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Postnatal changes in blood S-adenosylmethionine concentration. Some observations in hyaline membrane disease
Insights
Blood S-adenosylmethionine levels in premature infants with hyaline membrane disease are similar to healthy controls but higher than full-term infants. This suggests cyst(e)ine may be essential for premature babies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neonatal Physiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is a crucial metabolite involved in various biochemical pathways.
- Hyaline membrane disease (HMD) is a common respiratory distress condition in premature neonates.
- Understanding methionine cycle activity and amino acid requirements in premature infants is vital for their development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare blood S-adenosylmethionine concentrations in premature neonates with and without hyaline membrane disease.
- To investigate the activity of the methionine cycle in premature infants.
- To provide evidence for the essentiality of cyst(e)ine in premature babies.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of blood S-adenosylmethionine concentrations.
- Comparison between premature neonates with HMD, healthy premature neonates, and full-term infants.
- Analysis of methionine cycle activity and homocysteine sulfur conservation.
Main Results:
- Blood S-adenosylmethionine levels did not differ between premature neonates with HMD and healthy premature controls.
- Premature infants exhibited higher S-adenosylmethionine levels than full-term infants.
- Data suggest active methionine cycling and conservation of homocysteine sulfur in premature infants.
Conclusions:
- Cyst(e)ine is likely an essential amino acid for premature infants.
- Methionine metabolism is active in both fetuses and premature neonates.
- S-adenosylmethionine blood levels in premature infants decrease with age, stabilizing by 2-5 months.
Abstract:
The blood concentration of S-adenosylmethionine in 18 premature neonates affected by hyaline membrane disease did not differ from that found in a control group of healthy premature newborns. However, these values are higher than those found in full-term infants: this fact suggests that the methionine cycle is active in both the fetus and premature neonate with consequent conservation of homocysteine sulfur. These data provide ancillary evidence in support of the hypothesis that in premature babies cyst(e)ine is an essential amino acid. The concentration of S-adenosylmethionine reaches its lowest level 30 days after birth and then stabilizes at the age of 2--5 months with blood levels similar to those of the normal adult.