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Does the intestinal microflora synthesize pyrroloquinoline quinone?
C R Smidt1, D Bean-Knudsen, D G Kirsch
1Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis 95616.
Biofactors (Oxford, England)
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is not synthesized by gut bacteria as previously thought. Dietary intake is the primary source of PQQ, essential for preventing lathyritic changes in animals.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a vital cofactor for bacterial oxidoreductases.
- PQQ deficiency in animal diets leads to lathyritic changes.
- Previous research presumed intestinal microflora synthesized PQQ.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the source of PQQ in the mammalian intestine.
- To test the hypothesis that gut microbiota synthesize PQQ.
- To determine if dietary PQQ is the primary source.
Main Methods:
- Administered antibiotics to mice to assess PQQ excretion.
- Isolated and identified intestinal bacteria for PQQ synthesis capability.
- Performed in vitro studies using radio-labeled precursors to detect PQQ synthesis.
Main Results:
- Dietary antibiotics did not significantly alter fecal PQQ excretion.
- No PQQ-synthesizing bacteria were identified in the intestinal flora.
- In vitro analysis confirmed minimal to no PQQ synthesis by the microflora.
Conclusions:
- The intestinal microflora does not appear to synthesize significant amounts of PQQ.
- Dietary intake is the main source of PQQ in the intestine.
- Re-evaluation of PQQ's role and sources in animal physiology is warranted.