Protoporphyrin Ix (Rhotoporphyrin Ix)

Protoporphyrin Ix (Protoporphyrin Ix) is one of the most common types of porphyrin in nature. It is a precursor of heme and is part of hemoglobin, myoglobin, most cytochromes and chlorophylls.

Protoporphyrin Ix is a cyclic organic compound consisting of four pyrrole rings connected by methine bridges. At the center of the molecule is a metal ion. Hemoglobin and myoglobin have an iron(II) ion in the center, cytochromes have an iron(III) ion, and chlorophylls have a magnesium ion.

Protoporphyrin Ix plays an important role in the body, participating in the transport and storage of oxygen (hemoglobin and myoglobin), in the electron transport chain during respiration (cytochromes) and in photosynthesis (chlorophylls). Violation of the synthesis or metabolism of protoporphyrin Ix leads to the development of a number of serious diseases.

Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) is the most common type of porphyrin in nature. It is involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin, myoglobin and most cytochromes, and is also one of the main components of chlorophyll, which is responsible for the green color of plants and photosynthesis in plants.

PpIX is a tetrapyrrole iron-magnesium complex consisting of four pyrrole rings linked to iron and magnesium atoms. It is shaped like a tetrahedron and contains two iron atoms, each bonded to one magnesium atom. PpIX is highly reactive and can take part in various reactions, such as photosynthesis, the formation of hemoglobin and other proteins.

In the human body, PpIX is formed as a result of the breakdown of heme, which is a component of hemoglobin. This process occurs in the liver and bone marrow, where PpIX is used to synthesize hemoglobin and myoglobin. In addition, PpIX can be formed as a result of the metabolism of certain drugs, such as porphyrin antagonists, which are used to treat porphyria.

PрIX also plays an important role in plant photosynthesis, where it is a major component of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is responsible for the green colors of plants and absorbs light to convert it into chemical energy needed for plant growth and development. In plants, PpIX is synthesized from a porphyrin precursor called protochlorophyllide under the influence of light.

Protoporphyrins are complex proteins that contain a heme group. This group is responsible for the color of many biomolecules, including hemoglobin and chlorophyll. Protoporphyria is a hereditary disease associated with a mutation of the gene responsible for the synthesis of protoporphyrins (proto-proteins). Manifested by increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet radiation. The resulting neurotoxic reaction leads to increased damage to peripheral nerves, severe muscle and joint pain, eye damage, decreased hemoglobin (anemia) and hepatomegaly (enlarged liver). Women with dark brown, red or blond hair are more often affected. That's why the disease was called "pale fever." Usually the disease begins at the age of 20-30 years and manifests itself acutely. Patients are pale, irritable, you notice red “star-shaped” rashes in the corners of the mouth; there may be weight loss without an exact explanation of the cause. White spots - photodamage - appear on the skin of the legs and arms due to sunbathing or insolation. They are areas of skin depigmentation, usually 5-10 on the arms, legs, face, sometimes they can be on the trunk and mucous membranes, and in severe cases they are large, often confluent on the sternum