1.
L-Methionine Production.
Shim, J, Shin, Y, Lee, I, Kim, SY
Advances in biochemical engineering/biotechnology. 2017;:153-177
Abstract
L-Methionine has been used in various industrial applications such as the production of feed and food additives and has been used as a raw material for medical supplies and drugs. It functions not only as an essential amino acid but also as a physiological effector, for example, by inhibiting fat accumulation and enhancing immune response. Producing methionine from fermentation is beneficial in that microorganisms can produce L-methionine selectively using eco-sustainable processes. Nevertheless, the fermentative method has not been used on an industrial scale because it is not competitive economically compared with chemical synthesis methods. Presented are efforts to develop suitable strains, engineered enzymes, and alternative process of producing L-methionine that overcomes problems of conventional fermentation methods. One of the alternative processes is a two-step process in which the L-methionine precursor is produced by fermentation and then converted to L-methionine by enzymes. Directed efforts toward strain development and enhanced enzyme engineering will advance industrial production of L-methionine based on fermentation.
2.
Coenzyme Q(10), vitamin E, selenium, and methionine in the treatment of chronic recurrent viral mucocutaneous infections.
De Luca, C, Kharaeva, Z, Raskovic, D, Pastore, P, Luci, A, Korkina, L
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.). 2012;(5):509-14
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Host defense and latency determinants in viral recurrent dermatologic infections are not entirely understood, as conventional protocols are inadequate to achieve fast healing and relapse prevention. Endogenously produced oxygen/nitrogen reactive species (ROS/RNS) are essential for antiviral immune defense, while their excess may aggravate skin inflammation. Here, we sought a nutritional approach capable of controlling ROS/RNS balance to accelerate recovery and inhibit recurrences of two mucocutaneous chronic DNA-virus infections. METHODS Two controlled clinical trials evaluated the feasibility of ROS/RNS-modulating nutriceutical dosages of coenzyme Q(10), RRR-α-tocopherol, selenium aspartate, and L-methionine associated with established therapies. Clinical trial 1 evaluated 68 patients with relapsing human papillomavirus skin warts treated with cryotherapy followed by 180 d of nutriceutical/placebo administration. Clinical trial 2 compared the combination of acyclovir followed by 90 d of nutriceutical administration versus acyclovir alone in patients with recurrences of herpes simplex genitalis (n = 60) or herpes zoster (n = 29). Viral DNA levels were assessed by polymer chain reaction, biomarkers of antiviral defense (peroxynitrite and IFNα/γ) and antioxidant capacity (lipophilic antioxidants and glutathione) were assayed by biochemical/enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques in blood fractions. RESULTS In both trials, the nutriceutical induced significantly faster healing (P < 0.01-0.05) with reduced incidence of relapses (P < 0.05) as compared to control groups, which was confirmed by decreased viral load and increased antiviral cytokine and peroxynitrite plasma levels. Plasma antioxidant capacity was higher (P < 0.01) in the experimental versus control groups. CONCLUSIONS Results document positive clinical outcomes of the selected nutriceutical associated with conventional protocols in the management of relapsing mucocutaneous human papillomavirus and herpes infections.
3.
L-methionine as immune supportive supplement: a clinical evaluation.
Van Brummelen, R, du Toit, D
Amino acids. 2007;(1):157-63
Abstract
The objective of the study was to test L-methioinine as a possible immune supportive supplement in HIV infected patients by means of a clinical study. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was designed. The patients (n = 253) from four different trial centres were randomly divided into two groups, active and placebo, and regularly assessed by clinical and safety parameters. After six months from commencement, clinically and statistically significant differences were observed. The females of the active treatment group presented with a decreased level of decline in their CD4 counts (p = 0.0027), so also the patients of Centre 1 (p = 0.0377). All patients were placed onto active treatment after 12 months and were followed up for 48 months after the trial started. The same tendencies could be observed in the group as a whole, with no serious side effects directly associated to treatment. The study confirmed the supportive role of L-methionine in immune-compromised or deficient patients.