Interesting facts from the world of organic chemistry
Derivatives - amino acids:
GABA
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter that acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. It is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS, meaning that it inhibits the firing of neurons. GABA is produced in the brain from glutamate, another neurotransmitter. GABA is a commonly used abbreviation for a compound called γ-aminobutyric acid, given the IUPAC name of 4-aminobutanoic acid. As the name suggests, it is an amino derivative of butyric (butyric) acid, an amino acid.
Picture above: Molekular structure of γ-aminobutyric acid (gamma-…; GABA).
Functions of GABA
The function of GABA is to transmit nerve impulses in the mammalian nervous system; it is a neurotransmitter inhibitor. In particular, it fulfills its role as a regulator of irritability in the entire nervous system and in humans is directly responsible for the regulation of muscle tension. Interestingly, ethanol binds to the same protein as GABA in an adjacent position, thereby disrupting this protein and resulting in an increase in GABA’s ability to bind. This prevents the nerve cells from functioning properly.
GABA has a wide range of functions in the brain, including:
- Motor coordination: GABA helps to coordinate muscle movements and maintain balance.
- Anxiety and stress reduction: GABA helps to reduce anxiety and stress by inhibiting the activity of the amygdala, a brain region involved in fear and emotional processing.
- Sleep: GABA plays a role in sleep regulation by promoting relaxation and drowsiness.
- Pain relief: GABA can help to reduce pain by inhibiting the transmission of pain signals in the spinal cord.
- Learning and memory: GABA plays a role in learning and memory by helping to regulate the formation of new memories.
Benefits of GABA
There are a number of potential benefits to having high levels of GABA, including:
- Reduced anxiety and stress: GABA can help to reduce anxiety and stress by inhibiting the activity of the amygdala.
- Improved sleep quality: GABA can help to improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and drowsiness.
- Reduced pain: GABA can help to reduce pain by inhibiting the transmission of pain signals in the spinal cord.
- Improved mood: GABA can help to improve mood by reducing anxiety and stress.
- Enhanced cognitive function: GABA can help to improve cognitive function by regulating the formation of new memories and enhancing learning.
How to increase GABA levels
There are a number of things you can do to increase your GABA levels, including:
- Exercise: Exercise has been shown to increase GABA levels in the brain.
- Meditation: Meditation has also been shown to increase GABA levels in the brain.
- Diet: Certain foods, such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, contain GABA-producing bacteria. Eating these foods can help to increase GABA levels in the gut.
- Supplements: There are a number of supplements that can help to increase GABA levels, such as L-theanine, GABA, and valerian root.
Biosynthesis of GABA
The biosynthesis of GABA takes place directly in the brain in nerve cells and is closely connected to the Krebs cycle, because succinate is subsequently formed from GABA in the second step, which then enters the Krebs cycle. This biosynthesis takes place by decarboxylation of glutamate to form GABA. Schematically in the picture below.
Picture above: Formation of gamma-aminobutanoic acid in the brain.
Conclusion
GABA is an important neurotransmitter that plays a role in a wide range of brain functions. There are a number of things you can do to increase your GABA levels, such as exercise, meditation, diet, and supplements.
Safety guidelines
It is important to note that GABA supplements can interact with certain medications, such as benzodiazepines and alcohol. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking any GABA supplements.
Sources:
[1] O. KITTNAR a e. al, „Lékařská fyziologie,“ Praha, Grada, 2011.
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