The non-essential amino acid Glycine which shares the name aminoacetic acid has a chemical formula C2H5NO2. Reduced glutathione contains glycine as one of its constituent amino acids. During periods of severe stress supplementation of glycine becomes necessary outside of normal dietary intake which leads to its classification as a semi-essential amino acid. Glycine is the simplest amino acid. Glycine serves multiple physiological functions in the human diet through its basic amino acid structure because it supports protein synthesis and neural activation and offers antioxidant protection while helping maintain body system regulation. Glycine production by the body means it is non-essential but supplementation becomes essential during times of high physiological strain from trauma or fast growth. In the brainstem and under blockade conditions glycine acts as the main inhibitory neurotransmitter which regulates neuronal signaling through GlyR activation.
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Structure and Physiological Activity of Glycine
Structure
Glycine is the simplest amino acid with a chemical formula of C2H5NO2. Its structure consists of the following parts:
- Amino group (-NH₂): Glycine contains an amino group in its structure, which gives it the characteristics of an amino acid.
- Carboxyl group (-COOH): Glycine also contains a carboxyl group, indicating that it is an acidic molecule.
- Side chain: The side chain of glycine is a hydrogen atom (-H), so it is the smallest and simplest of all amino acids.
Physiological Activity
Glycine serves as a fundamental component in protein construction and is essential for effective protein synthesis. The central nervous system function is controlled by glycine which operates as an inhibitory neurotransmitter through the modulation of nerve signal transmission. The amino acid glycine helps detoxify the liver and simultaneously lowers oxidative stress and inflammation.
Inhibiting Inflammatory Response
The inflammation-reducing effects of glycine result from its ability to block the production of inflammatory molecules like TNF-α and interleukins (IL-1, IL-6). ), thereby regulating immune responses and reducing inflammation.
Regulating Immune Cell Function
Through its effects on T cells and macrophages glycine exerts immunosuppressive properties. Glycine enlarges the population of regulatory T cells (Tregs) thus enhancing their immune suppression abilities and reducing effector T cell effectiveness.
Influence on Cell Metabolism
Through its influence on cellular metabolism glycine modifies both energy metabolism of cells and amino acid balance which has consequences for the vitality and functional capacity of immune cells.
Improve Cell Microenvironment
Through its effects on the composition and structure of the extracellular matrix glycine creates a better environment for cells which leads to reduced immune cell activation and immunosuppressive results.
Biosynthesis of Glycine
In spinal regions of the central nervous system glycine functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. The activation of glycine receptors allows chloride ions to enter the nerve cell through ion channels which leads to an inhibitory postsynaptic potential. Strychnine functions as an antagonist to the glycine ion receptors. Organisms can synthesize glycine within their cells. Glycine synthesis occurs internally through serine which originates from 3-phosphoglycerate yet its biosynthesis capacity fails to fulfill collagen production requirements.
Pathophysiological Applications of Glycine
| Application areas |
Mechanism and effect |
| Transplant immunosuppression |
Reduce graft rejection and enhance graft survival |
| Autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis) |
Inhibit T cell spark and inflammatory factor release, reduce tissue damage |
| Liver damage/poisoning |
Inhibit Kupffer cell activity, reduce stem cell necrosis |
| Sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) |
Reduce inflammatory storm, improve prognosis |
| Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) |
Improve intestinal barrier function, inhibit mucosal inflammation |
| Neuroinflammation (such as cerebral ischemia, traumatic brain injury) |
Inhibit neuroinflammatory response, protect neurons |
| Skin inflammation (such as psoriasis) |
Reduce excessive proliferation of keratinocytes and inflammatory response |
Glycine Involved in Important Physiological Applications
The amino acid glycine plays an essential role in metabolic and nutritional processes of mammals and humans. The majority (80%) of glycine from the human body or other growing mammals is utilized for protein synthesis. The immune system receives regulatory support from glycine through various mechanisms that help sustain immune tolerance and control immune reactions. Clinical applications for immune-related diseases could be discovered through additional research.
Reference
- Wheeler, M., et al. Glycine: a new anti-inflammatory immunonutrient. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences CMLS. 1999, 56: 843-856.
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