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The Wonderful Journey of Agmatine: How It Promotes Blood Flow and Lowers Blood Sugar in the Body?
In 1910, chemist Albrecht Kosell first discovered Agmatine, a compound naturally converted from the amino acid arginine. With the deepening of scientific research, Agmatine has demonstrated its regulatory effects on multiple molecular targets, including the neurotransmission system, ion channels, and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. These findings not only lay the foundation for future research, but also draw attention to the potential of Agmatine in medical applications.
Agmatine is thought to exert its regulatory effects on multiple targets simultaneously, underscoring its importance in health and disease.
Metabolic pathways
Agmatine is a cationic amine, mainly produced by the decarboxylation reaction of L-arginine by the mitochondrial enzyme arginine decarboxylase (ADC). Agmatine is degraded mainly through hydrolysis reaction into agmatinase, which is further converted into urea and putrescine, which are precursors for polyamine synthesis. Another metabolic pathway is in peripheral tissues, through the oxidation reaction catalyzed by diamine oxidase to form agmatine-aldehyde, which is then converted into protamine by aldehyde dehydrogenase, and finally excreted by the kidneys.
Mechanism of action
Research shows that Agmatine plays a regulatory role on multiple key molecular targets and helps control cellular physiological mechanisms. These mechanisms of action can be classified into the following categories:
- Nerve conduction receptors and receptor ion channels, including nicotinic, imidazoline I1 and I2, α2-adrenergic receptors, glutamate NMDAr and serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT3 receptors.
- Ion channels, including ATP-sensitive K+ channels, voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and acid-sensitive ion channels (ASICs).
- Membrane transport protein, Agmatine specific selective uptake site and organic cation transporter.
- The regulation of nitric oxide synthesis simultaneously inhibits and activates different NO synthases.
- Polyamine metabolism, serves as a precursor for polyamine synthesis, and can competitively inhibit polyamine transport.
Agmatine in food
Agmatine can be found in many fermented foods and can affect appetite and feeding behavior. Studies have shown that injections of Agmatine sulfate can increase food intake in a satiated state, but not in a hungry state. However, force-feeding with Agmatine actually reduced weight gain, demonstrating its potential role in dietary regulation.
Pharmacokinetics
Agmatine exists in trace amounts in food from plants, animals and fish. The production of intestinal microorganisms can also be another source of Agmatine. Agmatine taken orally is absorbed in the digestive tract and rapidly distributed throughout the body. Because unmetabolized Agmatine is rapidly cleared by the kidneys, its blood half-life is approximately 2 hours.
Research Progress
As research continues to deepen, Agmatine has been proposed for a variety of potential medical uses:
- Cardiovascular effects: Agmatine can slightly reduce heart rate and blood pressure by modulating its molecular targets, including imidazoline receptor subtypes and its effect on NO production.
- Glucose regulation: Its hypoglycemic effect is achieved through the comprehensive regulation of multiple molecular mechanisms.
- Kidney function: Agmatine has been shown to promote glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and exhibit renal protection.
- Nerve Transmission: As a potential neurotransmitter, Agmatine is synthesized in the brain and binds to α2-adrenergic receptors and other anion channels.
- Opiate dependence: Systemic Agmatine can enhance the analgesic effects of opioids while preventing chronic morphine resistance.
The research on Agmatine is still ongoing, and the scientific community still has in-depth exploration of its mechanism of action in various physiological and pathological conditions. Can it become a new pillar of future medical care?
