Biogenic amine

Biogenic amines are primary amines, occur in the metabolism ( microorganisms, plants, animals and humans) by enzymatic decarboxylation of amino acids. Due to the existing amino group react biogenic amines like ammonia as proton basic. Biogenic amines are frequently synthetic precursors of alkaloids or hormones. They also serve as building blocks for the synthesis of coenzymes, vitamins and phospholipids. Some free biogenic amines even develop physiological effects, such as a neurotransmitter.

Examples

Amino acids (top) and their derived biogenic amines ( including ):

Physiological significance

A distinction is made between endogenous and exogenous biogenic amines. Endogenous amines are produced in many different tissues (eg adrenaline in the adrenal medulla or histamine in nerve cells, basophils and mast cells). The distribution will be made locally or via the blood system. The exogenous amines are directly absorbed from food in the intestine. Alcohol may increase the rate of absorption. The diamine oxidase (DAO ) and the monoamine oxidase (MAO ) to build, among other enzymes (eg methyltransferases such as the histamine -N- methyltransferase = HNMT or the catechol-O- methyltransferase COMT) from biogenic amines and thus prevent or excessive absorption. excess tissue. For sensitive people are, accordingly, DAO, MAO and other enzymes are not sufficiently available or even inhibited. DAO inhibitors and MAO inhibitors are contained eg in medicines for treating depression or nutmeg. Similarly, some biogenic amines as inhibitors of enzymes act (eg tyramine inhibits the DAO as well as the HNMT and thus the degradation of histamine). In addition, the degradation of biogenic amines is inhibited possibly also from a certain amount of degradation metabolites via feedback. A combined intake of biogenic amines and substances that slow down the absorption increase (alcohol) or may lead to an allergic or pseudo-allergic reaction.

Consumer Protection

Since biogenic amines are an indicator of microbial spoilage, researchers are working to equip prepackaged food with the appropriate indicator film.