Often asked: What Is Bh4 Used For?

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is essential for the biosynthesis of dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin, which serve as cofactors for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and tryptophan hydroxylase. GTP cyclohydrolase (GCH) is the first and rate-limiting enzyme for BH4 biosynthesis.

What is BH4 deficiency?

Collapse Section. Tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency is a rare disorder characterized by a shortage (deficiency) of a molecule called tetrahydrobiopterin or BH4. This condition alters the levels of several substances in the body, including phenylalanine.

Does royal jelly have BH4?

BH4 plays a critical role in both neurotransmitter and nitric oxide production. This formulation contains Royal Jelly, which has naturally occurring BH4, folinic acid (as calcium folate and 5-MTHF 2:1), 6S-5-MTHF, SAMe and lithium to support production of BH4.

Where is BH4 from?

BH4 is made from the molecule GTP (guanosine triphosphate). GTP is converted into BH4 in three stages, which are catalysed (in order) by the enzymes GTPCH, PTPS and SR. These enzymes are coded for, respectively, by the GCH1, PTS and SR genes. Interestingly, rare mutations in these genes can lead to deficiency of BH4.

What is BH4 PKU?

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH₄) treatment in PKU. Recently, sapropterin dihydrochloride, a synthetic form of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), has been introduced as a supplemental treatment to dietary phe control for PKU. BH4 is a naturally-occurring compound that serves as a cofactor for PAH and other enzymes.

How is BH4 deficiency treated?

Treatment of BH4 deficiencies consists of BH4 supplementation (2-20 mg/kg per day) or diet to control blood phenylalanine concentration and replacement therapy with neurotransmitters precausers (L-dopa/CarbiDOPA and 5-hydroxytryptophan), and supplements of folinic acid in DHPR deficiency.

How do you test for BH4?

Reduced activity levels can indicate or confirm a diagnosis of DHPR deficiency. Pterins, neurotransmitter metabolites and folates can be measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). These tests can help to distinguish tetrahydrobiopterin deficiencies from one another and to assess the potential severity of the disease.

How does Royal Jelly work?

Royal jelly does have antibacterial and antifungal properties, since it’s the gunk developing bees float in until they metamorphose. It’s marketed in many cosmetics as an anti-aging ingredient; queen bees live 40 times longer than worker bees.

How does BH4 help PKU?

How can it help treat PKU? The PAH enzyme consists of four identical pieces. If there is a fault in any of the pieces, they cannot fit together and work properly. BH4 may help these pieces fold correctly so that they can come together and form a more functional PAH enzyme.

What enzyme converts dopa to dopamine?

DOPA is converted to dopamine by aromatic amino acid decarboxylase. Dopamine-β-hydroxylase hydroxylates dopamine to norepinephrine, which is methylated to epinephrine by phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase. Tyrosine hydroxylase is the rate-limiting enzyme of the pathway.

What is BH4 chemistry?

Description. Borohydride is a boron hydride. ChEBI. A class of inorganic or organic compounds that contain the borohydride (BH4-) anion.

Is BH4 deficiency the same as PKU?

BH4 deficiencies are grouped with phenylketonuria (PKU), which is an inborn error of protein metabolism that results from an impaired ability to metabolize the essential amino acid Phe. Similar to PKU, BH4 deficiencies negatively affect developmental function.

What does Hyperphenylalaninemia mean?

Hyperphenylalaninemia is a hereditary metabolic disorder that causes elevated blood phenylalanine (Phe). Hyperphenylalaninemias are classified as Phenylketonuria PKU (Phe > 6 mg/dL) or mild hyperphenylalaninemia (mHPA) (Phe 2–6 mg/dL).

For Which form of phenylketonuria is there the greatest risk of neurological damage in utero?

Because nerve cells in the brain are particularly sensitive to phenylalanine levels, excessive amounts of this substance can cause brain damage. Classic PKU, the most severe form of the disorder, occurs when phenylalanine hydroxylase activity is severely reduced or absent.