Reaction Process: WikiPathways:WP4156

Biosynthesis and regeneration of tetrahydrobiopterin and catabolism of phenylalanine related metabolites

find 15 related metabolites which is associated with chemical reaction(pathway) Biosynthesis and regeneration of tetrahydrobiopterin and catabolism of phenylalanine

5-OH-Trp ⟶ Serotonin

Melatonin

N-[2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]acetamide

C13H16N2O2 (232.1212)


Melatonin is a member of the class of acetamides that is acetamide in which one of the hydrogens attached to the nitrogen atom is replaced by a 2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl group. It is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in humans. It has a role as a hormone, an anticonvulsant, an immunological adjuvant, a radical scavenger, a central nervous system depressant, a human metabolite, a mouse metabolite and a geroprotector. It is a member of acetamides and a member of tryptamines. It is functionally related to a tryptamine. Melatonin is a biogenic amine that is found in animals, plants and microbes. Aaron B. Lerner of Yale University is credited for naming the hormone and for defining its chemical structure in 1958. In mammals, melatonin is produced by the pineal gland. The pineal gland is small endocrine gland, about the size of a rice grain and shaped like a pine cone (hence the name), that is located in the center of the brain (rostro-dorsal to the superior colliculus) but outside the blood-brain barrier. The secretion of melatonin increases in darkness and decreases during exposure to light, thereby regulating the circadian rhythms of several biological functions, including the sleep-wake cycle. In particular, melatonin regulates the sleep-wake cycle by chemically causing drowsiness and lowering the body temperature. Melatonin is also implicated in the regulation of mood, learning and memory, immune activity, dreaming, fertility and reproduction. Melatonin is also an effective antioxidant. Most of the actions of melatonin are mediated through the binding and activation of melatonin receptors. Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may have lower than normal levels of melatonin. A 2008 study found that unaffected parents of individuals with ASD also have lower melatonin levels, and that the deficits were associated with low activity of the ASMT gene, which encodes the last enzyme of melatonin synthesis. Reduced melatonin production has also been proposed as a likely factor in the significantly higher cancer rates in night workers. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that has multiple effects including somnolence, and is believed to play a role in regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin is available over-the-counter and is reported to have beneficial effects on wellbeing and sleep. Melatonin has not been implicated in causing serum enzyme elevations or clinically apparent liver injury. Melatonin is a natural product found in Mesocricetus auratus, Ophiopogon japonicus, and other organisms with data available. Therapeutic Melatonin is a therapeutic chemically synthesized form of the pineal indole melatonin with antioxidant properties. The pineal synthesis and secretion of melatonin, a serotonin-derived neurohormone, is dependent on beta-adrenergic receptor function. Melatonin is involved in numerous biological functions including circadian rhythm, sleep, the stress response, aging, and immunity. Melatonin is a hormone involved in sleep regulatory activity, and a tryptophan-derived neurotransmitter, which inhibits the synthesis and secretion of other neurotransmitters such as dopamine and GABA. Melatonin is synthesized from serotonin intermediate in the pineal gland and the retina where the enzyme 5-hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase, that catalyzes the last step of synthesis, is found. This hormone binds to and activates melatonin receptors and is involved in regulating the sleep and wake cycles. In addition, melatonin possesses antioxidative and immunoregulatory properties via regulating other neurotransmitters. Melatonin is a biogenic amine that is found in animals, plants and microbes. Aaron B. Lerner of Yale University is credited for naming the hormone and for defining its chemical structure in 1958. In mammals, melatonin is produced by the pineal gland. The pineal gland is small endocrine gland, about the size of a rice grain and shaped like a pine cone (hence the name), that is l... Melatonin is a biogenic amine that is found in animals, plants and microbes. Aaron B. Lerner of Yale University is credited for naming the hormone and for defining its chemical structure in 1958. In mammals, melatonin is produced by the pineal gland. The pineal gland is small endocrine gland, about the size of a rice grain and shaped like a pine cone (hence the name), that is located in the center of the brain (rostro-dorsal to the superior colliculus) but outside the blood-brain barrier. The secretion of melatonin increases in darkness and decreases during exposure to light, thereby regulating the circadian rhythms of several biological functions, including the sleep-wake cycle. In particular, melatonin regulates the sleep-wake cycle by chemically causing drowsiness and. lowering the body temperature. Melatonin is also implicated in the regulation of mood,learning and memory, immune activity, dreaming, fertility and reproduction. Melatonin is also an effective antioxidant. Most of the actions of melatonin are mediated through the binding and activation of melatonin receptors. Individuals with autism spectrum disorders(ASD) may have lower than normal levels of melatonin. A 2008 study found that unaffected parents of individuals with ASD also have lower melatonin levels, and that the deficits. were associated with low activity of the ASMT gene, which encodes the last enzyme of melatonin synthesis. Reduced melatonin production has also been proposed as a likely factor in the significantly higher cancer rates in night workers. Melatonin, also known chemically as N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, is a naturally occurring compound found in animals, plants and microbes. In animals, circulating levels of the hormone melatonin vary in a daily cycle, thereby allowing the entrainment of the circadian rhythms of several biological functions. A member of the class of acetamides that is acetamide in which one of the hydrogens attached to the nitrogen atom is replaced by a 2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl group. It is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in humans. Melatonin. CAS Common Chemistry. CAS, a division of the American Chemical Society, n.d. https://commonchemistry.cas.org/detail?cas_rn=73-31-4 (retrieved 2024-07-01) (CAS RN: 73-31-4). Licensed under the Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0). Melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland that can activates melatonin receptor. Melatonin plays a role in sleep and possesses important antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties[1][2][3]. Melatonin is a novel selective ATF-6 inhibitor and induces human hepatoma cell apoptosis through COX-2 downregulation[4]. Melatonin attenuates palmitic acid-induced (HY-N0830) mouse granulosa cells apoptosis via endoplasmic reticulum stress[5]. Melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland that can activates melatonin receptor. Melatonin plays a role in sleep and possesses important antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties[1][2][3]. Melatonin is a novel selective ATF-6 inhibitor and induces human hepatoma cell apoptosis through COX-2 downregulation[4]. Melatonin attenuates palmitic acid-induced (HY-N0830) mouse granulosa cells apoptosis via endoplasmic reticulum stress[5].

   

L-Phenylalanine

(2S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanoic acid

C9H11NO2 (165.079)


Phenylalanine (Phe), also known as L-phenylalanine is an alpha-amino acid. These are amino acids in which the amino group is attached to the carbon atom immediately adjacent to the carboxylate group (alpha carbon). Amino acids are organic compounds that contain amino (‚ÄìNH2) and carboxyl (‚ÄìCOOH) functional groups, along with a side chain (R group) specific to each amino acid. L-phenylalanine is one of 20 proteinogenic amino acids, i.e., the amino acids used in the biosynthesis of proteins. Phenylalanine is found in all organisms ranging from bacteria to plants to animals. It is classified as an aromatic, non-polar amino acid. In humans, phenylalanine is an essential amino acid and the precursor of the amino acid tyrosine. Like tyrosine, phenylalanine is also a precursor for catecholamines including tyramine, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Catecholamines are neurotransmitters that act as adrenalin-like substances. Interestingly, several psychotropic drugs (mescaline, morphine, codeine, and papaverine) also have phenylalanine as a constituent. Phenylalanine is highly concentrated in the human brain and plasma. Normal metabolism of phenylalanine requires biopterin, iron, niacin, vitamin B6, copper, and vitamin C. An average adult ingests 5 g of phenylalanine per day and may optimally need up to 8 g daily. Phenylalanine is highly concentrated in a number of high protein foods, such as meat, cottage cheese, and wheat germ. An additional dietary source of phenylalanine is artificial sweeteners containing aspartame (a methyl ester of the aspartic acid/phenylalanine dipeptide). As a general rule, aspartame should be avoided by phenylketonurics and pregnant women. When present in sufficiently high levels, phenylalanine can act as a neurotoxin and a metabotoxin. A neurotoxin is a compound that disrupts or attacks neural cells and neural tissue. A metabotoxin is an endogenously produced metabolite that causes adverse health effects at chronically high levels. Chronically high levels of phenylalanine are associated with at least five inborn errors of metabolism, including Hartnup disorder, hyperphenylalaninemia due to guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase deficiency, phenylketonuria (PKU), tyrosinemia type 2 (or Richner-Hanhart syndrome), and tyrosinemia type III (TYRO3). Phenylketonurics have elevated serum plasma levels of phenylalanine up to 400 times normal. High plasma concentrations of phenylalanine influence the blood-brain barrier transport of large neutral amino acids. The high plasma phenylalanine concentrations increase phenylalanine entry into the brain and restrict the entry of other large neutral amino acids (PMID: 19191004). Phenylalanine has been found to interfere with different cerebral enzyme systems. Untreated phenylketonuria (PKU) can lead to intellectual disability, seizures, behavioural problems, and mental disorders. It may also result in a musty smell and lighter skin. Classic PKU dramatically affects myelination and white matter tracts in untreated infants; this may be one major cause of neurological disorders associated with phenylketonuria. Mild phenylketonuria can act as an unsuspected cause of hyperactivity, learning problems, and other developmental problems in children. It has been recently suggested that PKU may resemble amyloid diseases, such as Alzheimers disease and Parkinsons disease, due to the formation of toxic amyloid-like assemblies of phenylalanine (PMID: 22706200). Phenylalanine also has some potential benefits. Phenylalanine can act as an effective pain reliever. Its use in premenstrual syndrome and Parkinsons may enhance the effects of acupuncture and electric transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS). Phenylalanine and tyrosine, like L-DOPA, produce a catecholamine-like effect. Phenylalanine is better absorbed than tyrosine and may cause fewer headaches. Low phenylalanine diets have been prescribed for certain cancers with mixed results. For instance, some tumours use more phen... L-phenylalanine is an odorless white crystalline powder. Slightly bitter taste. pH (1\\\\\\% aqueous solution) 5.4 to 6. (NTP, 1992) L-phenylalanine is the L-enantiomer of phenylalanine. It has a role as a nutraceutical, a micronutrient, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, a plant metabolite, an algal metabolite, a mouse metabolite, a human xenobiotic metabolite and an EC 3.1.3.1 (alkaline phosphatase) inhibitor. It is an erythrose 4-phosphate/phosphoenolpyruvate family amino acid, a proteinogenic amino acid, a phenylalanine and a L-alpha-amino acid. It is a conjugate base of a L-phenylalaninium. It is a conjugate acid of a L-phenylalaninate. It is an enantiomer of a D-phenylalanine. It is a tautomer of a L-phenylalanine zwitterion. Phenylalanine is an essential aromatic amino acid that is a precursor of melanin, [dopamine], [noradrenalin] (norepinephrine), and [thyroxine]. L-Phenylalanine is a metabolite found in or produced by Escherichia coli (strain K12, MG1655). Phenylalanine is an essential aromatic amino acid in humans (provided by food), Phenylalanine plays a key role in the biosynthesis of other amino acids and is important in the structure and function of many proteins and enzymes. Phenylalanine is converted to tyrosine, used in the biosynthesis of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters. The L-form of Phenylalanine is incorporated into proteins, while the D-form acts as a painkiller. Absorption of ultraviolet radiation by Phenylalanine is used to quantify protein amounts. (NCI04) Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid and the precursor for the amino acid tyrosine. Like tyrosine, it is the precursor of catecholamines in the body (tyramine, dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine). The psychotropic drugs (mescaline, morphine, codeine, and papaverine) also have phenylalanine as a constituent. Phenylalanine is a precursor of the neurotransmitters called catecholamines, which are adrenalin-like substances. Phenylalanine is highly concentrated in the human brain and plasma. Normal metabolism of phenylalanine requires biopterin, iron, niacin, vitamin B6, copper and vitamin C. An average adult ingests 5 g of phenylalanine per day and may optimally need up to 8 g daily. Phenylalanine is highly concentrated in high protein foods, such as meat, cottage cheese and wheat germ. A new dietary source of phenylalanine is artificial sweeteners containing aspartame. Aspartame appears to be nutritious except in hot beverages; however, it should be avoided by phenylketonurics and pregnant women. Phenylketonurics, who have a genetic error of phenylalanine metabolism, have elevated serum plasma levels of phenylalanine up to 400 times normal. Mild phenylketonuria can be an unsuspected cause of hyperactivity, learning problems, and other developmental problems in children. Phenylalanine can be an effective pain reliever. Its use in premenstrual syndrome and Parkinsons may enhance the effects of acupuncture and electric transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS). Phenylalanine and tyrosine, like L-dopa, produce a catecholamine effect. Phenylalanine is better absorbed than tyrosine and may cause fewer headaches. Low phenylalanine diets have been prescribed for certain cancers with mixed results. Some tumors use more phenylalanine (particularly melatonin-producing tumors called melanoma). One strategy is to exclude this amino acid from the diet, i.e., a Phenylketonuria (PKU) diet (compliance is a difficult issue; it is hard to quantify and is under-researched). The other strategy is just to increase phenylalanines competing amino acids, i.e., tryptophan, valine, isoleucine and leucine, but not tyrosine. An essential aromatic amino acid that is a precursor of MELANIN; DOPAMINE; noradrenalin (NOREPINEPHRINE), and THYROXINE. See also: Plovamer (monomer of); Plovamer Acetate (monomer of) ... View More ... L-phenylalanine, also known as phe or f, belongs to phenylalanine and derivatives class of compounds. Those are compounds containing phenylalanine or a derivative thereof resulting from reaction of phenylalanine at the amino group or the carboxy group, or from the replacement of any hydrogen of glycine by a heteroatom. L-phenylalanine is slightly soluble (in water) and a moderately acidic compound (based on its pKa). L-phenylalanine can be found in watermelon, which makes L-phenylalanine a potential biomarker for the consumption of this food product. L-phenylalanine can be found primarily in most biofluids, including sweat, blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), as well as throughout all human tissues. L-phenylalanine exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to humans. In humans, L-phenylalanine is involved in a couple of metabolic pathways, which include phenylalanine and tyrosine metabolism and transcription/Translation. L-phenylalanine is also involved in few metabolic disorders, which include phenylketonuria, tyrosinemia type 2 (or richner-hanhart syndrome), and tyrosinemia type 3 (TYRO3). Moreover, L-phenylalanine is found to be associated with viral infection, dengue fever, hypothyroidism, and myocardial infarction. L-phenylalanine is a non-carcinogenic (not listed by IARC) potentially toxic compound. Phenylalanine (Phe or F) is an α-amino acid with the formula C 9H 11NO 2. It can be viewed as a benzyl group substituted for the methyl group of alanine, or a phenyl group in place of a terminal hydrogen of alanine. This essential amino acid is classified as neutral, and nonpolar because of the inert and hydrophobic nature of the benzyl side chain. The L-isomer is used to biochemically form proteins, coded for by DNA. The codons for L-phenylalanine are UUU and UUC. Phenylalanine is a precursor for tyrosine; the monoamine neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and epinephrine (adrenaline); and the skin pigment melanin . Hepatic. L-phenylalanine that is not metabolized in the liver is distributed via the systemic circulation to the various tissues of the body, where it undergoes metabolic reactions similar to those that take place in the liver (DrugBank). If PKU is diagnosed early, an affected newborn can grow up with normal brain development, but only by managing and controlling phenylalanine levels through diet, or a combination of diet and medication. The diet requires severely restricting or eliminating foods high in phenylalanine, such as meat, chicken, fish, eggs, nuts, cheese, legumes, milk and other dairy products. Starchy foods, such as potatoes, bread, pasta, and corn, must be monitored. Optimal health ranges (or "target ranges") of serum phenylalanine are between 120 and 360 µmol/L, and aimed to be achieved during at least the first 10 years of life. Recently it has been found that a chiral isomer of L-phenylalanine (called D-phenylalanine) actually arrests the fibril formation by L-phenylalanine and gives rise to flakes. These flakes do not propagate further and prevent amyloid formation by L-phenylalanine. D-phenylalanine may qualify as a therapeutic molecule in phenylketonuria (A8161) (T3DB). L-Phenylalanine. CAS Common Chemistry. CAS, a division of the American Chemical Society, n.d. https://commonchemistry.cas.org/detail?cas_rn=63-91-2 (retrieved 2024-07-01) (CAS RN: 63-91-2). Licensed under the Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0). L-Phenylalanine ((S)-2-Amino-3-phenylpropionic acid) is an essential amino acid isolated from Escherichia coli. L-Phenylalanine is a α2δ subunit of voltage-dependent Ca+ channels antagonist with a Ki of 980 nM. L-phenylalanine is a competitive antagonist for the glycine- and glutamate-binding sites of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) (KB of 573 μM ) and non-NMDARs, respectively. L-Phenylalanine is widely used in the production of food flavors and pharmaceuticals[1][2][3][4]. L-Phenylalanine ((S)-2-Amino-3-phenylpropionic acid) is an essential amino acid isolated from Escherichia coli. L-Phenylalanine is a α2δ subunit of voltage-dependent Ca+ channels antagonist with a Ki of 980 nM. L-phenylalanine is a competitive antagonist for the glycine- and glutamate-binding sites of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) (KB of 573 μM ) and non-NMDARs, respectively. L-Phenylalanine is widely used in the production of food flavors and pharmaceuticals[1][2][3][4]. L-Phenylalanine ((S)-2-Amino-3-phenylpropionic acid) is an essential amino acid isolated from Escherichia coli. L-Phenylalanine is a α2δ subunit of voltage-dependent Ca+ channels antagonist with a Ki of 980 nM. L-phenylalanine is a competitive antagonist for the glycine- and glutamate-binding sites of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) (KB of 573 μM ) and non-NMDARs, respectively. L-Phenylalanine is widely used in the production of food flavors and pharmaceuticals[1][2][3][4].

   

Serotonin

3-(b-Aminoethyl)-5-hydroxyindole

C10H12N2O (176.095)


Serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a molecule that belongs to the class of compounds known as indoleamines. An indoleamine consists of an indole ring that bears an amino group or an alkyl amino group attached to the indole ring. Serotonin has an aminoethyl at position 2 and a hydroxyl group at position 5 of the indole ring. Serotonin exists in all living organisms, ranging from bacteria to plants to humans. In mammals, serotonin functions as a monoamine neurotransmitter, a biochemical messenger and regulator. It is synthesized from the essential amino acid L-Tryptophan. Approximately 90\\\\% of the human bodys total serotonin is located in the enterochromaffin cells in the GI tract, where it regulates intestinal movements. About 8\\\\% is found in platelets and 1–2\\\\% in the CNS. Serotonin in the nervous system acts as a local transmitter at synapses, and as a paracrine or hormonal modulator of circuits upon diffusion, allowing a wide variety of "state-dependent" behavioral responses to different stimuli. Serotonin is widely distributed in the nervous system of vertebrates and invertebrates and some of its behavioral effects have been preserved along evolution. Such is the case of aggressive behavior and rhythmic motor patterns, including those responsible for feeding. In vertebrates, which display a wider and much more sophisticated behavioral repertoire, serotonin also modulates sleep, the arousal state, sexual behavior, and others. Deficiencies of the serotonergic system causes disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, posttraumatic stress disorder, epilepsy, and generalized anxiety disorder. Serotonin has three different modes of action in the nervous system: as transmitter, acting locally at synaptic boutons; upon diffusion at a distance from its release sites, producing paracrine (also called volume) effects, and by circulating in the blood stream, producing hormonal effects. The three modes can affect a single neuronal circuit. (PMID: 16047543). Serotonin is also a microbial metabolite that can be found in the feces and urine of mammals. Urinary serotonin is produced by Candida, Streptococcus, Escherichia, and Enterococcus (PMID: 24621061). In plants, serotonin was first found and reported in a legume called Mucuna pruriens. The greatest concentration of serotonin in plants has been found in walnuts and hickory. In pineapples, banana, kiwi fruit, plums and tomatoes the concentration of serotonin is around 3 to 30 mg/kg. Isolated from bananas and other fruitsand is also from cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) [DFC]. Serotonin is found in many foods, some of which are common pea, eggplant, swiss chard, and dill. Serotonin. CAS Common Chemistry. CAS, a division of the American Chemical Society, n.d. https://commonchemistry.cas.org/detail?cas_rn=50-67-9 (retrieved 2024-07-01) (CAS RN: 50-67-9). Licensed under the Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0).

   

5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid

2-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)acetic acid

C10H9NO3 (191.0582)


5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid, also known as 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetate or 5-HIAA, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as indole-3-acetic acid derivatives. Indole-3-acetic acid derivatives are compounds containing an acetic acid (or a derivative) linked to the C3 carbon atom of an indole. 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid exists in all living organisms, ranging from bacteria to humans. In humans, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid is a breakdown product of serotonin that is excreted in the urine and it also participates in a number of enzymatic reactions. 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid can be biosynthesized from 5-hydroxyindoleacetaldehyde; which is catalyzed by the mitochondrial enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase. In addition, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and S-adenosylmethionine can be converted into 5-methoxyindoleacetate and S-adenosylhomocysteine through its interaction with the enzyme acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase. 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid is also involved in the metabolism of tryptophan. 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid has been found to be associated with several human diseases such as brunner syndrome, friedreichs ataxia, schizophrenia, and olivopontocerebral atrophy; 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid has also been linked to the inborn metabolic disorder sepiapterin reductase deficiency. Elevated levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in urine (>20 uM) are indicative of appendicitis and gastroenteritis (PMID: 11462886). Serotonin and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid are produced in excess amounts by carcinoid tumors, and levels of these substances may be measured in the urine to test for carcinoid tumors (NCI). 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid has also been found to be a product of human gut microbiota. 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) is the main metabolite of serotonin in the human body. In chemical analysis of urine samples, 5-HIAA is used to determine the bodys levels of serotonin. 5-Hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid is found in many foods, some of which are pitanga, dandelion, coconut, and white cabbage. 5-Hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid is the main metabolite of serotonin or metanephrines, which can be used as a biomarker of neuroendocrine tumors.

   

Epinephrine

(R)-(-)-3,4-Dihydroxy-α-(methylaminomethyl)benzyl alcohol, L-Adrenaline, L-Epinephrine

C9H13NO3 (183.0895)


Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is both a neurotransmitter and a hormone. It plays an important role in your body’s “fight-or-flight” response. It’s also used as a medication to treat many life-threatening conditions. Epinephrine is a catecholamine, a sympathomimetic monoamine derived from the amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine. It is the active sympathomimetic hormone secreted from the adrenal medulla in most species. It stimulates both the alpha- and beta- adrenergic systems, causes systemic vasoconstriction and gastrointestinal relaxation, stimulates the heart, and dilates bronchi and cerebral vessels. It is used in asthma and cardiac failure and to delay absorption of local anesthetics. Epinephrine also constricts arterioles in the skin and gut while dilating arterioles in leg muscles. It elevates the blood sugar level by increasing hydrolysis of glycogen to glucose in the liver, and at the same time begins the breakdown of lipids in adipocytes. Epinephrine has a suppressive effect on the immune system. [HMDB] Epinephrine, also called adrenaline, is both a hormone and a neurotransmitter. As a hormone, it’s made and released by your adrenal glands, which are hat-shaped glands that sit on top of each kidney. As a central nervous system neurotransmitter, it’s a chemical messenger that helps transmit nerve signals across nerve endings to another nerve cell, muscle cell or gland cell. Epinephrine is part of your sympathetic nervous system, which is part of your body’s emergency response system to danger — the “fight-or-flight” response. Medically, the flight-or-flight response is known as the acute stress response. Epinephrine is also called a catecholamine, as are norepinephrine and dopamine. They’re given this name because of a certain molecule in its structure. As a hormone, epinephrine is made from norepinephrine inside of your adrenal gland. As a neurotransmitter, epinephrine plays a small role. Only a small amount is produced in your nerves. It plays a role in metabolism, attention, focus, panic and excitement. Abnormal levels are linked to sleep disorders, anxiety, hypertension and lowered immunity. Epinephrine’s major action is in its role as a hormone. Epinephrine is released by your adrenal glands in response to stress. This reaction causes a number of changes in your body and is known as the fight-or-flight response.

   

N-Acetylserotonin

N-[2-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]acetamide

C12H14N2O2 (218.1055)


N-Acetylserotonin (NAS), also known as normelatonin, is a naturally occurring chemical precursor and intermediate in the endogenous production of melatonin from serotonin. It also has biological activity in its own right, including acting as a melatonin receptor agonist, an agonist of the TrkB, and having antioxidant effects. N-Acetylserotonin is an intermediate in the metabolic pathway of melatonin and indoleamine in the pineal gland of mammalians. Serotonin-N-acetyltransferase (SNAT), which regulates the rate of melatonin biosynthesis in the pineal gland, catalyzes the acetylation of 5HT to N-acetylserotonin (NAS). A methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine is transferred to NAS by hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT), and finally NAS is converted to 5-methoxy-N-acetyltryptamine, or melatonin. In most mammalian species the content of NAS (and melatonin) in the pineal gland shows clear circadian changes with the highest level occurring during the dark period. This elevation of the contents of NAS (and melatonin) in the dark period is due to the increase of SNAT activity and the elevation of SNAT gene expression. Experimental studies show that N-acetylserotonin possess free radical scavenging activity. Acute administration of irreversible and reversible selective MAO-A inhibitors and high doses (or chronic administration of low doses) of relatively selective MAO-B inhibitors (but not of highly selective MAO-B inhibitors) suppressed MAO-A activity and stimulated N-acetylation of pineal serotonin into N-acetylserotonin, the immediate precursor of melatonin. N-acetylserotonin increase after MAO-A inhibitors might mediate their antidepressive and antihypertensive effects. N-Acetylserotonin is the product of the O-demethylation of melatonin mediated by cytochrome P-450 isoforms: Cytochrome p450, subfamily IIc, polypeptide 19 (CYP2C19, a clinically important enzyme that metabolizes a wide variety of drugs), with a minor contribution from Cytochrome p450, subfamily I, polypeptide (2CYP1A2, involved in O-deethylation of phenacetin). (PMID 15616152, 11103901, 10721079, 10591054). N-Acetylserotonin acts as a potent antioxidant, NAS effectiveness as an anti-oxidant has been found to be different depending on the experimental model used, it has been described as being between 5 and 20 times more effect than melatonin at protecting against oxidant damage. NAS has been shown to protect against lipid peroxidation in microsomes and mitochondria. NAS has also been reported to lower resting levels of ROS in peripheral blood lymphocytes and to exhibit anti-oxidant effects against t-butylated hydroperoxide- and diamide-induced ROS. N-acetyl serotonin, also known as N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine or N-(2-(5-hydroxy-1h-indol-3-yl)ethyl)acetamide, is a member of the class of compounds known as hydroxyindoles. Hydroxyindoles are organic compounds containing an indole moiety that carries a hydroxyl group. N-acetyl serotonin is practically insoluble (in water) and a very weakly acidic compound (based on its pKa). N-acetyl serotonin can be found in a number of food items such as tronchuda cabbage, winter savory, rambutan, and poppy, which makes N-acetyl serotonin a potential biomarker for the consumption of these food products. N-acetyl serotonin can be found primarily in blood and urine, as well as in human kidney and liver tissues. In humans, N-acetyl serotonin is involved in the tryptophan metabolism. Moreover, N-acetyl serotonin is found to be associated with schizophrenia. N-Acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine is a Melatonin precursor, and that it can potently activate TrkB receptor.

   

Norepinephrine

L-alpha-(Aminomethyl)-3,4-dihydroxybenzyl alcohol

C8H11NO3 (169.0739)


Norepinephrine is the precursor of epinephrine that is secreted by the adrenal medulla and is a widespread central and autonomic neurotransmitter. Norepinephrine is the principal transmitter of most postganglionic sympathetic fibers and of the diffuse projection system in the brain arising from the locus ceruleus. It is also found in plants and is used pharmacologically as a sympathomimetic. Norepinephrine is elevated in the urine of people who consume bananas. Norepinephrine is also a microbial metabolite; urinary noradrenaline is produced by Escherichia, Bacillus, and Saccharomyces (PMID: 24621061). Norepinephrine is found in alcoholic beverages, banana peels and pulp (Musa paradisiaca), red plum fruit (Prunus domestica), orange pulp (Citrus sinensis), potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum), and whole purslane (Portulaca oleracea). P. oleracea is the richest of these sources. Norepinephrine has also been identified as a uremic toxin according to the European Uremic Toxin Working Group (PMID: 22626821). Present in banana peel and pulp (Musa paradisiaca), red plum fruit (Prunus domestica), orange pulp (Citrus sinensis), potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum) and whole purslane (Portulaca oleracea). P. oleracea is the richest of these sources. xi-Norepinephrine is found in many foods, some of which are potato, green vegetables, alcoholic beverages, and fruits.

   

Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA)

(2S)-2-Hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)acetic acid

C9H10O5 (198.0528)


Vanillylmandelic acid, also known as vanillylmandelate or VMA, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as methoxyphenols. Methoxyphenols are compounds containing a methoxy group attached to the benzene ring of a phenol moiety. Vanillylmandelic acid is a sweet and vanilla tasting compound. Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) is a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of artificial vanilla flavorings and is an end-stage metabolite of the catecholamines (dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine). Vanillylmandelic acid exists in all living organisms, ranging from bacteria to plants to humans. Within humans, vanillylmandelic acid participates in a number of enzymatic reactions. In particular, vanillylmandelic acid can be biosynthesized from 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycolaldehyde through its interaction with the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase. In addition, vanillylmandelic acid and pyrocatechol can be biosynthesized from 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid and guaiacol through the action of the enzyme catechol O-methyltransferase. Urinary VMA is elevated in patients with tumors that secrete catecholamines. Urinary VMA tests may also be used to diagnose neuroblastomas, and to monitor treatment of these conditions. VMA urinalysis tests can be used to diagnose an adrenal gland tumor called pheochromocytoma, a tumor of catecholamine-secreting chromaffin cells. Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) is produced in the liver and is a major product of norepinephrine and epinephrine metabolism excreted in the urine. Vanillylmandelic acid is one of the products of the catabolism of catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine). High levels of vanillylmandelic acid can indicate an adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma) or another type of tumor that produces catecholamines. (WebMD) [HMDB] D000890 - Anti-Infective Agents > D000892 - Anti-Infective Agents, Urinary > D008333 - Mandelic Acids Acquisition and generation of the data is financially supported in part by CREST/JST. KEIO_ID H056 Vanillylmandelic acid is the endproduct of epinephrine and norepinephrine metabolism. Vanillylmandelic acid can be used as an indication of the disorder in neurotransmitter metabolism as well. Vanillylmandelic acid has antioxidant activity towards DPPH radical with an IC50 value of 33 μM[1].

   

4a-Carbinolamine tetrahydrobiopterin

(6R)-2-amino-6-[(1R,2S)-1,2-dihydroxypropyl]-1,4,6,7-tetrahydropteridin-4-one

C9H13N5O3 (239.1018)


Carbinolamine 4a-hydroxytetrahydrobiopterin is formed as a consequence of the hydroxylation of phenylalanine to tyrosine. During the physiological reaction tetrahydrobiopterin (the naturally occurring cofactor for phenylalanine hydroxylase), and the two substrates phenylalanine and molecular oxygen combine with phenylalanine hydroxylase to form a quarternary complex. An enzyme, 4a-carbinolamine dehydratase, catalyzes the reaction. (PMID: 2722790) [HMDB] Carbinolamine 4a-hydroxytetrahydrobiopterin is formed as a consequence of the hydroxylation of phenylalanine to tyrosine. During the physiological reaction tetrahydrobiopterin (the naturally occurring cofactor for phenylalanine hydroxylase), and the two substrates phenylalanine and molecular oxygen combine with phenylalanine hydroxylase to form a quarternary complex. An enzyme, 4a-carbinolamine dehydratase, catalyzes the reaction. (PMID: 2722790). COVID info from COVID-19 Disease Map Corona-virus Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 SARS-CoV COVID19 SARS2 SARS

   

6-Lactoyltetrahydropterin

2-amino-6-(2-hydroxypropanoyl)-3,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydropteridin-4-one

C9H13N5O3 (239.1018)


6-Lactoyltetrahydropterin is a putative intermediate in the de novo synthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) pathway, in a reaction involving the enzyme sepiapterin reductase (E.C. 1.1.1.153) in human liver. In brain, an enzyme distinct from sepiapterin reductase catalyzes the TPNH-dependent reduction of 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin to 6-lactoyl-tetrahydropterin. (PMID: 4004850). In brain, the expression of other enzymes involved in BH4 biosynthesis includes aldose reductase, carbonyl reductase, GTP-cyclohydrolase I, and 6-pyruvoyltetrahydrobiopterin. Sepiapterin reductase expression is increased in Parkinsons disease brain tissue. (PMID: 17270157). 6-Lactoyltetrahydropterin is a putative intermediate in the de novo synthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) pathway, in a reaction involving the enzyme sepiapterin reductase (E.C. 1.1.1.153) in human liver. In brain, an enzyme distinct from sepiapterin reductase catalyzes the TPNH-dependent reduction of 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin to 6-lactoyl-tetrahydropterin. (PMID: 4004850)

   

Vanylglycol

1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)ethane-1,2-diol

C9H12O4 (184.0736)


Vanylglycol, also known as 3-Methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol (MHPG), belongs to the class of organic compounds known as methoxyphenols. Methoxyphenols are compounds containing a methoxy group attached to the benzene ring of a phenol moiety. It is synthesized from endogenous epinephrine and norepinephrine in vivo. It is found in brain, blood, CSF, and urine, where its concentrations are used to measure catecholamine turnover. Catecholamines play an important role in platelet activation and aggregation, epinephrine being the most potent one. Vanylglycol and pyrocatechol can be biosynthesized from 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol and guaiacol; which is catalyzed by the enzyme catechol O-methyltransferase. Vanylglycol is a O-methylated metabolite of normetanephrine. In humans, vanylglycol is involved in the metabolic disorder called tyrosinemia in newborns. Alcohol consumption increases the level of vanylglycol in urine and CSF. Vanylglycol is found normally in urine, in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. Outside of the human body, vanylglycol has been detected, but not quantified in several different foods, such as blackcurrants, chinese bayberries, elderberries, oriental wheats, and poppies.

   

4a-Hydroxytetrahydrobiopterin

(4aS,6R)-2-amino-6-[(1R,2S)-1,2-dihydroxypropyl]-4a-hydroxy-4,4a,5,6,7,8-hexahydropteridin-4-one

C9H15N5O4 (257.1124)


Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is essential for catalyzing the conversion of phenylalanine into tyrosine by phenylalanine hydroxylase. During this physiological reaction, the oxidation of BH4 creates 4a-hydroxytetrahydropterin (CAS: 70110-58-6) intermediates and hydrogen peroxide is formed. The hydrogen peroxide and the hydroxytetrahydropterin can both be derived from alternate breakdown routes of a common precursor, the corresponding 4a-hydroperoxytetrahydropterin (PMID: 8323303). Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is essential to catalyze the conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine by phenylalanine hydroxylase. During this physiological reaction, the oxidation of BH4 creates 4a-hydroxytetrahydropterin intermediates and hydrogen peroxide is formed. The hydrogen peroxide and the hydroxytetrahydropterin can both derive from alternate routes of breakdown of a common precursor, the corresponding 4a-hydroperoxytetrahydropterin. (PMID 8323303) [HMDB]

   

3-O-Methyl-a-methyldopa

(2S)-2-amino-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propanoic acid

C10H13NO4 (211.0845)


3-O-Methyl-a-methyldopa is a metabolite of methyldopa. Methyldopa (-α-Methyl-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine; Aldomet, Aldoril, Dopamet, Dopegyt, etc. ) is an alpha-adrenergic agonist (selective for α2-adrenergic receptors) psychoactive drug used as a sympatholytic or antihypertensive. Its use is now mostly deprecated following the introduction of alternative safer classes of agents. However, it continues to have a role in otherwise difficult to treat hypertension and gestational hypertension (also known as pregnancy-induced hypertension). (Wikipedia) 3-O-Methyldopa (3-Methoxy-L-tyrosine) is a metabolite of L-DOPA which is formed by catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). 3-O-Methyldopa competitively inhibits the pharmacodynamics of l-DOPA and dopamine[1]. 3-O-Methyldopa (3-Methoxy-L-tyrosine) is a metabolite of L-DOPA which is formed by catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). 3-O-Methyldopa competitively inhibits the pharmacodynamics of l-DOPA and dopamine[1].

   

6-Pyruvoyl tetrahydropteridine

6-Pyruvoyl tetrahydropteridine

C9H11N5O3 (237.0862)


COVID info from COVID-19 Disease Map Corona-virus Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 SARS-CoV COVID19 SARS2 SARS

   

(2S)-2-ammonio-3-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)propanoate

(2S)-2-ammonio-3-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)propanoate

C11H12N2O3 (220.0848)