Spermidine

Spermidine is a natural polyamine that stimulates autophagy (the cell's self-cleaning) in cell and animal models, including mitophagy (breakdown of damaged mitochondria). It is described in connection with protecting DNA from oxidation. Levels fall with age. Measured in Prevent 360.

What spermidine does in the body

Spermidine is one of the polyamines, small molecules with several positively charged amino groups. Cells make it from the amino acid ornithine: ornithine decarboxylase produces putrescine from it, to which spermidine synthase attaches a building block from S-adenosylmethionine. In addition, spermidine comes from food and is produced by gut bacteria. Because of its charge it binds to DNA, RNA and membranes and stabilises them; it is needed for cell growth and division. Spermidine is also the only source of hypusine, a special modification of the protein factor eIF5A without which certain proteins cannot be made. In cell and animal models, spermidine stimulates autophagy by inhibiting the enzyme EP300, which slows autophagy proteins through acetylation.

Low spermidine – what happens in the body?

Spermidine content falls in various tissues over the years. In cell and animal models, less spermidine was associated with dampened autophagy: damaged proteins and worn-out mitochondria were broken down and recycled more slowly, and less eIF5A was given hypusine, which affected, among other things, the production of proteins for breakdown processes in immune cells. How far these findings can be transferred to humans is still being researched. Low values can also arise with a low intake, an altered gut flora or high consumption in tissues with a lot of cell division.

High spermidine – what happens in the body?

A high value reflects a plentiful intake, strong production by gut bacteria or increased own production; tissues in growth, regeneration or wound healing produce more polyamines via ornithine decarboxylase. The body keeps the polyamine content of cells within narrow limits: excess spermidine is tagged by spermidine/spermine acetyltransferase and broken down via polyamine oxidase or exported. This breakdown produces hydrogen peroxide and reactive aldehydes, which can trigger oxidative stress when a great deal is converted. Polyamines are excreted via the kidneys; with reduced kidney function, blood levels can rise.

The interpretation is given in your report.