Homocysteine effect on protein degradation rates.
OBJECTIVE
To show the effect of homocysteine (Hcy) on the degradation rates of proteins.


METHODS
Degradation rates of short-lived proteins in neutrophils were measured in in vivo human model of elevated plasma Hcy and lower vitamin status and in animal model of Hcy added in vitro to rat neutrophils.


RESULTS
In the human study, we found significant coefficients of correlation between plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) and the degradation rates of 21 protein fractions. In the animal model, Hcy significantly increased degradation rates of 57 protein fractions.


CONCLUSIONS
The increase in protein degradation rates, induced by Hcy, may provide a clue to our understanding of the mechanism of Hcy detrimental effects. Hcy may amplify the specific effect of cellular solutes on protein conformation, thereby monitor protein degradation rates to control enzyme activity. Consequently, the cell may lose its ability to maintain an efficient control of some crucial metabolic pathways, possibly leading to atherogenesis.
Stern
Felicia
F
Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Environmental Quality Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
Berner
Yitshal N
YN
Polyak
Zeev
Z
Komarnitsky
Margarita
M
Sela
Ben-Ami
BA
Hopp
Micha
M
Dror
Yosef
Y
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D025101:Vitamin B 6 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism
D011506:Proteins; D006710:Homocysteine; D025101:Vitamin B 6; D005492:Folic Acid; D014805:Vitamin B 12