Methylation Profile; plasma

Description

WHAT IS METHYLATION?

Methylation is a simple biochemical process – it is the transfer of four atoms - one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms (CH3) – from one substance to another. When optimal methylation occurs, it has a significant positive impact on many biochemical reactions in the body that regulate the activity of the cardiovascular, neurological, reproductive, and detoxification systems, including those relating to: DNA production, Neurotransmitter Production, Detoxification, Histamine Metabolism, Estrogen Metabolism, Eye health, Fat metabolism, cellular energy, liver health.

WHY IS METHYLATION IMPORTANT?
The body is a very complex machine, with various gears and switches that need to be all functioning properly to operate optimally. Think of methylation, and the opposite action, demethylation, as the mechanism that allows the gears to turn, and turns biological switches on and off for a host of systems in the body.

HOW DOES METHYLATION HAPPEN?

CH3 is provided to the body through a universal methyl donor known as SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine). SAMe readily gives away its methyl group to other substances in the body, which enables the cardiovascular, neurological, reproductive, and detoxification systems to perform their functions.

Source: https://www.thorne.com/take-5-daily/article/what-is-methylation-and-why-should-you-care-about-it

Normal methionine metabolism is absolutely critical for folate-dependent transmethylation and transsulfuration. Abnormal metabolism of methionine can be found in both genders at any age. It is usually associated with genetic or nutritional deficiencies, aging, and exposures to environmental toxins. For example, lead can impair methylation via inhibition of the enzyme methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR).

Conditions associated with untreated, aberrant methionine metabolism include, but are not limited to:

• Abnormal neurotransmitter metabolism and psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia
  and bipolar disorder
  •  Neurodegenerative diseases
  •  Autism
  •  Dysregulation of nitric acid homeostasis
  •  Oxidative stress
  •  Global under-methylation, synthesis, and repair of DNA
  •  Immune dysregulation/autoimmunity
  •  Cancer
  •  Cardiovascular disease
  •  Congenital heart disease and birth defects
  •  Impaired endogenous detoxification processes
  •  Increased risk for Down syndrome.

What is methionine?

First discovered by American bacteriologist John Howard Mueller in 1921, L methionine, or methionine is an essential amino acid found in the body used to make proteins and peptides

Methionine provides an important role relating to the growth of new blood vessels. (1) Additionally, L methionine contains sulfur, which is used by the body for healthy growth and metabolism, and it’s responsible for a compound known as s-adenosylmethionine or “SAMe,” which supports the proper function of the immune system; neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin; and cell membranes.

Source https://www.livestrong.com/article/358879-l-methionine-weight-loss/

https://draxe.com/l-methionine/

Methionine is first enzymatically converted to S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), the principal methyl donor for methylation of DNA, RNA, protein, phospholipids, creatinine, and neurotransmitters.

S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) is generated as a product of transmethylation and is hydrolyzed to homocysteine (Hcy) and adenosine through a reversible reaction. SAH is a potent inhibitor of methylation reactions. Efficient removal of adenosine and Hcy is imperative to prevent accumulation of SAH. Hcy is normally removed or recycled by remethylation to methionine through a series of reactions that require 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, B12, and betaine to complete the normal methylation cycle.

What does the ratio of SAM to SAH indicate?

A low ratio of SAM to SAH is a sensitive indicator of under-methylation. Elevated plasma Hcy is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent research suggests that elevated SAH may be an even better predictor of risk for CVD.

How does Transsulfuration process take place?

Transsulfuration: Methionine > Homocysteine > Cysteine

The methionine transsulfuration pathway occurs primarily in the liver and diverts Hcy away from remethylation to methionine toward the synthesis of the conditionally essential amino acid cysteine. Homocysteine in the presence of serine and B6 is enzymatically converted to cystathionine and ultimately cysteine. Cysteine is the rate-limiting amino acid in the biosynthesis of quintessential glutathione (GSH). GSH is pivotal in the regulation of intracellular redox homeostasis, oxidative stress, immune function, DNA synthesis and repair, apoptosis and detoxification of metals and chemicals.

What parameters are tested in Methylation Profile and how is this test helpful?

The DDI Methylation profile evaluates the plasma levels of methionine, cysteine, SAM, SAH, Hcy, and cystathionine, and provides the important "methylation index," a ratio of SAM to SAH. The test results can appropriately guide nutritional support to improve or normalize methionine metabolism and ameliorate or prevent the potential adverse consequences associated with inadequate methylation and transsulfuration capacity.