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DESCRIPTION
L-glutamine is an amino acid that plays a vital role in protein synthesis and various cellular processes.
L-glutamine is considered a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body can synthesize it under normal conditions, although it becomes "conditionally essential" during periods of stress, illness, or intense physical exertion.
Cas Number
56-85-9
SYNONYMS
Glutamine,2-Amino-4-(aminomethyl)pentanoic acid,L-Glutamic acid gamma-amide,Glutaminic acid,L-Glutamine monohydrate
Definition and Basic Overview of L-Glutamine: L-Glutamine is an amino acid that is considered both essential and non-essential, depending on the body's state.
While it is classified as a non-essential amino acid because the body can typically produce it, there are situations (such as illness, stress, or trauma) where the body’s demand for L-glutamine exceeds its ability to produce it, making it conditionally essential.
L-glutamine plays a pivotal role in various biological processes, including protein synthesis, metabolism, and immune function.
It is the most abundant amino acid in the human bloodstream and is involved in numerous biochemical reactions within the body.
Importance of L-Glutamine in Biological Systems: L-Glutamine is vital for maintaining normal metabolic functions.
It is the main nitrogen donor in many metabolic processes, contributing to cellular metabolism, amino acid synthesis, and protein formation.
Additionally, L-glutamine serves as a precursor for the neurotransmitter glutamate, which plays a critical role in brain function, cognition, and synaptic plasticity.
It is also involved in the synthesis of nucleotides, crucial for DNA and RNA production, making it essential for cell division and repair.
Historical Background and Discovery: L-Glutamine was first isolated in 1883 by the German chemist Kossel, who discovered it from the protein casein.
It was later named after the Latin word “gluten” because it was first obtained from gluten, a protein found in wheat. Initially, glutamine's role was unclear, but with advancing research, its significance in metabolism and cellular processes began to unfold, particularly in the context of nitrogen metabolism and immune support.
Chemical Properties of L-Glutamine
Molecular Structure: L-Glutamine has a molecular formula of C5H10N2O3.
It contains an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), and an amide group (CONH2) attached to a side chain.
The amino acid structure consists of a central carbon atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a side chain that contains an amide group.
This structure allows L-glutamine to perform its diverse functions in the body, from protein synthesis to neurotransmitter regulation.
Chemical Composition and Functional Groups: The functional groups in L-glutamine—amine (-NH2), carboxyl (-COOH), and amide (-CONH2)—are responsible for its chemical properties.
The amine group is essential for the formation of peptides and proteins, while the carboxyl group plays a role in the pH regulation of biological fluids.
The amide group is unique to glutamine and contributes to its role in nitrogen metabolism and cellular signaling.
Synthesis Pathways in the Body: L-Glutamine is synthesized primarily from glutamate (another amino acid) through the enzyme glutamine synthetase, which catalyzes the attachment of ammonia to glutamate to form glutamine.
This synthesis primarily occurs in muscle tissue, lungs, and the brain.
The process also involves ATP, making the production of L-glutamine energy-dependent.
Stability and Solubility: L-Glutamine is relatively stable in dry conditions but can degrade in aqueous solutions, especially at higher temperatures or when exposed to light.
It is highly soluble in water, which makes it easy to transport across cell membranes and participate in metabolic processes.
The amino acid is usually stored in the body as part of proteins or in free form in blood plasma and tissues.
Biosynthesis and Metabolism of L-Glutamine
The Role of Glutamine Synthetase: Glutamine synthetase is the key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of L-glutamine. It catalyzes the conversion of glutamate and ammonia into glutamine, requiring energy in the form of ATP.
This enzyme is found in various tissues, including the brain, muscles, and liver.
It plays a crucial role in maintaining nitrogen balance by incorporating excess ammonia into glutamine, thus preventing the toxic effects of free ammonia.
Glutamine in the Nitrogen Metabolism Cycle: L-Glutamine plays a central role in the nitrogen metabolism cycle.
Ammonia, which is a byproduct of protein metabolism, is toxic to cells at high concentrations.
L-Glutamine acts as a "carrier" of ammonia, transporting it safely to other tissues or converting it into urea for excretion via the kidneys.
The cycle is essential for maintaining a balanced nitrogen level within the body and preventing the accumulation of toxic metabolites.
Conversion Between Glutamine and Glutamate: Glutamine is closely related to glutamate, another amino acid.
The two are interchangeable in many metabolic processes, with glutamine being a precursor to glutamate.
This conversion is catalyzed by the enzyme glutaminase, which removes the amide group from glutamine to form glutamate.
Glutamate, in turn, plays a critical role as a neurotransmitter in the brain.
Enzymatic Reactions Involving L-Glutamine: Several key enzymes are involved in reactions that utilize or produce L-glutamine.
These include glutamine synthetase, glutaminase, and glutamate dehydrogenase.
Glutaminase converts glutamine into glutamate, while glutamine synthetase synthesizes glutamine from glutamate.
Additionally, in tissues like the liver and kidneys, glutamine serves as a substrate for the production of urea, facilitating the detoxification of ammonia.
Physiological Functions of L-Glutamine
Role in Protein Synthesis: As one of the amino acids involved in the formation of proteins, L-glutamine is essential for cellular growth and repair.
It is a key substrate in the biosynthesis of proteins in tissues such as muscles, where it plays a crucial role in muscle recovery and hypertrophy (growth).
Its role in protein synthesis is particularly important during periods of rapid cell division or tissue repair.
Contribution to Immune Function: L-Glutamine is critical for the proper function of the immune system.
It serves as a primary energy source for immune cells, including lymphocytes and macrophages.
These cells rely on L-glutamine for their growth and activity, particularly during times of stress or infection when immune demand is heightened.
L-Glutamine has been shown to help in the production of cytokines, which are involved in immune response regulation.
Role in Gastrointestinal Health: L-Glutamine is essential for maintaining the health of the gastrointestinal tract.
It is a preferred energy source for enterocytes (intestinal cells) and helps in the maintenance of the gut lining, promoting intestinal integrity and preventing leaky gut syndrome.
It also has a protective role against inflammation and helps in the recovery of the gut after injury or surgery.
Importance in Brain Function and Neurotransmission: L-Glutamine is a precursor to the neurotransmitter glutamate, which is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
Glutamate is involved in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. L-Glutamine’s role in neurotransmitter synthesis makes it crucial for brain function and cognition, particularly under conditions of stress or injury.
Acid-Base Balance: L-Glutamine helps in maintaining the acid-base balance in the body.
In the kidneys, glutamine contributes to the regulation of blood pH by acting as a buffer.
It does this by releasing ammonia, which binds to hydrogen ions and forms ammonium, thereby preventing the blood from becoming too acidic.
L-Glutamine in Different Organs and Systems
The Role of L-Glutamine in the Brain and Nervous System: L-Glutamine plays a significant role in the central nervous system (CNS) as a precursor to glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.
The balance between glutamine and glutamate is essential for maintaining normal brain function.
Glutamate mediates synaptic transmission, neural plasticity, and cognitive processes such as learning and memory.
Dysregulation of this balance is associated with neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
L-Glutamine also plays a role in the regulation of the blood-brain barrier and may influence the CNS’s response to stress, injury, or neuroinflammation.
L-Glutamine in the Immune System: L-Glutamine is considered a conditionally essential amino acid during times of stress, injury, or illness.
Immune cells, particularly lymphocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils, require glutamine for their metabolism, proliferation, and function.
During periods of infection or trauma, glutamine levels in the blood can become depleted, which impairs immune response.
Supplementation with L-glutamine has been shown to enhance immune function, particularly in critically ill patients, promoting wound healing and reducing the risk of infections.
Effects on the Intestinal System: The gastrointestinal tract is a major site of glutamine utilization.
The cells lining the intestine, called enterocytes, utilize glutamine as a primary energy source.
This is particularly important during periods of rapid cell turnover or during illness.
L-Glutamine plays a role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier, preventing intestinal permeability (commonly known as "leaky gut").
It also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to reduce oxidative stress within the gut, which is crucial for preventing diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Glutamine’s Contribution to Muscle Metabolism: In skeletal muscle, L-Glutamine is one of the most abundant amino acids.
It plays a key role in muscle protein metabolism by contributing to protein synthesis and preventing muscle protein breakdown.
During intense exercise or periods of catabolism (e.g., illness, stress), glutamine levels in the body decrease, which can impair muscle function and recovery.
Supplementing with L-glutamine has been studied for its potential to improve muscle recovery, reduce muscle soreness, and support endurance in athletes.
It is believed to help replenish muscle glycogen stores and reduce muscle protein breakdown.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT L-GLUTAMINE
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
