Language
Country/Area
No result found
Amazing biochemistry: How tyramine triggers mysterious reactions in your brain?
Tyramine, a naturally occurring trace amine converted from the amino acid tyrosine, is gradually attracting the attention of the scientific community with the advancement of technology and medicine. While tyramine is unable to cross the blood-brain barrier, which limits its direct effects in the brain, its effects in the body cannot be underestimated, especially when interacting with food and medications.
The sources and functions of tyramine
Tyramine is commonly found in plants and animals and is mainly metabolized by enzymes such as monoamine oxidase. In food, tyramine is usually produced by the decarboxylation of tyrosine during food fermentation or spoilage. Some foods that have been fermented, pickled, or aged, such as fine cheeses, cured meats, and certain sauces, are relatively high in tyramine.
For example, strong or mature cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss, and blue cheese are good examples of foods high in tyramine.
Physiological effects of tyramine
Tyramine's effects on the body are more dramatic than its presence in food. When foods containing high amounts of tyramine are ingested, a hypertensive crisis may result if monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also used. This is because tyramine can release pre-stored monoamine neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, further causing significant physiological responses.
It can be said that tyramine is considered a "pseudo neurotransmitter", which promotes the release of norepinephrine, thus affecting blood pressure and heart rate.
Potential link between tyramine and migraine
Research has found that tyramine intake is also closely related to migraine attacks. Sensitive individuals may experience migraine attacks after consuming foods high in tyramine, suggesting that tyramine may trigger these headache symptoms through its effects on the sympathetic nervous system.
A 2007 evaluation study showed that migraine patients had increased circulating levels of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, including concentrations of tyramine.
Biosynthesis of tyramine
Biochemically, tyramine is produced by converting tyrosine through the action of tyrosine decarboxylase. The operation of this process in the human body shows the importance of tyramine in many physiological functions.
Legal and social perspective
Tyramine is even outlawed in some parts of the United States, with surprising legal regulations that reflect society's heightened sensitivity to certain biochemicals. Therefore, the social acceptance and legal position regarding the existence and role of tyramine remain unclear, which provides considerable scope for future research.
The potential of tyramine
With further scientific research, our understanding of tyramine’s role in the diet and its impact on human health continues to deepen. From this perspective, its effect is not limited to psychological effects, but also involves a wide range of effects on the physiological level.
In current scientific research, we are also exploring possible treatments and strategies to manage and control the levels of biogenic amines in food, which may change the way we think about dietary health. Think about it, if the role of tyramine in your daily diet was more clearly understood, would it have an impact on your future dietary choices?
