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Review
. 2021 Jun 9;9(2):44.
doi: 10.3390/medsci9020044.

Polyamines: Functions, Metabolism, and Role in Human Disease Management

Narashans Alok Sagar  1   2 , Swarnava Tarafdar  3 , Surbhi Agarwal  4 , Ayon Tarafdar  5 , Sunil Sharma  1
Affiliations
Review

Polyamines: Functions, Metabolism, and Role in Human Disease Management

Narashans Alok Sagar et al. Med Sci (Basel). .

Abstract

Putrescine, spermine, and spermidine are the important polyamines (PAs), found in all living organisms. PAs are formed by the decarboxylation of amino acids, and they facilitate cell growth and development via different cellular responses. PAs are the integrated part of the cellular and genetic metabolism and help in transcription, translation, signaling, and post-translational modifications. At the cellular level, PA concentration may influence the condition of various diseases in the body. For instance, a high PA level is detrimental to patients suffering from aging, cognitive impairment, and cancer. The levels of PAs decline with age in humans, which is associated with different health disorders. On the other hand, PAs reduce the risk of many cardiovascular diseases and increase longevity, when taken in an optimum quantity. Therefore, a controlled diet is an easy way to maintain the level of PAs in the body. Based on the nutritional intake of PAs, healthy cell functioning can be maintained. Moreover, several diseases can also be controlled to a higher extend via maintaining the metabolism of PAs. The present review discusses the types, important functions, and metabolism of PAs in humans. It also highlights the nutritional role of PAs in the prevention of various diseases.

Keywords: biosynthesis; disease prevention; human health; nutritional role; polyamines.

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Conflict of interest statement

There is no conflict of interest with respect to this manuscript.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Structures of different polyamines [38].
Figure 2
Figure 2
Biological functions related to polyamines.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Polyamine synthesis (black/blue) and regulatory (red) pathways in the human gut after ingestion of amino acids: arginine (Arg), lysine (Lys), and methionine (Met).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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