Tag Archives: vitamin C
A legend in his own lifetime: double Nobel prize winner Linus Pauling
T. V. Danylova1*, S. V. Komisarenko2
1National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
*e-mail: danilova_tv@ukr.net;
2Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
e-mail:svk@biochem.kiev.ua
Received: 19 April 2021; Accepted: 17 May 2021
Linus Pauling – a prominent American chemist, biochemist, chemical engineer, peace activist, author, and educator – was one of the scientists-humanists whose life echoed the key milestones of the 20th century and who could be compared with Leonardo da Vinci in terms of the breadth of interests and creative achievements. He is one of the four scientists to have won two Nobel Prizes (the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1954; the Nobel Peace Prize 1962) and the only one to have been awarded two unshared Nobel Prizes. As a result of his long-lasting research, Pauling formulated a theory of structure and function of proteins; studied the effect of oxygen saturation of hemoglobin on its magnetic properties, laid the foundations for structural analysis of protein molecules, made a contribution to the study of antibodies. Believing that people had to develop a new type of thinking for the sake of the survival of humanity, Linus Pauling spoke out strongly against nuclear testing, and the contemporary world is indebted to Pauling for his courage and moral leadership in reminding us about the dangers of nuclear war. The versatile innovative activities of the brilliant scientist and humanist Linus Pauling, his unconventional personality, and the huge scientific heritage have left a deep mark in the history of humankind.
Effect of nicotinamide on amino acids content in bone collagen depending on biological availability of vitamins in diabetic rats
M. M. Guzyk1, Iu. T. Sergiichuk1,2, K. O. Dyakun1,2,
L. V. Yanitska3, T. M. Kuchmerovska1
1Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
e-mail: kuch@biochem.kiev.ua;
2Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University, Ukraine;
3O. O. Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv
Connective tissue is highly susceptible to imbalances induced by diabetes. Diabetes-related osteopenia, decreased bone strength etc. may be associated with altered metabolism of various collagens. Although it is assumed that alterations in collagen amino acids (AA) may strongly affect protein properties and physiological functions, however, very limited evidences are present at the moment regarding AA composition of bone type I collagen and its relevance to abnormal availability of vitamins which are necessary for collagen synthesis in diabetes. We have tested whether nicotinamide (NAm) can influence type I collagen formation and AA composition as well as vitamins availability in diabetes. After 4 weeks of STZ-induced diabetes (60 mg/kg) male Wistar rats were injected for 2 weeks with/without NAm (200 mg/kg b. w.). Acid extraction of type I collagen from the bones was performed with following stepwise salting out. The content of type I collagen after its acid extraction from the bones was estimated by the amounts of hydroxyproline. Amino acids were assayed by cation exchange chromatography. Diabetes-associated changes in AA composition of type I collagen mainly affect those amino acids which are known to be involved in helix formation and cross-linking of the molecules. Diabetes was found to significantly reduce bone collagen contents of o-Pro, Gly, Ala, o-Lys and Pro, whereas Lys, His, Arg, Glu, Thr, Leu, Phe contents were elevated (P < 0.05). NAm treatment was able to partially normalise AA contents. In diabetes, blood serum and hepatic vitamin C and B3 contents were shown to be significantly lowered, whereas α-tocopherol was slightly increased compared with control (P < 0.05). Restoration of circulatory and liver vitamin C and B3 was observed. The data demonstrate the close relationship between the diabetes-associated decrease in type I collagen deposition, altered amino acids metabolism and impaired availability of vitamins, which are necessary for collagen synthesis. Thus, NAm might be a useful agent for treatment of bone failures related to diabetes.