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Published on: June 28, 2024
Ergothioneine; antioxidant potential, physiological function and role in disease.
Irwin K Cheah1, Barry Halliwell
1Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore.
L-ergothioneine (EGT), a compound synthesized by fungi, accumulates in humans. While its antioxidant role is suggested by in vitro studies, its physiological function remains under investigation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- L-ergothioneine (EGT) is a naturally occurring amino acid with unique properties.
- EGT is synthesized by fungi, mycobacteria, and cyanobacteria but accumulates in higher organisms.
- The physiological role of EGT is not yet fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current knowledge on L-ergothioneine.
- To explore the potential physiological role of EGT as an antioxidant.
- To summarize findings on EGT's synthesis, accumulation, and properties.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on L-ergothioneine.
- Analysis of in vitro data demonstrating antioxidant and cytoprotective effects.
- Examination of EGT's accumulation, tissue distribution, and scavenging properties.
Main Results:
- Numerous in vitro assays show EGT possesses antioxidant and cytoprotective capabilities.
- EGT accumulates in higher organisms via the organic cation transporter (OCTN1).
- In vivo verification of EGT's antioxidant role is still pending.
Conclusions:
- EGT's accumulation, distribution, and scavenging properties suggest a potential physiological antioxidant function.
- Further in vivo research is needed to confirm EGT's role in disease prevention and treatment.
- EGT remains a compound of significant interest due to its unique biological characteristics.
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