Polyamines: Functions, Metabolism, and Role in Human Disease Management

Abstract

Putrescine, spermine, and spermidine are the important polyamines (PAs), found in all living organisms. PAs are formed by the decarboxylation of amino acids, and they facilitate cell growth and development via different cellular responses. PAs are the integrated part of the cellular and genetic metabolism and help in transcription, translation, signaling, and post-translational modifications. At the cellular level, PA concentration may influence the condition of various diseases in the body. For instance, a high PA level is detrimental to patients suffering from aging, cognitive impairment, and cancer. The levels of PAs decline with age in humans, which is associated with different health disorders. On the other hand, PAs reduce the risk of many cardiovascular diseases and increase longevity, when taken in an optimum quantity. Therefore, a controlled diet is an easy way to maintain the level of PAs in the body. Based on the nutritional intake of PAs, healthy cell functioning can be maintained. Moreover, several diseases can also be controlled to a higher extend via maintaining the metabolism of PAs. The present review discusses the types, important functions, and metabolism of PAs in humans. It also highlights the nutritional role of PAs in the prevention of various diseases.

Genotype and Maturity Stage Affect the Content and Composition of Polyamines in Tomato—Possible Relations to Plant and Human Health

“…Some investigations point to an inverse relationship between colorectal cancer and polyamine intake, though this was not found in postmenopausal women with BMIs above 25 [25,26]. Several publications analyze the pros and cons of promoting PAs intake to increase longevity as well as prevention of new tumor formation in healthy subjects [20,27,28].…”

“…Horticultural crops are a good general source of vitamins, minerals and fibers among other compounds [28,29]. Many of these vegetables and fruits constitute substantial sources of PAs [30][31][32].…”

Transgenic Mouse Overexpressing Spermine Oxidase in Cerebrocortical Neurons: Astrocyte Dysfunction and Susceptibility to Epileptic Seizures

“…While a PA catabolic pathway is dependent on the activity of three enzymes: N 1 -acetylpolyamine oxidase (PAOX), spermidine/spermine N 1 -acetyltransferase (SAT1), and spermine oxidase (SMOX) [7,[9][10][11]. Figure 2 The PA content in mammalian cells is tightly regulated [1][2][3] and it has been linked to important cellular roles. Polyamines are involved in the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acid and in the maintenance of their structure, in the regulation of the activity of ion channels, in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, as well as in protection from oxidative damage [1][2][3].…”

Past Experiences for Future Applications of Metabolomics in Critically Ill Patients with Sepsis and Septic Shocks

“…The level of polyamines, including spermidine and spermine, were increased in patients with sepsis [12]. Two studies revealed serum [23] and polyamines, originally synthesizing from the arginine-ornithine pathway [24], to be involved in the RNA synthesis, transcription, and translation of human cells [25,26], as well as in several pathogens [24,27]. However, the interaction between host cells and the pathogen's polyamine requires elucidation.…”