S-Adenosyl methionine
From Free net encyclopedia
| S-Adenosyl methionine | |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | S-Adenosyl-L-methionine |
| Other names | S-Adenosyl methionine S-Adenosylmethionine SAM, AdoMet, Adomet |
| Marketing names | SAMe, SAM-e |
| Chemical formula | C15H24N6O5S |
| Molecular mass | 400.455 g/mol |
| CAS number | 29908-03-0 |
| Density | x.xxx g/cm3 |
| Melting point | xx.x °C |
| Boiling point | xx.x °C |
| SMILES | xxx |
| Disclaimer and references | |
S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) is an enzymatic cofactor involved in methyl group transfers, and is present in all eukaryotic cells. In the United States it is sold as a nutritional supplement under the marketing name SAM-e (also spelled SAME or SAMe; pronounced "sam ee"). SAM is also known as Gumbaral, Samyr, Adomet and Admetionine mainly in medical literature. Some research[1] has shown that taking SAM on a regular basis can help fight depression, liver disease, and the pain of osteoarthritis.
SAM was first discovered in 1952 (Cantoni). It is synthesized endogenously from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and methionine and broken down into S-adenosyl homocystine through the loss of a methyl group. Transmethylation, transsulfuration and aminopropylation are the metabolic pathways that breakdown SAM throughout the body although most of SAM is consumed and produced in the liver (Cantoni). The “active methyl” in SAM indicates the important role of SAM in transmethylation. In higher organisms, more than 40 either anabolic or catabolic reactions involve the transfer of a methyl group of SAMe to various substrates such as nucleic acids, proteins and lipids (Stramentinoli).
SAM-e's involvement in methylation assists in cellular growth and repair, maintains the phospho-bilipid layer in cell membranes. It also helps in the maintenance of the action of several hormones and neurotransmitters that affect mood. This enzyme is also responsible for the addition of methyl groups to the 2' hydroxyls of the first and second nucleotides next to the 5' cap in messenger RNA.
Therapeutic use of SAM has increased as natural food products have gained in popularity, especially after the Dietary Supplemental and Health Education Act was passed in 1999. This law allowed the distribution of SAM as an over the counter supplement, and therefore allowed it to bypass the regulatory methods of the FDA. SAM has been shown to have a therapeutic effect in liver disease, mood disorders and osteoporosis, many of which are supported by hundreds of research articles. Because of structural instability, stable salt forms of SAM are required for its use as a drug. Although salt forms have been developed, SAM is still liable to degradation leading to distributors that may advertise a dose higher than what is actually being ingested. Side effects that have been commonly reported is gastrointestinal distress and people who have a history of bipolar disorder are at risk for developing manic symptoms. Therapeutic dose ranges from 800mg/day to 1600mg/day.
See also
External links
- Template:PubChemLink
- Template:EINECSLink
- S-Adenosyl Methionine as a food supplement: Pros and Cons
- S-Adenosyl methionine (SAMe) versus celecoxib for the treatment of osteoarthritis symptoms: A double-blind cross-over trial
- S-Adenosyl-Methionine in Depression: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature (Abstract only)
- Testimony before the House of Representatives Committee on Government Reform Hearing on Dietary Supplements. (HRG Publication #1560)
- About.com SAM-e Resource Index