Ectoin ( 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2-methyl-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid ) is an organic substance that is part of the group of compatible solutions. Among other things, ectoin is produced by halophilic (salt-loving) bacteria . Thus, these bacteria are protected from extreme environmental conditions, for example, from strong temperature fluctuations, high salt concentrations, drying and UV radiation. Thanks to ectoin, extremophilic organisms can survive under stressful conditions.
| Ectoin | |
|---|---|
| Are common | |
| Systematic name | Ectoin |
| Traditional names | 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro- (S) -2-methyl-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid |
| Chem. formula | C₆H₁₀N₂O₂ |
| Physical properties | |
| condition | solid [1] |
| Molar mass | 142.16 g / mol |
| Thermal properties | |
| T. melt. | 280 ° C |
| Chemical properties | |
| Solubility in water | 568.8 g • l− |
| Classification | |
| Reg. CAS number | 96702-03-3 |
| PubChem | |
| Smiles | |
| Inchi | |
| Chebi | and |
| ChemSpider | |
Content
Being in nature
Ectoin is one of the most widely used compatible solutions. It was first discovered in the purple bacterium Halorhodospira halochloris (formerly called Ectothiorhodospira halochloris, hence the name ectoine), a member of the genus Methylobacterium , which originates from a salt lake in Wadi El Natrun , Egypt (Skitskaya Desert). Today it is known that ectoin is found in most gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. To compensate for the osmolytic effect at high salt concentrations and to prevent water loss, these extremophilic bacteria produce ectoin in the cytoplasm , partially in very high concentrations. At the same time, on the one hand, ectoin is used to regulate osmotic stress, on the other hand, it protects and stabilizes proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids and cell membranes without penetrating the bacteria metabolism.
Getting
Ectoin is obtained in the process of fermentation, in a chemical and enzymatic manner. On an industrial scale, ectoine is produced in the process of fermentation. For this, a specific strain of halophilic bacteria Halomonas elongata, previously not subjected to genetic engineering changes, is used. Purification is carried out using micro / ultrafiltration, electrodialysis and chromatography. The production of ectoin in industrial volumes is carried out by German pharmaceutical companies.
Application
Ectoin is used in medical products and in cosmetics. The effect that ectoine has on bacteria can be applied to human skin, mucous membranes and lipids. As in bacteria, ectoin stabilizes the natural structure of biopolymers such as proteins , nucleic acids and biomembranes, and also protects the skin and mucous membranes from the damage caused by stress factors such as UV radiation, dryness, fine dust or allergens, reduces the harm done. In addition, ectoin is also used to stabilize biologically active substances, for example, proteins, nucleic acids or cells. Using ectoin, biologically active substances are protected during storage (for example, freezing / thawing), and antibodies and enzymes are stabilized in basic solutions and in diluted working solutions (for example, PCR).
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of the physical action of ectoine is very well understood. The peculiarity of ectoin is that it surrounds itself and neighboring proteins or cell membranes with a layer of water (preferential exclusion). [2] Numerous studies have proven that this layer of water is very stable. Ectoine itself does not enter into compounds with proteins, nor can it penetrate into cells. Due to the formation of a layer of water, ectoine stabilizes cell membranes and lipids, improves their mobility. Proteins are stabilized in their natural structure.
Application in medical products
Clinical studies have shown that, along with the stabilizing effect that ectoine has on biomolecules, it also has anti-inflammatory properties. In view of this, ectoin is used in the medical industry in preparations against irritation and inflammatory diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. This includes diseases such as colds, [3] allergies, [4] respiratory diseases, [5] dry nose and eyes, mucositis, itching or inflammation of the external auditory canal, as well as inflammatory skin diseases [6] , for example, neurodermatitis, psoriasis or eczema.
In pharmacies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, you can buy ectoin-containing nasal sprays, eye drops or creams. In Ukraine and Georgia - ectoin-containing nasal sprays and eye drops with ectoine.
Contraindications
With increased sensitivity to ectoin, ectoin-containing preparations can not be used.
Undesirable effects of drugs
Ectoin-containing drugs are well tolerated. To date, there is no data on the re-occurrence or sustained action of side effects.
Ectoin in Ophthalmology
In clinical trials conducted in Germany, it was proved that eye drops containing 2% ectoine solution can be safely used in patients with allergic conjunctivitis. According to doctors, the effectiveness of these drugs was as good as those with azelastine, and the minimum number of adverse events reflects a very good safety profile of the treatment methods used. [7] Drops for eyes with a lower content of ectoine are actively used to treat dry eye syndrome.
The following ectoin-containing nasal sprays, eye drops or creams can be purchased at German pharmacies:
- Nasal spray: Olynth® Ectomed, Johnson & Johnson
- Eye Drops: Hylo® Protect, Ursapharm
- Cream: Ectoin® Dermatitis Cream 7%, Merusal Health Care, MedEctoin® Syxyl, Syxyl / Klosterfrau
The following medicines are sold in Swiss pharmacies:
- Nose Spray: Triofan®
- Eye Drops: Triofan®
- Cream: Sanadermil® EctoinAcute Creme, Sanadermil® EctoinCare Creme
In Austrian pharmacies you can buy Hylo® Protect, Ursapharm eye drops.
The following medicines are sold in pharmacies in Ukraine:
- Eye drops: EYE-t® Ektoin, EYE-t® Ektoin Pro, FARMAPLANT FABRIKATION CHEMISCHER PRODUKTE GMBH , authorized representative in Ukraine - PHARMAPLANT UKRAINE LLC
- Nose spray: Aqua Maris® Sens In Russian pharmacies: Aqua Maris Ectoin
Features of use during pregnancy
| 1 trimester | 2 trimester | 3 trimester |
|---|---|---|
| Allowed in the absence of allergies . | It can be used, but if you have an allergy, stop using it and consult a doctor. | Allowed if there is no individual intolerance. [eight] |
Sources
- ↑ Datenblatt Data sheet (PDF file; 33 kB) Ectoin, Sigma-Aldrich, date of inquiry: November 21, 2011.
- ↑ Arakawa T, Timasheff SN (1985) The stabilization of proteins by osmolytes. Biophys J. Mar 47 (3): 411-414.
- ↑ Eichel A, Wittig J, Sha-Hosseini K, Mösges R. (2013) A prospective, controlled study of SNS01 (ectoine nasal spray) compared to BNO-101 (phytotherapeutic dragées) in patients with acute rhinosinusitis. CMRO
- ↑ Sonnemann, U. and Sonne. (2013) Die nächste Generation der natürlichen Heuschnupfen-Produkte. pharmaJournal, 36. (GENERIC)
- ↑ Unfried K, Sydlik U, Peuschel H, Albrecht C, Bilstein A, Krutmann J. (2010) The compatible solute ectoine prevents neutrophilic lung inflammation induced by environmental model nanoparticles in vivo [Abstract]. European Respiratory Journal 36.
- ↑ Marini A, Reinelt K, Krutmann J, Bilstein A. (2014) Ectoine-Containing Cream in the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized, Comparator-Controlled, Intra-Individual Double-Blind, Multi-Center Trial. Skin Pharmacol Physiol 27: 57-65
- ↑ http://www.likar.info/oftalmologiya/article-69518-k-voprosu-lecheniya-allergicheskih-konyunktivitov/ Skripnik R.L., MD On the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis
- ↑ Aqua Maris® instructions for use during pregnancy (Russian) , Children's site for Toddlers info (July 12, 2017). Date of treatment July 24, 2017.
Technology for the synthesis of ectoine by strains of aerobic halophilic bacteria