Review article

https://doi.org/10.1515/aiht-2016-67-2837

Ectoine as a promising protective agent in humans and animals

Adam Bownik ; Department of Biological Basis of Animal Production, Faculty of Biology, Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy,University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
Zofia Stępniewska ; Department of Biochemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland

Abstract

Ectoine is a compatible water molecule-binding solute (osmoprotectant) produced by several bacterial species in response to osmotic stress and unfavourable environmental conditions. This amino acid derivative can accumulate inside cells at high concentrations without interfering with natural processes and can protect the cell against radiation or osmotic stress. This brief review presents the current state of knowledge about the effects of ectoine on animals and focuses on its practical use for enzyme stabilisation, human skin protection, anti-inflammatory treatment, inhibitory effects in neurodegenerative diseases, and other therapeutic potential in human or veterinary medicine.

Keywords

cell protection; compatible solute; macromolecular stability; osmoprotectant

Hrčak ID:

170507

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/170507

Publication date:

14.12.2016.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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