S-adenosyl-L-methionine synthetase and methionine metabolism deficiencies in cirrhosis.

Methionine metabolism impairment in human liver disease has been related with an alteration in SAM-synthetase. This deficiency is produced by a post-translational event since human liver cirrhosis presents normal levels of SAM-synthetase mRNA in spite of a more than 50% diminution in its activity. A series of different experiments on the structure and activity of this enzyme have provided strong evidence that SAM-synthetase is regulated by reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio. Restoration of glutathione levels by the addition of S-adenosyl-methionine or glutathione esters in various experimental conditions (buthionine sulfoximine and carbon tetrachloride intoxication) resulted in a normalization of the SAM-synthetase diminution caused by the toxics and an attenuation of the morfological alteration produced in the liver, including fiber production. This findings might have pharmacological implications in the treatment of liver diseases, since the possible beneficial effect of long term administration of SAM could include a reduction of fiber production.