描述
Putrescine, also known as tetramethylenediamine or 1,4-butylenediamine, is a member of the class of compounds known as monoalkylamines. Monoalkylamines are organic compounds containing an primary aliphatic amine group. Putrescine is soluble (in water) and a very strong basic compound (based on its pKa). Putrescine can be found in french plantain, which makes putrescine a potential biomarker for the consumption of this food product. Putrescine can be found primarily in most biofluids, including urine, feces, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and blood, as well as throughout most human tissues. Putrescine exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to humans. In humans, putrescine is involved in a couple of metabolic pathways, which include methionine metabolism and spermidine and spermine biosynthesis. Putrescine is also involved in several metabolic disorders, some of which include s-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) hydrolase deficiency, glycine n-methyltransferase deficiency, cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency, and hypermethioninemia. Moreover, putrescine is found to be associated with pancreatic cancer. Putrescine is a non-carcinogenic (not listed by IARC) potentially toxic compound. Putrescine, or tetramethylenediamine, is a foul-smelling organic chemical compound NH2(CH2)4NH2 (1,4-diaminobutane or butanediamine) that is related to cadaverine; both are produced by the breakdown of amino acids in living and dead organisms and both are toxic in large doses. The two compounds are largely responsible for the foul odor of putrefying flesh, but also contribute to the odor of such processes as bad breath and bacterial vaginosis. They are also found in semen and some microalgae, together with related molecules like spermine and spermidine . As a uremic toxin, this compound can cause uremic syndrome. Uremic syndrome may affect any part of the body and can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss. It can also cause changes in mental status, such as confusion, reduced awareness, agitation, psychosis, seizures, and coma. Abnormal bleeding, such as bleeding spontaneously or profusely from a very minor injury can also occur. Heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat, inflammation in the sac that surrounds the heart (pericarditis), and increased pressure on the heart can be seen in patients with uremic syndrome. Shortness of breath from fluid buildup in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural effusion) can also be present (T3DB).