Biochemistry & Analytical Biochemistry

Abstract

Health Effects of Polyamines: An Overview of Polyamines as a Health-Promoting Agent for Human Health

Letchuman Sarvananda*, Danushka Madhuranga, Palihaderu Arachchige Dineth Supasan Palihaderu and Amal D Premarathna

Polyamines (PAs) are low molecular weight aliphatic nitrogenous base-containing molecules, are considered an organic compound having more than two amino groups, and they have potent biological activities. They play an important role in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. In living organisms, PAs are mainly available as free PAs, covalently conjugated PAs, or non-covalently conjugated forms. The natural PAs, spermidine and spermine, are synthesized in every living cell and are therefore contained in foods, and their precursor, putrescine, are subcutaneous low molecular weight amines that contain multiple amino groups. Polyamines are synthesized within all living cells, in eukaryotes, polyamine synthesis begins with ornithine, which is synthesized through the urea cycle from arginine. The decarboxylation of ornithine catalyzed by Ornithine Decarboxylases (ODC) is the rate-limiting step in polyamine synthesis. In mammals, polyamines are involved in the most important physiological process. Cell proliferation and viability, nutrition, fertility, as well as nervous and immune system. In some instances where altered synthesis or metabolism of polyamines lead to several types of pathological conditions. Therefore, this review aims to collect and introduce data on the health effects of polyamines, concerning the biological roles of polyamine in humans. Such as its role in the intestine, as an antioxidant, in cancer, in the aging process, in the cardiac process, etc.

Published Date: 2023-08-21; Received Date: 2023-07-18