Differential uptake of arginine derivatives by the human heteromeric amino acid transporter bAT-rBAT (SLC7A9-SLC3A1).

L-arginine and its (patho-)physiologically active derivatives, L-homoarginine and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), show significant differences in their renal clearance. The underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated, but selective tubular transport protein-mediated mechanisms likely play a role. In the present study, we investigate the human heteromeric transporter bAT-rBAT (encoded by the SLC7A9 and SLC3A1 genes) as a potential candidate because it is localized in the luminal membrane of human proximal tubule cells and capable of mediating the cellular uptake of amino acids, including L-arginine.

Screening of commonly prescribed drugs for effects on the CAT1-mediated transport of L-arginine and arginine derivatives.

The cationic amino acid transporter 1 (CAT1/SLC7A1) plays a key role in the cellular uptake or export of L-arginine and some of its derivatives. This study investigated the effect of 113 chemically diverse and commonly used drugs (at 20 and 200 µM) on the CAT1-mediated cellular uptake of L-arginine, L-homoarginine, and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). Twenty-three (20%) of the tested substances showed weak inhibitory or stimulatory effects, but only verapamil showed consistent inhibitory effects on CAT1-mediated transport of all tested substrates.

Transport of L-Arginine Related Cardiovascular Risk Markers.

L-arginine and its derivatives, asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA and SDMA) and L-homoarginine, have emerged as cardiovascular biomarkers linked to cardiovascular outcomes and various metabolic and functional pathways such as NO-mediated endothelial function. Cellular uptake and efflux of L-arginine and its derivatives are facilitated by transport proteins. In this respect the cationic amino acid transporters CAT1 and CAT2 ( and ) and the system yL amino acid transporters ( and ) have been most extensively investigated, so far, but the number of transporters shown to mediate the transport of L-arginine and its derivatives is constantly increasing.

Inhibitory effect of koji Aspergillus terreus on alpha-glucosidase activity and postprandial hyperglycemia.

The compounds that could inhibit the activity of a-glucosidase are potentially used for antidiabetic by suppressing postprandial hyperglycemia. This research aimed to investigate the hypoglycemic activity in A. terreus koji extracted by ethyl acetate.