Coenzyme A, referred to as CoA, is a coenzyme. Coenzyme A is a white or slightly yellow powder with a garlic-like odor and is hygroscopic. It is easily soluble in water or saline, but insoluble in ethanol, ether or acetone. Coenzyme A is used as a substrate and as a base material in about 4% of cellular enzymes.
Biochemical Role of Coenzyme A
1. Provide energy to the body
Coenzyme A is a cofactor in more than 70 enzyme reaction pathways in the body, including the decomposition of carbohydrates, the Oxidation, decomposition of amino acids, degradation of pyruvate, stimulating the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and providing 90% of the energy needed for life.
2. Providing active substances
Coenzyme A participates in the synthesis of a large number of essential substances in the body. Synthesize neuromuscular messengers and neurotransmitters acetylcholine and melatonin (melatonin) that promote sleep in the brain. Neuromuscular messengers can exchange information between nerves and muscles, and neurotransmitters can transmit information about emotions, external stimuli, memory, learning, etc. between nerves and the brain.
3. Acyl transfer function
Coenzyme A is an important acetyl and acyl transfer body.
4. Activate immune function
Coenzyme A supports Support the body's immune system to detoxify harmful substances, activate white blood cells, promote the synthesis of hemoglobin, and participate in the synthesis of antibodies.
5. Promote the formation and repair of connective tissue
Coenzyme A can promote the synthesis of connective tissue components chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid, and play an important role in the formation, protection and repair of cartilage.
6. Other functions
Coenzyme A promotes the utilization of coenzyme Q10 and coenzyme I, and reduces the toxic side effects caused by antibiotics and other drugs.
Uses of Coenzyme A
Coenzyme A is a class of compounds that are essential for maintaining life functions, which involves biosynthetic pathways, degradation and conversion of fatty acids, hormone synthesis and regulation, TCA cycle, etc. Methods for accurately measuring the concentration of coenzyme A in biological samples have always been the target of research, with the focus on the role of this concentration as a marker for functional analysis of coenzyme A in lipid metabolism.
