Posted by Astounder on November 3, 2007, at 9:57:53
In reply to Re: Antidepressant mechanism of Deplin » Astounder, posted by Phillipa on November 1, 2007, at 22:21:30
> So you compare Deplin with Samee? Phillipa
Well, the way it looks like is that SAM-e's metabolite homocysteine can steal the methyl group from L-methylfolate (MTHF), turning it into THF. Both MTHF & THF can recycle BH4 using a different enzyme, cofactor, and precursor--I suppose this would make synthesis of BH4 more efficient, fully utilizing both pathways.
Homocysteine indirectly damages the walls of you blood vessels and high levels are a big risk factor for heart disease. So, recycling it into SAM-e is good for your health in general. SAM-e is a methyl donor that's important for the upkeep of a lot of cellular functions, including polyamine & mRNA synthesis. SAM-e is also a necessary cofactor in the conversion of norepinephrine to epinephrine, as well as in the metabolism of monoamines and their (neurotoxic) MAO metabolites by COMT. Conversion of NE to normetanephrine by COMT may be responsible for the latency in response to noradrenergic antidepressants.
Taking both Deplin & SAM-e should be synergistic, and the combination might have advantages over simply taking BH4.
poster:Astounder
thread:784893
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20071027/msgs/793109.html