5-Aminovaleric Acid: Body Functions and Medical Uses
Explore 5-aminovaleric acid, a natural metabolite influencing nervous system chemistry and a focus of medical research, including its derivative's role in gut health.
5-Aminovaleric acid is a naturally occurring compound that plays a role in human metabolism and has garnered interest for its potential therapeutic uses. Also known by its scientific name, 5-aminopentanoic acid, this molecule is present in various biological systems and is an area of ongoing scientific investigation. The study of this compound extends to its derivatives, which are also found to have effects, particularly in relation to the gut microbiome.
What is 5-Aminovaleric Acid?
5-aminovaleric acid is an amino acid, but it is not one of the 20 amino acids that are commonly used to build proteins. Its chemical formula is C5H11NO2. The structure consists of a five-carbon chain, which makes it related to valeric acid. At one end of this chain is a carboxylic acid group (-COOH), a defining feature of all amino acids.
The designation “5-amino” indicates that an amino group (-NH2) is attached to the fifth carbon atom of the chain. This specific placement makes it a delta-amino acid. It is also classified as an omega-amino fatty acid, as the amino group is on the carbon furthest from the carboxyl group. In its pure form, 5-aminovaleric acid appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder that is soluble in water.
How 5-Aminovaleric Acid Functions in the Body
Within the human body, 5-aminovaleric acid is recognized as a human metabolite. This means it is a substance produced during metabolism. One of the primary ways it is produced is through the breakdown of lysine, an essential amino acid. This process can occur both endogenously (within the body’s own tissues) and through the action of bacteria.
A primary biological function is its role as a weak GABA agonist. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, meaning it reduces neuronal excitability. An agonist is a substance that binds to a receptor and activates it to produce a biological response. As a weak agonist, 5-aminovaleric acid can mimic the effects of GABA, which underlies some of its therapeutic potential.
Scientific and Medical Applications
The ability of 5-aminovaleric acid to act as a weak GABA agonist has led to its use in the development of drugs aimed at controlling severe seizures. Since seizures can be caused by excessive neuronal firing, substances that enhance the inhibitory effects of GABA can have anticonvulsant properties.
Beyond seizure research, 5-aminovaleric acid is a useful tool in peptide synthesis. It can be used as a “spacer” or building block when constructing complex peptide chains for research or drug development. Its unique structure allows for the creation of modified peptides with potentially improved stability or function. Researchers have incorporated it into engineered neuropeptides to create analogs with better permeability across the blood-brain barrier.
5-Aminovaleric Acid Betaine (5-AVAB): A Key Gut-Related Metabolite
A derivative of 5-aminovaleric acid, known as 5-aminovaleric acid betaine (5-AVAB), is connected to the gut microbiota. 5-AVAB is a trimethylated form of the parent compound, meaning it has three methyl groups attached. It is largely generated by intestinal microflora from precursors like L-lysine. Its levels in the body are also associated with the consumption of certain foods, such as whole grains.
5-AVAB is linked to various physiological processes. It tends to accumulate in metabolically active tissues like the heart, muscle, and brown adipose tissue. Studies have associated 5-AVAB with both positive health effects, such as fetal brain development and insulin secretion, and negative outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and fatty liver disease. At a cellular level, it can influence energy metabolism by reducing the breakdown of fatty acids, an action similar to the drug meldonium.