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Electrophilic methyl groups present in the diet ameliorate pathological states induced by reductive and oxidative stress: a hypothesis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 March 2007

Miklós Ghyczy  and
Mihály Boros
Miklós Ghyczy*
Affiliation:
Rhône-Poulenc Rorer Co., Cologne, Germany
Mihály Boros
Affiliation:
Institute of Surgical Research, University of Szeged, Hungary
*
*Corresponding author: Dr Miklós Ghyezy, fax +49 221 509 2816, email [email protected]
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Abstract

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Reductive stress, characterised by an increased NADH:NAD+ ratio, may be as common and as important a consequence of redox imbalance as oxidative stress. It may also be an important predisposing cause of the generation of reactive oxygen species. Considerable experimental and indirect clinical evidence suggests that protection against reductive stress depends on biomolecules with electrophilic methyl groups (EMG) such as S-adenosylmethionine, betaine, carnitine and phosphatidylcholine. Pathological processes leading to reductive stress and their relief by such protective agents is reviewed and the proposed molecular mechanism is outlined. These and other EMG-containing biomolecules are part of the daily diet and may represent an important control system for redox balance.

Keywords

Reductive and oxidative stressDietary electrophilic methyl groupsNADHMethaneFunctional food
Type
Review article
Information
British Journal of Nutrition , Volume 85 , Issue 4 , April 2001 , pp. 409 - 414
Copyright
Copyright © The Nutrition Society 2001

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