Galactoflavin

Chemical compound From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Galactoflavin is a synthetic compound and riboflavin (vitamin B2) antagonist and antimetabolite. It is a biochemical tool used primarily in research to induce riboflavin deficiency in animal models and humans. It is structurally similar to riboflavin, where the ribose-derived side chain is replaced by a galactose-derived group.

Quick facts Names, Identifiers ...
Galactoflavin
Names
IUPAC name
7,8-Dimethyl-10-[(2S,3R,4S,5R)-2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexyl]benzo[g]pteridine-2,4-dione
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
UNII
  • InChI=1S/C18H22N4O7/c1-7-3-9-10(4-8(7)2)22(5-11(24)14(26)15(27)12(25)6-23)16-13(19-9)17(28)21-18(29)20-16/h3-4,11-12,14-15,23-27H,5-6H2,1-2H3,(H,21,28,29)/t11-,12+,14+,15-/m0/s1
    Key: RPADDAUXKBBASM-MXYBEHONSA-N
  • CC1=CC2=C(C=C1C)N(C3=NC(=O)NC(=O)C3=N2)C[C@@H]([C@H]([C@H]([C@@H](CO)O)O)O)O
Properties
C18H22N4O7
Molar mass 406.395 g·mol−1
Appearance Yellow solid
Melting point 260 °C (500 °F; 533 K) (dec)
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Chemical properties

Galactoflavin's chemical formula is C18H22N4O7 and has a molecular weight of 406.40 g/mol. Galactoflavin appears as yellow crystals that decompose at 260 °C and exhibit absorption maxima at 223, 267, 370, and 445 nm.[1] It displays yellow-green fluorescence in water.[1]

Biological activity

As a riboflavin analog, galactoflavin competes with riboflavin in metabolic pathways, leading to depletion of riboflavin-containing coenzymes such as flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) in tissues such as liver and kidney.[2] This antagonism results in riboflavin deficiency symptoms that are reversible with excess riboflavin supplementation. In rats, galactoflavin feeding reduces flavin content in mitochondria and affects oxidative phosphorylation.[3]

The antiriboflavin effect of galactoflavin was first demonstrated in 1945 and was found to produce riboflavin deficiency in rats reversible by excess riboflavin.[4]

In humans, galactoflavin rapidly induces riboflavin deficiency, with clinical signs including anemia, glossitis, angular stomatitis, and dermatitis appearing within weeks.[5]

Research uses

Galactoflavin has been employed to study the effects of riboflavin deficiency on growth, enzyme activity, and congenital malformations.[6][7][8] In pregnant rats, it induces multiple congenital abnormalities in embryos, including cardiovascular defects and hydrocephalus, by disrupting terminal electron transport systems. It has also been investigated for potential antitumor effects due to its ability to cause regression of tumors in rodents through riboflavin deficiency.

In mice, dietary galactoflavin affects hepatocyte ultrastructure.[9] It impairs adrenal ascorbic acid response to stress in rats.[10]

References

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