S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe or SAM) is a naturally occurring compound found in various biological systems. Below is a concise yet detailed introduction to S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine in English:
Basic Information
- English Name: S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe, SAM)
- CAS Number: 29908-03-0
- Molecular Formula: C15H22N6O5S
- Molecular Weight: 398.44
Biological Functions
- Methyl Donor: SAMe is a critical methyl donor in the body, participating in over 35 known methylation reactions. It is essential for the methylation of cell membrane phospholipids, the inactivation of catecholamines and estrogens, and various other biological processes.
- Transsulfuration: Through the process of transsulfuration, SAMe generates homocysteine, which is further metabolized to produce glutathione (GSH), a vital antioxidant and detoxifying agent in the body.
- Transamination: SAMe promotes hepatocyte regeneration and helps protect hepatocytes from damage caused by toxic substances and bile acids.
Clinical Applications
- Improving Liver Function: SAMe aids in regulating the fluidity of liver cell membranes and promoting the synthesis of sulfurated products during detoxification, thereby helping prevent intrahepatic bile duct obstruction and treating liver diseases.
- Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease: When used in combination with L-Dopa, SAMe enhances the efficacy of L-Dopa treatment for Parkinson’s disease while reducing side effects.
- Dietary Supplement: SAMe is a dietary supplement that exhibits antidepressant and analgesic effects. It is being studied for its potential benefits in liver diseases and osteoarthritis.
Stability
- The free form of SAMe is unstable, making it recommended to use stable salt forms, such as S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine tosylate, which possess the same biological activities.
Precautions
- While SAMe possesses numerous biological functions and clinical applications, it should be used under medical supervision. Attention should be paid to potential drug interactions and adverse reactions.
In summary, S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine is a vital biologically active compound that plays a crucial role in numerous biochemical processes and has promising therapeutic potential in various medical conditions.
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