Biopterin

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Biopterin
IUPAC name

2-Amino-6-(1,2-dihydroxypropyl)-1H-pteridin-4-one

Identifiers
CAS number 22150-76-1 YesY
PubChem 445040
ChemSpider 392795 YesY
KEGG C06313 YesY
MeSH Biopterin
Jmol-3D images {{#if:O=C2\N=C(/Nc1ncc(nc12)C(O)C(O)C)NO=C2\N=C(/Nc1ncc(nc12)[C@@H](O)[C@@H](O)C)N|Image 1
Image 2
Properties
Molecular formula C9H11N5O3
Molar mass 237.216 g/mol
 YesY (verify) (what is: YesY/N?)
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C (77 °F), 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Biopterin is a coenzyme that is produced within the body.

It is an oxidized degradation product of tetrahydrobiopterin.

Defects in biopterin synthesis or regeneration can cause a form of hyperphenylalaninemia (a disease with symptoms similar to PKU).[1]

Biopterin is synthesized in several parts of the body, including the pineal gland.[2]

Biopterin deficiency has been associated with a variety of disorders, including dystonia [3] and rabies.[4]

The body makes coenzymes in order to change the numerous cellular transitions that are imperative for survival. One type of coenzyme is known as biopterin, which is a product of the breakdown of a more complex molecule, tetrahydrobiopterin. This is also known as BH4. Biopterin is a cofactor in the production of many needed neurotransmitters in the body. A few of these include dopamine, serotonin and epinepherine. It is also key in the body's production of nitric oxide. Some problems maintaining proper amounts of this coenzyme could lead to a wide range of medical problems. Though mainly in the pineal gland, it is also known to be produced in many other glands as well. Seen mainly in the Powellenthis gland.

Without the right levels of biopterin in the bloodstream, in addition with its cofactor known as dihydrobiopterin, the body could begin to develop some very bad medical conditions, one being with symptoms that resemble phenylketonuria. Low biopterin levels are also known to contribute to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Some additional problems are that it is also a precursor to rabies, cardiovascular diseases, depression and a condition known as dystonia, which is a neurological failure to control the movement of the body. On the other hand, high levels of the coenzyme have been found in children that have autism. However, those same high levels were also found in their siblings who did not develop autism.

There is a disorder that is strongly tied to deficiency in biopterin. The symptoms are similar to those of a genetic disorder known as phenylketonuria. This is the body's inability to process the aminoacid phenylalanine, which is essential for survival. If left untreated, these symptoms could lead to retardation, seizure disorders, and even permanent brain damage. But these symptoms can be avoided if identified in blood screenings at or around the time of birth. Treatment typically includes a strict vegan diet for the entire life as well as drugs to regulate the body's cellular health.

One's body can suffer from many different enzyme and coenzyme deficiencies. Each deficiency has its own symptoms and individual remedy. To find out which deficiency, scientists carefully analyze blood to calculate the levels of biopterin compared to other normally functioning enzyme levels to see if it or another deficiency is responsible for an individual's symptoms. Studies have shown success with multivitamins or in some cases niacin and iron rich diets that give the additional biopterin that is needed by individual's whose bodies do not naturally produce enough. For those with levels above the normal amount, there are some prescription drugs that have shown success as well. A common drug that is used to balance out levels is methotrexate. In addition to this, sometimes a doctor will also recommend a specific diet that specializes in the successful restoration of biopterin health (WiseGeek).

The link below shows how biopterin is produced in the body. http://home.sandiego.edu/~cloer/loerlab/biopterin_syn.gif

Another link shown below provides another image, but complete with molecular structures. http://www.pnas.org/content/104/38/15081/F3.expansion.html

The final image in the link below shows biopterin rearranged in three different forms. http://ebm.rsmjournals.com/content/228/11/1291/F2.expansion.html

References

  1. ↑ http://www.uic.edu/classes/phar/phar332/Clinical_Cases/aa%20metab%20cases/PKU%20Cases/bioh4.htm
  2. ↑ Kapatos, G.; Kaufman, S.; Weller, J.; Klein, D. (1981). "Biosynthesis of biopterin: Adrenergic cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent inhibition in the pineal gland". Science 213 (4512): 1129–1131. doi:10.1126/science.6168019. PMID 6168019. 
  3. ↑ Fink, J. K.; Barton, N.; Cohen, W.; Lovenberg, W.; Burns, R. S.; Hallett, M. (1988). "Dystonia with marked diurnal variation associated with biopterin deficiency". Neurology 38 (5): 707–711. PMID 2452381. 
  4. ↑ Rodney E. Willoughby, Jr. (April 2007). "A Cure for Rabies?". Scientific American 256 (4): 95. 

External links

WiseGeek. (2012). What is biopterin?. Retrieved from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-biopterin.htm

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