Methionine Metabolism Profile (NutriPATH)
Blood Plasma
Performed by: NutriPATH
Methylation is a process where certain nutrients called ‘methyl donors’ are added to specific elements of DNA, our gene markers and proteins that keep them physiologically active. Methylation is a major pathway to focus on in understanding autoimmune and neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, seizure disorders, dementia, chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, depression, anxiety and autism spectrum disorders. Methylation is responsible for making, maintaining and repairing DNA.
The methylation cycle is a biochemical pathway that manages or contributes to a wide range of biochemical functions: detoxification, supporting DNA (turning genes on and off), producing energy, reducing inflammation, synthesising neurotransmitters, homocysteine metabolism, protein methylation, phase 2 liver detoxification and supporting immune function. Inadequate methylation capacity can lead to birth defects, depression, cognitive decline, and cancer. Impaired methylation has even been associated with autism. Support of methylation markers has been associated with rapid return of speech, improvement of behaviour in ADD and ADHD spectrums.
Methionine is an amino acid necessary for utilisation of methyl groups from the folate cycle and balance homocysteine levels. Methionine synthase (MTR) requires vitamin B12 and an enzyme, methionine synthase reductase, which is produced from the MTRR gene. Homocysteine, a sulphur-containing amino acid, is a metabolite of the essential amino acid methionine, and exists at a critical biochemical intersection in the methionine cycle between (Sadenosylmethionine), the indispensable ubiquitous methyl donor, and vitamins B12 and folic acid. High blood levels of homocysteine signal a breakdown in this vital process, resulting in far-reaching biochemical consequences. The Methylation Cycle is a biochemical pathway that manages or contributes to a wide range of biochemical functions: detoxification, supporting DNA (turning genes on and off), producing energy, reducing inflammation, synthesising neurotransmitters, homocysteine metabolism, protein methylation, phase 2 liver detoxification and supporting immune function. Inadequate methylation capacity can lead to birth defects, depression, cognitive decline, and cancer. Impaired methylation has even been associated with autism. Support of methylation markers has been associated with rapid return of speech, improvement of behaviour in ADD and ADHD spectrums.
Conditions associated with impaired methionine and methylation defects:
Allergies, Diabetes, Autism, High folate supplementation, Cancer, Infertility, Pre-conception care, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Mental health disorders, Cognitive decline, Estrogen dominance, Cardiovascular disease, Schizophrenia.
Significant markers of methionine metabolism assessment:
SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) - a synthetic form of a compound formed naturally in the body from the essential amino acid methionine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energyproducing compound found in all cells in the body.
SAH (S-adenosyl Homocysteine) - amino acid derivative and modulator of the activated methyl cycle and cysteine biosynthesis and product of SAMe-dependant methylation of biological molecules, including DNA, RNA, histones and other proteins.
Vitamin B12 - essential for recycling homocysteine and the formation of methyl donors involved in cardiovascular function, sleep, blood cell formation, and nerve function.
Folate - a substrate and vitamin B12 is a coenzyme for the formation of MTHF that depends on the regeneration of THF, the parent compound in the homocysteine-to-methionine conversion.
Homocysteine - an amino acid associated with atherosclerosis that can become elevated when there is need for folate, vitamin B6 and/or vitamin B12.
Methionine - an amino acid necessary for utilisation of methyl-groups from the folate cycle and balance homocysteine levels.
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Biomarkers included in this panel:
Activated Vitamin B12, also known as holotranscobalamin (holo-TC), is a significant biomarker for Vitamin B12 status in the body. Unlike total B12, which measures both active and inactive forms, holo-TC specifically indicates the amount of Vitamin B1
Learn moreS-Adenosyl Homocysteine, often referred to as SAH, is a metabolite that plays a crucial role in various biochemical processes within the human body. SAH is a key intermediate in the methylation cycle, which is essential for the methylation of DNA, RN
Learn moreS-Adenosyl Methionine, commonly known as SAMe, is a naturally occurring compound found in the human body and also available as a dietary supplement. SAMe plays a fundamental role in numerous biochemical reactions, particularly in the methylation proc
Learn moreThe SAM/SAH ratio is commonly referred to as the “Methylation Index” in the literature and has well- documented clinical associations. Global methylation is dependent on two key factors: adequate SAM supply and SAH removal. The SAM/
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