What are antimetabolites?

Certain compounds similar in structure to the vitamin molecule (or to the portion of the molecule containing the active site) can replace the vitamin by attaching themselves to the enzyme. These substances are called ‘antimetabolites’ or ‘metabolic antagonists’. They block the normal action of the co-enzyme and in effect, result in cellular deficiency of the vitamin.

The antimetabolite is a chemical substance which is shaped like the substrate. In other words, it is a structural relative or analogue of the substrates. Probably for this reason it also is able to combine with the active center of the enzyme.

Certain other antimetabolites exhibit anti-vitamins activity because they are capable of blocking biosynthesis of the coenzyme molecule; such compounds may or may not resemble the vitamin in structure.

In either case, a condition similar to true vitamins deficiency is produced. Antimetabolites are useful in producing experimental vitamin deficiencies, especially those deficiency that developed slowly from dietary restriction alone.

Antimetabolites also useful adjuncts in delineating the biochemical pathways in which the vitamin is involved, and in relating metabolic disturbances to symptoms of deficiency.

The use of vitamin metabolites created new opportunities for inducing a studying many aspects of s wide range and variety of malformations and fortuitously led to an avenue of human studies.

A variety of antagonists of vitamins, hormones and cell metabolites had been synthesized after Donald Woods of Oxford University discovered in 1940 that sulfonamides exerted their antibacterial action by antagonizing the role of 4-aminobenzoic acid, a growth factor for  bacteria. Such antagonists were described as antimetabolites.
What are antimetabolites?

Roles of coenzyme Q10 in human body

Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin substance naturally found in all parts of the body the action of which resembles that of vitamin E. It may be an even more powerful antioxidant. It is also called ubiquinone.

Coenzyme Q10 is a fundamental ingredient in the energy production that keeps those trillions of cells running smoothly. A shortage of coenzymes Q10 translates into an energy crunch, with cell running on weak batteries. It aids circulation, stimulates the immune system, increases tissue oxygenation, and has vital anti-aging effects.

Besides generating energy, coenzyme Q10 is one of the body’s most powerful antioxidants. It protects body against radicals, the destructive molecular fragments that cause accelerated aging and degenerative diseases.

Coenzyme Q10 is especially well-known for its ability to prevent cellular damage during and following a heart attack (myocardial ischemia and reperfusion).

There are ten common substances designated coenzyme Qs, but coenzyme Q10 is the only one found in human tissue. Deficiencies of coenzymes Q10 have been linked to periodontal disease, diabetes and muscular dystrophy. Supplemental has ability to counter histamine and therefore beneficial for people with allergies, asthma or respiratory disease.

Coenzyme Q10 is used by many health care professional. To treat anomalies of mental function, such as those associated with schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease. It is also benefiting in fighting obesity, candidiasis, multiple sclerosis and diabetes.

Orally it is used therapeutically in the treatment of various cardiovascular disorders, including angina pectoris, hypertension, high blood cholesterol and congestive heart failure.
Roles of coenzyme Q10 in human body