Influence of flavonoid-copper complexes on cross linking in elastin.

A protective and curative effect of some flavonoids on collagen maturation in lathyrism has been previously demonstrated. This action appeared to involve cross linking of collagen. This paper deals with the effect in vitro of flavonoids and flavonoid-copper complexes on the oxidative deamination of lysine epsilon-amino groups in [4,5-3H]-lysine-labelled elastin. Flavonoids alone do not affect the reaction but it is evident that some flavonoid copper complexes are strongly effective: the aldehyde groups that are quickly formed then enable cross linking to occur. The lysine epsilon-amino groups of elastin are specifically concerned: in fact no effect was observed on free [4,5-3H]-lysine or on [4,5-3H]-lysine-labelled proteins obtained from mouse liver. The lysyl oxidase seems to interfere with the flavonoid-copper complees to regulate the oxidative deamination of lysine epsilon-amino groups.