Potential cardiovascular applications of glutamate, aspartate, and other amino acids

Abstract

Summary: Cardioplegic solutions rich in the hydrophilic, basic amino acids, glutamate and aspartate, have enhanced myocardial preservation and left ventricular function. This has been demonstrated in assorted animal preparations involving ischemia with and without reperfusion. Published clinical data. though limited, strongly support the contention that these amino acids have myocardial protective properties. Several biochemical mechanisms exist by which certain amino acids may attenuate ischemic or reperfusion injury. Glutamate and aspartate may become preferred myocardial fuels in the setting of ischemia. They may also reduce myocardial ammonia production and reduce cytoplasmic lactate levels, thereby deinhibiting glycolysis. Some amino acids may become substrate for the citric acid cycle. Glutamate and aspartate also move reducing equivalents from cytoplasm to mitochondria where they are necessary for oxidative phosphorylation and energy generation. A rationale exists for the use of an amino acid-rich cardioplegia-like solution in myocardial infarction. These solutions are safe and inexpensive.

BACE1 activity impairs neuronal glucose oxidation: rescue by beta-hydroxybutyrate and lipoic acid

“…For example, in brain ischemic-reperfusion injury there is also decline in glucose oxidation and PDH activity (Bogaert et al, 1994 ; Zaidan et al, 1998 ). Application of glutamine has been demonstrated to offer some protection against ischemic-reperfusion injury in peripheral tissues by providing an alternative energy source for the cell to maintain ATP content (Arsenian, 1998 ; Wischmeyer et al, 2003 ). In addition to providing a source of carbon for neurotransmitter production, glutamine can also feed into the TCA cycle and be metabolized to increase levels of α-ketoglutarate and succinate.…”

Characterisation of high added value compounds in wastewater throughout the salting process of codfish (Gadus morhua)

“…Its most important practical application seems to be related to taste enhancement, where it is provided in the form of sodium salt. Applications of glutamic acid as chemical intermediate and constituent of enteral/parenteral nutrition solutions, in synergy with aspartic acid, have also been mentioned (Arsenian, 1998). Aspartic acid is widely used to manufacture the sweetener aspartame; it is the second most important neurotransmitter in higher living organisms together with glycine (Butchko & Stargel, 2001;D'Aniello, 2006).…”

Myocardial interstitial choline and glutamate levels during acute myocardial ischaemia and local ouabain administration

“…Supplementing the heart with glutamate has been shown to have beneficial effect on the recovery of contractile function in post‐surgical patients (Arsenian 1998). The myocardial interstitial glutamate level remained increased during 15‐min reperfusion whereas the myocardial interstitial ACh level returned towards the baseline level.…”

“…2004). Glutamate can be a preferred myocardial fuel during ischaemia and may have protective effects on ischaemic myocardium (Arsenian 1998). Measuring myocardial interstitial levels of these molecules in vivo would contribute to understanding the pathophysiology of acute myocardial ischaemia.…”