5/6/2023 0 Comments Nag supplement![]() ![]() PG structures vary according to the type of tissues, and are manufactured locally as required. This gives a neatly packed, soft yet resilient structure which resists compression and regulates movement of molecules like nutrients and waste products among cells. Tissues cells are arranged in patterns and held in place by the ubiquitous interstitium which is a fine network of collagen fibres in which giant molecules of PG are interspersed. Some 95% of a PG molecule is made up of carbohydrate. The whole structure has a molecular weight of millions, tends to attract water to form a gel-like structure, and makes up much of the material between cells. NAG is a key component of hyaluronic acid (hyaluronate) which forms long straight chains to which molecules of GAG are attached, ending up in giant molecular complexes of proteoglycans (PG). Glycosaminoglycans (GAG), also called mucopolysaccharides, are large molecules each with a protein “trunk” and “branches” of amino sugars and other constituents. Mucus is a special glycoprotein with a high sugar content which accounts for its very viscous nature. The sugar chains may also determine the antigenic property of the glycoprotein so that the immune system can identify the body’s own cells from foreign ones. Some glycoproteins are important components of many enzymes and hormones other remain on cell surfaces where their “antennae” of oligosaccharide (sugar) chains perform special functions, e.g., as blinding sites for circulating hormones and for recognition between cells (the grouping of different cells to form a tissue depends on proper recognition of one cell surface by another). Such chains are attached onto newly formed proteins through amino sugar linkages. Glycoproteins are proteins with one or more short sugar chains which significantly modify the properties of these proteins. How does NAG serve the body?Īmino sugars variously combine with proteins, lipids (fats) or long chains of amino sugar units to form huge molecules (macromolecules) which become part of basic tissue components. ![]() NAG is the chief precursor of the whole family. All are extensively involved in tissue building. Like NAG, these include the amino sugars N-acetyl-galactosamine and N-acetyl mannosamine. Other members in the group include galactose and mannose. Glucose heads a family of sugars with identical sets of atoms but slightly different shapes of the molecules. An acetyl group is next added, and the product is N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG). ![]() Glucose first interacts with glutamine (an amino acid) to form glucosamine, with the help of a key enzyme (Glucosamine synthetase) which regulates the whole production line. Any loss during such turnover will be made good by synthesis from glucose, since dietary supplies of amino sugars are usually low. Normal wear and tear during body functions means that tissues are constantly broken down and replaced or restructured, and amino sugars are thus continuously in demand. While most sugars come from dietary sources and are burned for energy, amino sugars are mainly formed within the body and used only in manufacturing tissue components. About half of the interstitial tissue components are derived from amino sugars.Īs the name implies, an amino sugar is made up of a sugar and an amino group. Amino sugars are essential components of all body tissues, being integral parts of cell membranes and their surface structures, and of the interstitial tissue which holds cells together. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |