytosterol, meaning it is steroid derived from plants. As a food additive, phytosterols have cholesterol-lowering properties (reducing cholesterol absorption in intestines), and may act in cancer prevention. Phytosterols naturally occur in small amount in vegetable oils, especially soybean oil. One such phytosterol complex, isolated from vegetable oil, is cholestatin, composed of campesterol, stigmasterol, and brassicasterol, and is marketed as a dietary supplement. Sterols can reduce cholesterol in human subjects by up to 15\\%. The mechanism behind phytosterols and the lowering of cholesterol occurs as follows : the incorporation of cholesterol into micelles in the gastrointestinal tract is inhibited, decreasing the overall amount of cholesterol absorbed. This may in turn help to control body total cholesterol levels, as well as modify HDL, LDL and TAG levels. Many margarines, butters, breakfast cereals and spreads are now enriched with phytosterols and marketed towards people with high cholesterol and a wish to lower it. Stigmasterol is found to be associated with phytosterolemia, which is an inborn error of metabolism. Stigmasterol is a 3beta-sterol that consists of 3beta-hydroxystigmastane having double bonds at the 5,6- and 22,23-positions. It has a role as a plant metabolite. It is a 3beta-sterol, a stigmastane sterol, a 3beta-hydroxy-Delta(5)-steroid and a member of phytosterols. It derives from a hydride of a stigmastane. Stigmasterol is a natural product found in Ficus auriculata, Xylopia aromatica, and other organisms with data available. Stigmasterol is a steroid derivative characterized by the hydroxyl group in position C-3 of the steroid skeleton, and unsaturated bonds in position 5-6 of the B ring, and position 22-23 in the alkyl substituent. Stigmasterol is found in the fats and oils of soybean, calabar bean and rape seed, as well as several other vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and unpasteurized milk. See also: Comfrey Root (part of); Saw Palmetto (part of); Plantago ovata seed (part of). Stigmasterol is an unsaturated plant sterol occurring in the plant fats or oils of soybean, calabar bean, and rape seed, and in a number of medicinal herbs, including the Chinese herbs Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai men dong) and American Ginseng. Stigmasterol is also found in various vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and unpasteurized milk. A 3beta-sterol that consists of 3beta-hydroxystigmastane having double bonds at the 5,6- and 22,23-positions. C1907 - Drug, Natural Product > C28178 - Phytosterol > C68437 - Unsaturated Phytosterol
alpha-Humulene
alpha-Humulene, also known as alpha-caryophyllene, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as sesquiterpenoids. These are terpenes with three consecutive isoprene units. Thus, alpha-humulene is considered to be an isoprenoid lipid molecule. alpha-Humulene is found in allspice. alpha-Humulene is a constituent of many essential oils including hops (Humulus lupulus) and cloves (Syzygium aromaticum). (1E,4E,8E)-alpha-humulene is the (1E,4E,8E)-isomer of alpha-humulene. Humulene is a natural product found in Nepeta nepetella, Teucrium montanum, and other organisms with data available. See also: Caryophyllene (related). α-Humulene is a main constituent of Tanacetum vulgare L. (Asteraceae) essential oil with anti-inflammation (IC50=15±2 μg/mL). α-Humulene inhibits COX-2 and iNOS expression[1]. α-Humulene is a main constituent of Tanacetum vulgare L. (Asteraceae) essential oil with anti-inflammation (IC50=15±2 μg/mL). α-Humulene inhibits COX-2 and iNOS expression[1].
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a sterol (a combination steroid and alcohol) and a lipid found in the cell membranes of all body tissues and transported in the blood plasma of all animals. The name originates from the Greek chole- (bile) and stereos (solid), and the chemical suffix -ol for an alcohol. This is because researchers first identified cholesterol in solid form in gallstones in 1784. In the body, cholesterol can exist in either the free form or as an ester with a single fatty acid (of 10-20 carbons in length) covalently attached to the hydroxyl group at position 3 of the cholesterol ring. Due to the mechanism of synthesis, plasma cholesterol esters tend to contain relatively high proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Most of the cholesterol consumed as a dietary lipid exists as cholesterol esters. Cholesterol esters have a lower solubility in water than cholesterol and are more hydrophobic. They are hydrolyzed by the pancreatic enzyme cholesterol esterase to produce cholesterol and free fatty acids. Cholesterol has vital structural roles in membranes and in lipid metabolism in general. It is a biosynthetic precursor of bile acids, vitamin D, and steroid hormones (glucocorticoids, estrogens, progesterones, androgens and aldosterone). In addition, it contributes to the development and functioning of the central nervous system, and it has major functions in signal transduction and sperm development. Cholesterol is a ubiquitous component of all animal tissues where much of it is located in the membranes, although it is not evenly distributed. The highest proportion of unesterified cholesterol is in the plasma membrane (roughly 30-50\\\\% of the lipid in the membrane or 60-80\\\\% of the cholesterol in the cell), while mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum have very low cholesterol contents. Cholesterol is also enriched in early and recycling endosomes, but not in late endosomes. The brain contains more cholesterol than any other organ where it comprises roughly a quarter of the total free cholesterol in the human body. Of all the organic constituents of blood, only glucose is present in a higher molar concentration than cholesterol. Cholesterol esters appear to be the preferred form for transport in plasma and as a biologically inert storage (de-toxified) form. They do not contribute to membranes but are packed into intracellular lipid particles. Cholesterol molecules (i.e. cholesterol esters) are transported throughout the body via lipoprotein particles. The largest lipoproteins, which primarily transport fats from the intestinal mucosa to the liver, are called chylomicrons. They carry mostly triglyceride fats and cholesterol that are from food, especially internal cholesterol secreted by the liver into the bile. In the liver, chylomicron particles give up triglycerides and some cholesterol. They are then converted into low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, which carry triglycerides and cholesterol on to other body cells. In healthy individuals, the LDL particles are large and relatively few in number. In contrast, large numbers of small LDL particles are strongly associated with promoting atheromatous disease within the arteries. (Lack of information on LDL particle number and size is one of the major problems of conventional lipid tests.). In conditions with elevated concentrations of oxidized LDL particles, especially small LDL particles, cholesterol promotes atheroma plaque deposits in the walls of arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which is a major contributor to coronary heart disease and other forms of cardiovascular disease. There is a worldwide trend to believe that lower total cholesterol levels tend to correlate with lower atherosclerosis event rates (though some studies refute this idea). As a result, cholesterol has become a very large focus for the scientific community trying to determine the proper amount of cholesterol needed in a healthy diet. However, the primary association of atherosclerosis with c... Constituent either free or as esters, of fish liver oils, lard, dairy fats, egg yolk and bran Cholesterol is the major sterol in mammals. It is making up 20-25\\% of structural component of the plasma membrane. Plasma membranes are highly permeable to water but relatively impermeable to ions and protons. Cholesterol plays an important role in determining the fluidity and permeability characteristics of the membrane as well as the function of both the transporters and signaling proteins[1][2]. Cholesterol is also an endogenous estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα) agonist[3]. Cholesterol is the major sterol in mammals. It is making up 20-25\% of structural component of the plasma membrane. Plasma membranes are highly permeable to water but relatively impermeable to ions and protons. Cholesterol plays an important role in determining the fluidity and permeability characteristics of the membrane as well as the function of both the transporters and signaling proteins[1][2]. Cholesterol is also an endogenous estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα) agonist[3].
Heptadecane
Heptadecane, also known as CH3-[CH2]15-CH3, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as alkanes. These are acyclic branched or unbranched hydrocarbons having the general formula CnH2n+2 , and therefore consisting entirely of hydrogen atoms and saturated carbon atoms. Heptadecane is a very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble in water, and relatively neutral. Thus, heptadecane is considered to be a hydrocarbon lipid molecule. Heptadecane is an organic compound, an alkane hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C17H36. The most compact and branched isomer would be tetra-tert-butylmethane, but its existence is believed to be impossible due to steric hindrance. The name may refer to any of 24894 theoretically possible structural isomers, or to a mixture thereof. Heptadecane is an alkane tasting compound. heptadecane has been detected, but not quantified, in several different foods, such as lemon balms, coconuts, orange bell peppers, allspices, and pepper (c. annuum). This could make heptadecane a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. In the IUPAC nomenclature, the name of this compound is simply heptadecane, since the other isomers are viewed and named as alkyl-substituted versions of smaller alkanes. The unbranched isomer is normal or n-heptadecane, CH3(CH2)15CH3. Indeed, it is believed to be the smallest "impossible" alkane. Heptadecane, also known as ch3-[ch2]15-ch3, is a member of the class of compounds known as alkanes. Alkanes are acyclic branched or unbranched hydrocarbons having the general formula CnH2n+2 , and therefore consisting entirely of hydrogen atoms and saturated carbon atoms. Thus, heptadecane is considered to be a hydrocarbon lipid molecule. Heptadecane is an alkane tasting compound and can be found in a number of food items such as papaya, orange bell pepper, pepper (spice), and red bell pepper, which makes heptadecane a potential biomarker for the consumption of these food products. Heptadecane can be found primarily in saliva. The unbranched isomer is normal or n-heptadecane, CH3(CH2)15CH3. In the IUPAC nomenclature, the name of this compound is simply heptadecane, since the other isomers are viewed and named as alkyl-substituted versions of smaller alkanes .
Squamocin L
Isodesacetyluvaricin is found in fruits. Isodesacetyluvaricin is isolated from Annona species.
alpha-Caryophyllene
α-Humulene is a main constituent of Tanacetum vulgare L. (Asteraceae) essential oil with anti-inflammation (IC50=15±2 μg/mL). α-Humulene inhibits COX-2 and iNOS expression[1]. α-Humulene is a main constituent of Tanacetum vulgare L. (Asteraceae) essential oil with anti-inflammation (IC50=15±2 μg/mL). α-Humulene inhibits COX-2 and iNOS expression[1].
2-Bromo-4-(4-bromo-3,3-dimethylcyclohexyl)-1-methyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane
Palmitic Acid
COVID info from WikiPathways D004791 - Enzyme Inhibitors Corona-virus Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 SARS-CoV COVID19 SARS2 SARS
Betaine
Betaine or trimethylglycine is a methylated derivative of glycine. It functions as a methyl donor in that it carries and donates methyl functional groups to facilitate necessary chemical processes. The donation of methyl groups is important to proper liver function, cellular replication, and detoxification reactions. Betaine also plays a role in the manufacture of carnitine and serves to protect the kidneys from damage. Betaine has also been of interest for its role in osmoregulation. As a drug, betaine hydrochloride has been used as a source of hydrochloric acid in the treatment of hypochlorhydria. Betaine has also been used in the treatment of liver disorders, for hyperkalemia, for homocystinuria, and for gastrointestinal disturbances. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th Ed, p1341). Betaine is found in many foods, some of which are potato puffs, poppy, hazelnut, and garden cress. Betaine. CAS Common Chemistry. CAS, a division of the American Chemical Society, n.d. https://commonchemistry.cas.org/detail?cas_rn=107-43-7 (retrieved 2024-06-28) (CAS RN: 107-43-7). Licensed under the Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0).
Stigmasterol
Disclaimer: While authors make an effort to ensure that the content of this record is accurate, the authors make no representations or warranties in relation to the accuracy or completeness of the record. This record do not reflect any viewpoints of the affiliation and organization to which the authors belong.
Cholesterol
A cholestanoid consisting of cholestane having a double bond at the 5,6-position as well as a 3beta-hydroxy group. Disclaimer: While authors make an effort to ensure that the content of this record is accurate, the authors make no representations or warranties in relation to the accuracy or completeness of the record. This record do not reflect any viewpoints of the affiliation and organization to which the authors belong. Cholesterol is the major sterol in mammals. It is making up 20-25\\% of structural component of the plasma membrane. Plasma membranes are highly permeable to water but relatively impermeable to ions and protons. Cholesterol plays an important role in determining the fluidity and permeability characteristics of the membrane as well as the function of both the transporters and signaling proteins[1][2]. Cholesterol is also an endogenous estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα) agonist[3]. Cholesterol is the major sterol in mammals. It is making up 20-25\% of structural component of the plasma membrane. Plasma membranes are highly permeable to water but relatively impermeable to ions and protons. Cholesterol plays an important role in determining the fluidity and permeability characteristics of the membrane as well as the function of both the transporters and signaling proteins[1][2]. Cholesterol is also an endogenous estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα) agonist[3].
Picrotoxin
Cocculus appears as a poisonous berry, the dried fruit of Anamirta cocculus L. Contains several substances including about one percent picrotoxin. Pure picrotoxin occurs as shiny leaflets with an intensely bitter taste or as a microcrystalline powder. Very poisonous!. Used in medicine as a central nervous system stimulant and antidote for barbiturate poisoning. Not currently regarded as a useful therapeutic agent. A mixture of PICROTOXININ and PICROTIN that is a noncompetitive antagonist at GABA-A receptors acting as a convulsant. Picrotoxin blocks the GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID-activated chloride ionophore. Although it is most often used as a research tool, it has been used as a CNS stimulant and an antidote in poisoning by CNS depressants, especially the barbiturates. D002491 - Central Nervous System Agents > D000697 - Central Nervous System Stimulants > D003292 - Convulsants D018377 - Neurotransmitter Agents > D018682 - GABA Agents > D018756 - GABA Antagonists D020011 - Protective Agents > D000931 - Antidotes
Hordenine
Annotation level-1 Hordenine, an alkaloid found in plants, inhibits melanogenesis by suppression of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production[1]. Hordenine, an alkaloid found in plants, inhibits melanogenesis by suppression of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production[1].
Anhalin
Origin: Plant; Formula(Parent): C10H15NO; Bottle Name:Hordenine sulfate; PRIME Parent Name:Hordenine; PRIME in-house No.:V0301; SubCategory_DNP: Alkaloids derived wholly or in part from phenylalanine or tyrosine, Cactus alkaloids Hordenine, an alkaloid found in plants, inhibits melanogenesis by suppression of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production[1]. Hordenine, an alkaloid found in plants, inhibits melanogenesis by suppression of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production[1].
Squamocin L
N-HEPTADECANE
A straight-chain alkane with 17 carbon atoms. It is a component of essential oils from plants like Opuntia littoralis and Annona squamosa.
Humulene
α-Humulene is a main constituent of Tanacetum vulgare L. (Asteraceae) essential oil with anti-inflammation (IC50=15±2 μg/mL). α-Humulene inhibits COX-2 and iNOS expression[1]. α-Humulene is a main constituent of Tanacetum vulgare L. (Asteraceae) essential oil with anti-inflammation (IC50=15±2 μg/mL). α-Humulene inhibits COX-2 and iNOS expression[1].
Stigmasterin
C1907 - Drug, Natural Product > C28178 - Phytosterol > C68437 - Unsaturated Phytosterol
Lanol
Cholesterol is the major sterol in mammals. It is making up 20-25\\% of structural component of the plasma membrane. Plasma membranes are highly permeable to water but relatively impermeable to ions and protons. Cholesterol plays an important role in determining the fluidity and permeability characteristics of the membrane as well as the function of both the transporters and signaling proteins[1][2]. Cholesterol is also an endogenous estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα) agonist[3]. Cholesterol is the major sterol in mammals. It is making up 20-25\% of structural component of the plasma membrane. Plasma membranes are highly permeable to water but relatively impermeable to ions and protons. Cholesterol plays an important role in determining the fluidity and permeability characteristics of the membrane as well as the function of both the transporters and signaling proteins[1][2]. Cholesterol is also an endogenous estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα) agonist[3].
Trimethylglycine
Glycine betaine is the amino acid betaine derived from glycine. It has a role as a fundamental metabolite. It is an amino-acid betaine and a glycine derivative. It is a conjugate base of a N,N,N-trimethylglycinium. Betaine is a methyl group donor that functions in the normal metabolic cycle of methionine. It is a naturally occurring choline derivative commonly ingested through diet, with a role in regulating cellular hydration and maintaining cell function. Homocystinuria is an inherited disorder that leads to the accumulation of homocysteine in plasma and urine. Currently, no treatments are available to correct the genetic causes of homocystinuria. However, in order to normalize homocysteine levels, patients can be treated with vitamin B6 ([pyridoxine]), vitamin B12 ([cobalamin]), [folate] and specific diets. Betaine reduces plasma homocysteine levels in patients with homocystinuria. Although it is present in many food products, the levels found there are insufficient to treat this condition. The FDA and EMA have approved the product Cystadane (betaine anhydrous, oral solution) for the treatment of homocystinuria, and the EMA has approved the use of Amversio (betaine anhydrous, oral powder). Betaine is a metabolite found in or produced by Escherichia coli (strain K12, MG1655). Betaine is a Methylating Agent. The mechanism of action of betaine is as a Methylating Activity. Betaine is a modified amino acid consisting of glycine with three methyl groups that serves as a methyl donor in several metabolic pathways and is used to treat the rare genetic causes of homocystinuria. Betaine has had only limited clinical use, but has not been linked to instances of serum enzyme elevations during therapy or to clinically apparent liver injury. Betaine is a natural product found in Hypoestes phyllostachya, Barleria lupulina, and other organisms with data available. Betaine is a metabolite found in or produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A naturally occurring compound that has been of interest for its role in osmoregulation. As a drug, betaine hydrochloride has been used as a source of hydrochloric acid in the treatment of hypochlorhydria. Betaine has also been used in the treatment of liver disorders, for hyperkalemia, for homocystinuria, and for gastrointestinal disturbances. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p1341) See also: Arnica montana Flower (part of); Betaine; panthenol (component of); Betaine; scutellaria baicalensis root (component of) ... View More ... A - Alimentary tract and metabolism > A16 - Other alimentary tract and metabolism products > A16A - Other alimentary tract and metabolism products > A16AA - Amino acids and derivatives D057847 - Lipid Regulating Agents > D000960 - Hypolipidemic Agents > D008082 - Lipotropic Agents The amino acid betaine derived from glycine. D009676 - Noxae > D000963 - Antimetabolites D005765 - Gastrointestinal Agents
