BIOCHEMISTRY FOR MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE
References:
1. Lippincott Illustrated Reviews Biochemistry
2. Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry 32nd Ed.
3. Lecture slides and Notes of Ericson Luyun, M.D.
Topic Outline
1. Fat-Soluble Vitamins
2. Water-Soluble Vitamins
References:
1. Lippincott Illustrated Reviews Biochemistry
2. Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry 32nd Ed.
3. Lecture slides and Notes of Ericson Luyun, M.D.
Vitamins are chemically unrelated organic compounds that cannot
be synthesized in adequate quantities by humans and, therefore,
must be supplied by the diet
Nine vitamins (folic acid, cobalamin, ascorbic acid, pyridoxine,
thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, biotin, and pantothenic acid) are
classified as water-soluble, whereas four vitamins (vitamins A, D,
K, and E) are termed fat-soluble.
FUNCTION DEFICIENCY
In thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), a ▪ Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
cofactor for several dehydrogenase ▪ Beri-beri
enzyme reactions:
▪ Pyruvate dehydrogenase (links glycolysis
to TCA cycle)
▪ α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (TCA
cycle)
▪ Transketolase (HMP shunt)
▪ Branched-chain ketoacid
dehydrogenase
FUNCTION DEFICIENCY
Component of flavins FAD and FMN, used ▪ Cheilosis (inflammation of lips, scaling
as cofactors in redox reactions. and fissures at the corners of the
mouth), Corneal vascularization.
FUNCTION DEFICIENCY
Constituent of NAD+, NADP+ (used in ▪ Severe deficiency leads to pellagra
redox reactions). Symptoms of pellagra: Dementia,
Diarrhea and Dermatitis
▪ “Broad collar” rash [Casal necklace],
hyperpigmentation of sun-exposed
limbs
FUNCTION DEFICIENCY
Essential component of Coenzyme A ▪ Dermatitis, enteritis, alopecia, adrenal
(CoA, a cofactor for acyl transfers) and insuffciency.
fatty acid synthase.
FUNCTION DEFICIENCY
Converted to pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), ▪ Sideroblastic anemias due to impaired
a cofactor used in transamination, hemoglobin synthesis and iron excess.
decarboxylation reactions, glycogen
phosphorylase.
FUNCTION DEFICIENCY
Cofactor for carboxylation enzymes ▪ Relatively rare; Dermatitis, alopecia,
(which add a 1-carbon group): enteritis.
Pyruvate carboxylase: pyruvate (3C) ▪ Caused by antibiotic use or excessive
oxaloacetate (4C) ingestion of raw egg whites.
Acetyl-CoA carboxylase: acetyl-CoA (2C)
malonyl-CoA (3C)
Propionyl-CoA carboxylase: propionyl-
CoA (3C) methylmalonyl-CoA (4C)
FUNCTION DEFICIENCY
Converted to tetrahydrofolic acid (THF), a ▪ Macrocytic, megaloblastic anemia;
coenzyme for 1-carbon transfer/ Hypersegmented polymorphonuclear
methylation reactions. cells (PMNs); glossitis; no neurologic
symptoms (as opposed to vitamin B12
deficiency)
▪ Supplemental maternal folic acid in
early pregnancy decreases risk of
neural tube defects
FUNCTION DEFICIENCY
Cofactor for homocysteine ▪ Macrocytic, megaloblastic anemia;
methyltransferase (transfers CH3 groups as hypersegmented PMNs
methylcobalamin) and methylmalonyl- ▪ Deficiency is usually caused by
CoA mutase. insufficient intake (e.g., veganism),
malabsorption (e.g., sprue, enteritis,
Diphyllobothrium latum), lack of intrinsic
factor (pernicious anemia, gastric
bypass surgery), or absence of terminal
ileum (Crohn disease).
FUNCTION DEFICIENCY
Antioxidant; also facilitates iron absorption ▪ Scurvy
by reducing it to Fe2+ state.
Collagen synthesis.
Necessary for dopamine β-hydroxylase,
which converts dopamine to NE
In the strictest sense, vitamin refers to retinol.
Retinoids:
a. Retinal – 11-cis-retinal – for normal vision
b. Retinoic Acid – For normal morphogenesis, growth and cell
differentiation
c. Retinol – For reproduction of cells
d. Retinyl ester – storage form of Vitamin A in liver
Functions:
a. Maintenance of Vision – Rhodopsin
b. Normal Reproduction – Retinol; Retinoic Acid
c. Maintenance of skin and mucosa
d. Antioxidant Properties – B-carotene
Deficiency:
a. Xerophthalmia
b. Loss of Sensitivity to Green Light
c. Nyctalopia
d. Xerosis
e. Bitot Spots
f. Keratomalacia
g. Corneal ulceration
h. Phrynoderma/Toad Skin
Refer to group of sterols having a hormone-like function.
Forms of Vitamin D:
a. Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2): From of Vitamin D obtained from
fungal organisms
b. Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3): From endogenous synthesis of
7-dehydrocholesterol via UVB radiation
Functions:
a. Regulation of Calcium and phosphorous homeostasis
b. Immunomodulation and antiproliferative effects prevents
infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis
c. Mineralization of bones
Deficiency:
a. Rickets
b. Osteomalacia
Vitamin E is a collective name for all stereoisomers of tocopherols
& tocotrienols.
Most powerful naturally occurring antioxidant: serves as a
chain-breaking antioxidant.
Alpha-tocopherol – most potent form of Vitamin E.
Therapeutic Effects of Vitamin E
a. Oxygen-induced retrolental fibroplasia
b. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
c. Intraventricular hemorrhage of prematurity
d. Treatment of intermittent claudication
e. Slowing of the aging process
Deficiency:
a. Axonal degeneration
b. Demyelination of posterior columns and spinocerebellar
tract
c. Acanthocytosis of RBCs
It is a naphthoquinone derivative with long isoprenoid side chain
Letter K is the abbreviation of the German word: Koagulation
vitamin
Functions:
a. Vitamin K is required for the post-translational gamma
carboxylation of glutamic acid: necessary for Ca2+ binding to γ-
carboxylated proteins: Coagulation Factors, Protein in bone
and kidney.
Deficiency:
a. Bleeding Diathesis
BIOCHEMISTRY FOR MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE
References:
1. Lippincott Illustrated Reviews Biochemistry
2. Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry 32nd Ed.
3. Lecture slides and Notes of Ericson Luyun, M.D.
