Inositol Phosphate Roles in the Body and Brain

Inositol phosphate is one of a group of either monophosphoric or polyphosphoric inositol molecules.

Inositol phosphates perform various important duties in the human body and brain. They are vital to human existence.

The diverse duties of inositol phosphates range from accommodating cellular growth and repair to cellular differentiation, from cellular apoptosis to cell migration.

These compounds are integrally important as secondary neurotransmission messengers, and as such are being clinically studied for their capacities to assist treatment or prevention of:

• Cancers
• Heart Disease
• Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, Panic Disorder and many other forms of mental illness
• Diabetes and Stroke
• Obesity
• Atherosclerosis

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What is Inositol?

Inositol was previously classified in the B Vitamin family and was called Vitamin B8. More recent research has determined that while it does share characteristics of the B Vitamins, Inositol does not meet the qualifications of a true vitamin, and it actually a pseudovitamin.

Inositol is a simple alcohol carbohydrate that is similar to glucose. It is readily found in animals and plants; algae too. Its highest concentrations are found in animal organ meats.

It is a cyclic molecule that has six carboxyl groups. The human body synthesizes inositol, mainly in the kidneys, as well as gaining it from ingested foods.

Inositol deficiencies are not common, but in some instances having higher levels may improve mood.

What is a phosphate?

A phosphate is an ester (salt) of a molecule of phosphoric acid. It is an organic compound that has been phosphorized; it becomes phosphoric. The acid group is bonded to either a carboxyl group, or nitrogen, in order to accommodate metabolism.

Phosphorous is one of the most prevalent molecules known, and it is a nutrient that is imperative for all forms of life. Phosphorus is one of the most readily available natural resources, present in the environment, the foods we eat, the water that we drink and even in our genes.

Every time you move or think, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is required. Life would cease without phosphorous and phosphorylated substances.

The Inositol Phosphate Group

Organisms that have cells containing nuclei and organelles are called eukaryotes. Inositol phosphates are utilized as integral secondary neurotransmission messengers in all eukaryotic cells.

An inositol molecule serves as a hydrophobic head for each of the group of inositol phospholipids. The group of inositol phosphates includes:

• Inositol Monophosphate (IP)
• Inositol Monophosphatase (IMPase)
• Inositol Bisphosphate (IP2)
• Inositol Triphosphate (IP3)
• Inositol Pentakisphosphate (IP5)
• Inositol Hexaphosphate (IP6), also called asphytic acid (phytate)

By far, the most studied inositol phosphate molecule is IP3, inositol triphosphate. IP3 is discharged from PIP2 (phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate) via action from phospholipase C. This accommodates the efficient release of calcium ions which have been stored in endoplasmic reticula. Opening calcium channels accommodates efficient neurotransmission.

The Phosphorylation of Inositol

Inositol occurs naturally in forms derived from lipids.

It serves as a chief builder of more than 29 isomeric variations, however it needs to be phosphorylated first. These isomers are utilized to perform various vital roles in all cellular structures throughout the body.

The process of phosphorylation is simply the addition of a phosphate to an organic compound, like a protein or a sugar. Remember that inositol is a cyclic molecule with 6 carboxyl groups.

Inositol phosphates are created when phosphates are added to the inositol molecule in different location variations at those carboxyl terminals.

Each of the inositol phosphates are responsible for a variety of integral psychological and biological functions. They are involved in everything from emulsifying lipids to generating bone marrow to ensuring efficient neurotransmission to helping to grow hair.

The Importance of Inositol Phosphates

The human health significance of inositol and its phosphorylated derivatives cannot be overstated. Inositol is the key constituent necessary for the synthesis of IP3 (inositol triphosphate) and DAG (diacylglycerol). IP3 and DAG are primarily responsible for opening calcium channels to accommodate efficient nerve signaling.

With elevated calcium levels in the signaling systems, neuron-based messages are transduced with streamlined efficiency. All major neurotransmitters including Dopamine, Serotonin, Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, and Acetylcholine rely on inositol and its phosphate group to accommodate their biological functioning requirements.

Inositol phosphates are necessary as secondary nerve signaling messengers. Primary signaling impulses could not reach their intended recipients within cells without inositol. This nutrient also accommodates the manufacturing of the phospholipid bilayers that envelops all eukaryotic cells. Without the inositol phosphate group, cell structures would deteriorate.

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