Monoamine Oxidase (Mao) (Monoamine Oxidase, Mao)

Monoamine Oxidase (MAO): An Enzyme Regulating Vital Monoamines

Introduction

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme that plays an important role in regulating monoamine levels in the body. This enzyme catalyzes the oxidation of various monoamines, including epinephrine, norepinephrine and serotonin. The presence of MAO has been found in many tissues of the living organism, especially in the liver and nervous system. Because of its importance in physiology and pathology, MAO has become the focus of research and drug development aimed at regulating its activity.

Functions of MAO

The main function of MAO is the catabolism of biogenic amines such as adrenaline, norepinephrine and serotonin. These monoamines are important neurotransmitters that regulate mood, sleep, appetite and other physiological processes. When monoamine oxidase oxidizes these compounds, they lose their activity and become ready for further metabolic breakdown and elimination from the body.

Types of MAO

There are two isoforms of MAO: MAO-A and MAO-B. Both isoforms differ in their monoamine specificity and their tissue distribution. MAO-A preferentially oxidizes serotonin and norepinephrine, whereas MAO-B has a greater affinity for phenylethylamines and other amines with longer side chains. These isoforms have different roles in the regulation of monoamines and their metabolism in different organs and tissues.

MAO and Depression

The study of MAO and its connection to mental disorders such as depression led to the development of a class of drugs known as MAO inhibitors. Depression is characterized by low mood, loss of interest in life, drowsiness and other symptoms. One hypothesis for depression is a deficiency of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in synaptic clefts. MAO inhibitors block the activity of MAO by preventing the breakdown of these monoamines and increasing their concentration in the synaptic cleft. This helps strengthen neurotransmission and has an antidepressant effect.

MAO Inhibitors: Treatment of Depression and Other Disorders

MAO inhibitors are an effective medicine for treating depression and other mental disorders. They can be classified into indirect and selective MAO inhibitors. Indirect MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid and phenylzine, form reversible bonds with MAO, blocking its activity. Selective MAO inhibitors, such as selegiline, selegiline transdermal patch and mocillin, selectively inhibit only one isoform of MAO (MAO-B), thereby avoiding the unwanted side effects associated with MAO-A inhibition.

Despite the effectiveness of MAO inhibitors in the treatment of depression, their use requires caution and supervision by a physician. Ingestion of foods containing tyramines, such as cheese, red wine and some meat products, in combination with MAO inhibitors can cause serious side effects such as hypertensive crisis. Therefore, patients taking MAO inhibitors are advised to follow a special diet, avoiding foods rich in tyramine.

Conclusion

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an important enzyme responsible for the oxidation of various monoamines in the body. Its regulation plays a key role in maintaining normal levels of monoamines such as epinephrine, norepinephrine and serotonin. Research on MAO and its relationship with depression has led to the development of MAO inhibitors, which are widely used in the treatment of this disorder. However, the use of MAO inhibitors requires caution and monitoring to avoid side effects and interactions with food. Further research into MAO and its role in physiology and pathology will help improve the understanding and development of new drugs for the treatment of mental disorders.

Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme that plays an important role in the metabolism of neurotransmitters such as epinephrine, norepinephrine and serotonin. MAO catalyzes the oxidation of monoamines, which leads to their degradation. This process is an important mechanism for regulating the level of neurotransmitters in the body.

Monoamine oxidase was discovered in 1928 by pharmacologist Mario Nussbaum. Since then, it has been discovered that MAO is a membrane enzyme that is found in most tissues of the living body, including the liver and nervous system. The level of MAO activity may vary depending on a person's age, gender, and health status.

There are two types of MAO - MAO-A and MAO-B. MAO-A is typically located in neurons that release norepinephrine and serotonin, while MAO-B is present in neurons that release dopamine. Both types of MAO play an important role in regulating neurotransmitter levels in the body.

However, disruption of MAO activity can lead to various diseases, including depression and bipolar disorder. That is why MAO inhibitors - drugs that inhibit the activity of MAO - are widely used to treat these diseases. MAO inhibitors are used to increase the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, which can lead to improvements in the patient's mood and mental state.

However, it should be noted that MAO inhibitors may have side effects and interact with other medications. Therefore, their prescription should be carried out only under the supervision of a doctor.

In conclusion, Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) is an important enzyme that plays an important role in regulating the levels of neurotransmitters in the body. Although disruption of MAO activity can lead to various diseases, MAO inhibitors can be an effective treatment for depression and bipolar disorder. However, before using them, you should consult your doctor.

Monoamine oxidase is an important enzyme in our body that controls the levels of these substances in the brain. The clarity of the term “oxidation” suggests that this occurs quickly in the body, and biotransformation also occurs with the participation of this enzyme. Oxidized monoamine ions are often called free radicals or “mood viruses.” When they (monoamines) are in large quantities in the blood, we perceive the mood as relatively positive. With a lack of these free radicals, we become depressed or despondent. This is when you need to take antidepressants (MAO inhibitors). This drug blocks the action of the enzyme monoamine oxidase for 43 hours, allowing monoamine reduction to occur.