Do you know the use of adenosine and guanosine? | Detailed Explanation

At the beginning of this article, we will introduce some basic information about adenosine and guanosine. Adenosine is a compound composed of N-9 of adenine and C-1 of D-ribose by β-glucoside bond. Its phosphate is adenosine acid. 

Adenosine is an endogenous nucleoside all over human cells and can directly enter the myocardium and be phosphorylated to produce adenosine, which takes part in myocardial energy metabolism, as well as in the expansion of coronary blood vessels and the increase of blood flow. Adenosine is a vital intermediate used in the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenine, and adenosine arabine.

What is guanosine? It is a kind of nucleoside that is composed of guanine and ribose rings connected by a β-N9-ligand bond. After phosphorylation, guanosine becomes guanosine monophosphate (GMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), or guanosine triphosphate (GTP). If guanosine is linked to deoxyribose, deoxyguanosine will be generated. Guanosine is widely used as a key intermediate in food and pharmaceutical products.

The application of adenosine and guanosine

1. The use of adenosine in the medical aspect

Adenosine is an antiarrhythmic agent that converts paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia into sinus rhythm. Adenosine is always used for supraventricular arrhythmias associated with atrioventricular and is applied to treat angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, coronary artery insufficiency, cerebrovascular disorders, stroke sequelae can be used, etc. 

Adenosine can also be used for biochemical research. After tissue damage, adenosine can interfere with the synthesis of viral nucleic acids in the skin and is an active component of traditional Chinese medicine, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

2.The use of adenosine in the beauty field

2.1 Adenosine is used as anti-wrinkle products

Adenosine can replenish skin energy, significantly improve skin elasticity, promote skin cell metabolism, prevent skin tissue relaxation, reorganize skin structure, and restore skin elasticity by tightening and narrowing pores.

2.2 Adenosine is used to whiten Skin 

Melanin is produced by melanocytes located in the basal layer of the epidermis. Melanocytes account for about 10% of the basal cells. Each melanocyte uses dendritic processes to reach into the adjacent basal cells and acanthocytes to transport melanin particles. Adenosine can restrain the activity of B16 melanocytes, leading to melanocytes being unable to produce melanin, which can stop the production of black from the root. So adenosine can be used for whitening.

3. The use of guanosine in the medicine and food field

In the field of pharmaceutical industry, guanosine is mainly used as an important intermediate for the synthesis of ribavirin, acyclovir, and other nucleoside antiviral drugs. It is also the main raw material for the manufacture of cyclone nucleoside (Acyclovir), riboside thiazolium (ATC), anti-cancer drug flatiron, and other drugs.

In the field of food industry, guanine nucleoside is the main raw material of guanine nucleotide disodium, which is mixed with inosine disodium for short I+G, and added to MSG is the second and third generation MSG, which has a very promising market. At present, the demand for guanine nucleoside is increasing at a rate of 10% to 20% per year.

Precautions for the use of adenosine and guanosine

There are some side effects when using adenosine, such as facial flushing, chest tightness, and dyspnea. This is mainly related to the vasodilation of adenosine and the temporary bronchoconstriction, but most of which are relieved by themselves within 30 seconds. So we just need to do some explanation and comfort.

For active asthma patients, adenosine is prohibited. In patients with severe hypotension, adenosine can lead to further lowering of blood pressure and even shock, so for these patients, adenosine should be used very carefully.

Guanosine can be decomposed by phosphatase to lose taste, so it should not be used in fresh food. This can be used by heating the food to about 85 degrees Celsius after passivating the enzyme. Guanosine is rarely used alone and can be used in combination with sodium glutamate (MSG). When mixed, its dosage is about 1% to 5% of the total amount of MSG.

Conclusion: 

This brings us to conclude our essay on the topic of “adenosine and guanosine”. Both adenosine and guanosine can be used in the medical field, but they target different diseases. Sometimes, adenosine will produce side effects in the treatment of some diseases, so we should pay attention to using it. In addition, adenosine is also very important in the beauty field.