Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the latest information on the various aspects of polyamines and their health benefits. In recent years, attempts to treat cancer by reducing elevated polyamines levels in cancer cells have been made, with some advancing to clinical trials. However, it has been reported since 2009 that polyamines extend the healthy life span of animals by inducing autophagy, protecting the kidneys and liver, improving cognitive function, and inhibiting the progression of heart diseases. As such, there is conflicting information regarding the relationship between polyamines and health. However, attempts to treat cancer by decreasing intracellular polyamines levels are a coping strategy to suppress the proliferation-promoting effects of polyamines, and a consensus is being reached that polyamine intake does not induce cancer in healthy individuals. To provide further scientific evidence for the health-promoting effects of polyamines, large-scale clinical studies involving multiple groups are expected in the future. It is also important to promote basic research on polyamine intake in animals, including elucidation of the polyamine balance between food, intestinal bacteria, and biosynthesis.

Highlights

  • Polyamines are a general term for aliphatic hydrocarbons with amino groups at both ends of its molecular structure, the major ones being putrescine, spermidine, and spermine

  • A critical function of spermidine in eukaryotes is the activation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A [5]. eIF5A is an essential protein for eukaryotic protein synthesis, and its activation requires post-translational modifications

  • The fact that there is conflicting information regarding the relationship between polyamines and health might be confusing

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Summary

Introduction

Polyamines are a general term for aliphatic hydrocarbons with amino groups at both ends of its molecular structure, the major ones being putrescine, spermidine, and spermine. EIF5A is an essential protein for eukaryotic protein synthesis, and its activation requires post-translational modifications. Attempts to treat cancer by reducing elevated polyamines levels in cancer cells have been made, with some advancing to clinical trials [13]. It has been reported since 2009 that polyamines extend the healthy life span of animals by inducing autophagy, protecting the kidneys and liver, improving cognitive function, and inhibiting the progression of heart diseases (Table 1). The purpose of this paper is to summarize the latest information regarding the various aspects of polyamines and their health benefits

Health Benefits of Oral Ingestion of Polyamines
Literature
Foods Containing High Concentrations of Polyamines
Health Benefits of Polyamines Derived from Gut Microbiota
Clinical Trials Regarding Polyamines-Induced Health Improvements
Findings
Discussion
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