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Current Protein & Peptide Science

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1389-2037
ISSN (Online): 1875-5550

The Physiological Basis and Nutritional Function of Alpha-ketoglutarate

Author(s): Liuqin He, Zhiqi Xu, Kang Yao, Guoao Wu, Yulong Yin, Clares M. Nyachoti and Sung Woo Kim

Volume 16, Issue 7, 2015

Page: [576 - 581] Pages: 6

DOI: 10.2174/1389203716666150630140157

Price: $65

Abstract

Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) is a biological substance that plays important roles in cell metabolism and physiology. AKG is synthesized from glucose or oxaloacetate plus pyruvate. As an intermediate of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, AKG is essential for the oxidation of fatty acids, amino acids, and glucose. Extracellular AKG is a significant source of energy for cells of the gastrointestinal tract. As a precursor for the synthesis of glutamate and glutamine in multiple tissues (including liver, skeletal muscle, heart, brain, and white adipose tissue), AKG bridges carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism for both conservation of amino acids and ammonia detoxification. Additionally, emerging evidence shows that AKG is a regulator of gene expression and cell signaling pathways (including the mammalian target of rapamycin and AMPactivated protein kinase). Thus, AKG is an attractive dietary supplement in animal and human nutrition to improve cellular energy status, immunity, and health.

Keywords: alpha-Ketoglutarate, glutamate, glutamine, nutrition, physiological, protein synthesis.

Graphical Abstract

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