title: Ectoine as a promising protective agent in humans and animals.
abstract: Ectoine is a compatible water molecule-binding solute (osmoprotectant) produced by several bacterial species in response to osmotic stress and unfavourable environmental conditions. This amino acid derivative can accumulate inside cells at high concentrations without interfering with natural processes and can protect the cell against radiation or osmotic stress. This brief review presents the current state of knowledge about the effects of ectoine on animals and focuses on its practical use for enzyme stabilisation, human skin protection, anti-inflammatory treatment, inhibitory effects in neurodegenerative diseases, and other therapeutic potential in human or veterinary medicine.
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bownik
authors.forename: Zofia
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Stępniewska
mesh_terms: D000599:Amino Acids, Diamino / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D009997:Osmotic Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D020011:Protective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000599:Amino Acids, Diamino; D020011:Protective Agents