11/15/2017 / By Russel Davis
A study published in the journal Nature Communications has revealed that the formation of cysteine hydropersulfides (CysSSH), a sulfur metabolite that is touted for its potent antioxidant properties, may be prompted by an enzyme found in the mitochondria. A team of international researchers from Japan, Hungary, the United Kingdom, and the United States has examined the pathway of CysSSH in order to carry out the study.
The findings have shown that the amino acid L-cysteine served as an initial building block for CysSSH synthesis, through a reaction facilitated by cysteinyl-tRNA synthetases (CARSs). According to the research team, CARS is a family of enzymes that can be found in mammalian cells. The researchers have explained that CARS enzymes are divided into two types, one of which can be seen in the cytoplasm of the cells and the other within its powerhouse or mitochondria.
A series of tests have also shown that the CARS enzymes in the mitochondria produce the majority of CysSSH and other persulfides. According to the experts, the enzymes work by traveling outside to the cell’s cytoplasm where it facilitates the reaction that produces the antioxidants. The scientists stress on a Science Daily entry that the dual roles of CARS enzymes provide a pathway within the cells that support sulfur respiration without requiring oxygen.
The results could lead to the development of new research on how enzymes could improve treatments for various disorders — such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease — by boosting antioxidant production, the researchers have stated.
An article published on the Medium website has listed a number of superfoods that contain high levels of antioxidants. These include:
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Tagged Under: antioxidants, disease treatment, fruits, healthy foods, vegetables