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Published on: March 20, 2026
Aminothiols in human brain tumors
Marie Bicíková1, Lubomír Kríz, Milan Mohapl
1Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic. mbicikova@endo.cz
Background:
Aminothiols are sulfur-containing amino acids involved in methionine metabolism. Changes in their levels play negative roles in the genesis of many diseases. These mechanisms involve direct toxicity, either on glutamate neurotransmitter receptors or cerebrovascular endothelium, and have an indirect inhibitory effect on transmethylation reactions. Oxidative stress and excitotoxicity are factors that may rise as a consequence of increased homocysteine levels in brain tissues. We discovered new information concerning concentrations of the main aminothiols in human neoplastic brain tissues.
Methods:
The cytosolic fractions of 73 tissue samples from human brain tumors were used for the determination of total homocysteine, total cysteine and methionine levels. Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection after reduction of disulfide bonds was the method used.
Results:
Average concentrations of the aminothiols examined were as follows: total homocysteine, 0.58-1.51 nmol/mg; methionine, 1.16-2.07 nmol/mg; and total cysteine 5.08-7.82 nmol/mg of total protein. Significantly higher levels of total homocysteine were found in pituitary adenoma and glioblastoma multiforme compared with other types of tumors. Methionine and cysteine concentrations did not differ significantly according to diagnosis.
Conclusions:
This is the first work concerning the concentrations of aminothiols in brain tissues. The results obtained indicate the metabolic pathways that are involved in tumor formation and/or its progress, including the toxic effects of homocysteine.
Insights
This study found elevated homocysteine (an aminothiol) in human brain tumors, particularly pituitary adenoma and glioblastoma. These findings suggest homocysteine
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
Background:
- Aminothiols, sulfur-containing amino acids, are crucial in methionine metabolism.
- Altered aminothiol levels are implicated in various diseases, potentially through direct toxicity or interference with transmethylation.
- Elevated homocysteine in brain tissue may contribute to oxidative stress and excitotoxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the concentrations of key aminothiols in human brain tumor tissues.
- To explore the role of aminothiols in the context of brain tumor development and progression.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cytosolic fractions from 73 human brain tumor samples.
- Quantification of total homocysteine, total cysteine, and methionine using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection.
Main Results:
- Average concentrations: total homocysteine (0.58-1.51 nmol/mg), methionine (1.16-2.07 nmol/mg), and total cysteine (5.08-7.82 nmol/mg).
- Significantly higher total homocysteine levels were observed in pituitary adenoma and glioblastoma multiforme.
- Methionine and cysteine concentrations did not show significant variations across different tumor types.
Conclusions:
- This is the first study to report aminothiol concentrations in human brain tumors.
- The findings highlight the involvement of specific metabolic pathways in tumor formation and progression.
- The results underscore the potential toxic effects of homocysteine in the context of brain neoplasms.
