Karbownik Małgorzata, Reiter Russel J
Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Mail Code 7762, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA.
Cancer Invest. 2002;20(2):276-86. doi: 10.1081/cnv-120001154.
delta-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a precursor of haem. The increased concentration of ALA is typically related to acute intermittent porphyria, hereditary tyrosinemia, and lead poisoning. delta-Aminolevulinic acid produced in excess accumulates in a number of organs, causes oxidative damage, and often leads to cancer. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a well-known antioxidant, free radical scavenger, and exhibits anticarcinogenic properties. It protects DNA, lipids, and proteins from oxidative damage. The protective effects of melatonin against ALA-induced oxidation of guanine bases, lipid peroxidation, and alterations in membrane fluidity in several organs have been documented. There is an inverse relationship between melatonin and ALA concentrations in both experimental and clinical conditions of porphyria. The marked efficacy of melatonin in protecting against ALA-related oxidative stress, its oncostatic properties, and low toxicity constitute reasons to consider the use of this indoleamine as a co-treatment in patients suffering from disturbances related to ALA accumulation.
δ-氨基乙酰丙酸（ALA）是血红素的前体。ALA浓度升高通常与急性间歇性卟啉病、遗传性酪氨酸血症和铅中毒有关。过量产生的δ-氨基乙酰丙酸会在多个器官中积累，造成氧化损伤，并常常导致癌症。褪黑素（N-乙酰-5-甲氧基色胺）是一种著名的抗氧化剂、自由基清除剂，并具有抗癌特性。它能保护DNA、脂质和蛋白质免受氧化损伤。褪黑素对ALA诱导的鸟嘌呤碱基氧化、脂质过氧化以及多个器官膜流动性改变的保护作用已得到证实。在卟啉病的实验和临床条件下，褪黑素与ALA浓度之间存在反比关系。褪黑素在预防ALA相关氧化应激方面的显著功效、其抑癌特性以及低毒性，构成了将这种吲哚胺作为与ALA积累相关疾病患者辅助治疗药物的考虑理由。
