Phenylpyruvic Acid

Phenylpyruvic acid (PPA) is an intermediate product of phenylalanine metabolism. It is formed as a result of the conversion of phenylalanine to phenyllactate. FPC is one of the main indicators of phenylketonuria (PKU), a hereditary disorder of amino acid metabolism in which there is an increased content of phenylalanine and its metabolites in the blood and urine.

Phenylpyruvic acid can be found in urine, saliva and blood. In PKU, the level of FPC in the urine can be increased up to 10 times or more, which makes it possible to diagnose this disease. In addition, elevated FPC levels may be associated with other diseases such as viral hepatitis and some forms of schizophrenia.

Diagnosis of PKU is carried out by analyzing urine for the content of PKU and phenylalanine. If the FPC level is elevated, this may indicate the presence of PKU. To treat PKU, special diets containing little phenylalanine and medications are used.

Although FPA plays an important role in phenylalanine metabolism, its significance in the human body is not yet fully understood. However, research suggests that it may influence some physiological processes, such as the regulation of blood glucose levels.

In general, phenylpyruvic acid is an important indicator of phenylalanine metabolic disorders and can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of phenylketonuria.

Phenyl alcohol, in its chemical structure, is already an alpha amino acid and has a rather low melting point. In addition to the diseases already mentioned above (phenylketonuria, rubella, blood cancer), some hereditary diseases, such as Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, can also lead to it.