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Kaye · 08-13-2006, 09:44 PM

Sherry, not sure why this post did not come through--thought it did and actually sent it before other one came through that WAS posted.
I thought you might find it of possible interest--a way to reduce ammonia levels through with something called alpha-ketoglutaric acid that, from what I can gather, can be purchased in a health foods store. I don't know anything about it but thought you might find it of possible interest--see below. I also did a google search on "ammonia reduction" and cancer and had posted that address also--am not sending that now--just first article'
"http://www.drwardbond.com/index.asp?cat=105766

"Alpha-ketoglutaric acid (a-KG) is a naturally-occurring chemical, formed primarily as part of the citric acid cycle inside cells. One of its most important functions is to detoxify ammonia from tissues of the central nervous system. In the brain and central nervous system, alpha-keto combines with ammonia to form glutamic acid and then glutamine. Glutamine crosses the brain-blood barrier and transports the ammonia out of the brain. Alpha-ketoglutaric also scavenges nitrogen released by the catabolism of amino acids, thereby balancing the body’s nitrogen chemistry and preventing nitrogen overload in body tissues and fluids.

As a result of excessive protein ingestion or poor amino acid metabolism, excess nitrogen and ammonia can accumulate in cell tissue. Bacterial infections and intestinal dysbiosis can also elevate ammonia levels in the body. High levels of ammonia or nitrogen in the body can deplete the supply of alpha-keto, allowing ammonia to reach toxic levels. The consequences of excess ammonia (hyperammonemia) may include headaches (migraine), fatigue, irritability, nausea, and diarrhea. Ammonia can attack lipid membranes such as the myelin sheath of neurons. Chronically elevated ammonia in brain tissues can lead to mental confusion and decreased cognitive abilities.

Individuals with high protein intake, problems in nitrogen detoxification or intestinal dysbiosis may benefit from supplemental alpha-ketoglutaric as a central nervous system detoxifier.

Other conditions associated with elevated ammonia levels include:

Autism Spectrum disorders
Excess aluminum exposure
Magnesium deficiency
Manganese deficiency
Liver disease (cirrhosis)
Reyes syndrome
Urea cycle dysfunctions
Exposure to toxic nitrogen chemicals such as amines, hydrazines, ammonium compounds

Other functions of alpha-ketoglutaric which may suffer as a result of depletion include:

Production of cellular energy via the chemical transfer of energy during the citric acid cycle. (Alpha-ketoglutaric has been found to be helpful in alleviating fatigue and increasing stamina.) Formation of carnitine, necessary for proper metabolism of fats. (Inadequate carnitine may result in elevated triglycerides.) Formation of a biologically active coenyzme form of vitamin B3.

Research and applications

Jon Pangborn, Ph.D. first introduced alpha-ketoglutaric acid to the nutritional supplement industry in 1981. As a result of his published research on the citric acid cycle and on nitrogen detoxification, he saw the need for a nutrient that was effective in reducing ammonia levels in individuals with high protein intake or with problems in nitrogen detoxification. Dr. Pangborns original application for alpha-ketoglutaric acid was for excessive nitrogen or ammonia that may occur in some autistic children. Because toxicity in general is a component of autism, he suggested that alpha-ketoglutaric acid could be nutritionally beneficial in some cases.

Dr. Arthur Hume is a toxicologist and professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Hume, in conjunction with his fellow researchers at the University of Mississippi, conducted experiments with lab animals on the effectiveness of utilizing orally administered alpha-ketoglutaric acid alone or in combination with N-acetylcysteine in reducing the lethal effects of potassium cyanide. The mechanism of action Dr. Hume proposed was that AKG binds cyanide in the blood circulation.

Recently, Dr. William Shaw of Great Plains Laboratory has suggested that some autistics have citric acid cycle mimics in their gut, produced by dysbiotic flora as is evidenced by laboratory evaluation. Dr. Shaw found these organic acid interferants in his laboratory studies of urine from autistic individuals and has lectured on his findings.

Selected References

Dulaney M., Whitney S., Hume A.S., "Protection Against Cyanide (CN) Toxicity by Prior Oral Administration of Alpha-Ketoglutaric Acid (a-KG)", Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi, Jackson, MS (1987). Ganrot, P.O., "Metabolism and Possible Health Effects of Aluminum", Environmental Health Perspectives, 1986; 65: pp.363-441. Kjellman, Ulf., et al., "A-ketoglurate for Myocardial Protection in Heart Surgery", Lancet 1995;345: 552-553. Lehninger, A.L., Biochemistry, 2nd ed., Worth Publishers (1975) , pp. 562-566. Moore, S.J. and Hume A.S., "The Prophylactic Efficacy of A-Ketoglutarate in Reduction of Lethality Due to the Inhalation of Gaseous Pyrolysis Products of Polyacrylonitrile", Dept. Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS (1986). Moore, S.J., Norris, J.C., et al., "Efficacy of a-Ketoglutaric Acid in Antagonism of Cyanide Intoxication", Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 1986;82: 40-44. Norris, J.C. and Hume A.S., "Antagonism of Sodium Nitroprusside-Induced Lethality by a-Ketoglutaric Acid, Dept. Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS (1985). Yamamoto, H-A, "Hyperammonemia, Increased Brain Neutral and Aromatic Amino Acid Levels, and Encephalopathy Induced by Cyanide in Mice", Toxicol. App. Pharmacol. 1989; 99: 415-420."

08-13-2006, 09:44 PM	#20
Kaye Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 52	Sherry, not sure why this post did not come through--thought it did and actually sent it before other one came through that WAS posted. I thought you might find it of possible interest--a way to reduce ammonia levels through with something called alpha-ketoglutaric acid that, from what I can gather, can be purchased in a health foods store. I don't know anything about it but thought you might find it of possible interest--see below. I also did a google search on "ammonia reduction" and cancer and had posted that address also--am not sending that now--just first article' "http://www.drwardbond.com/index.asp?cat=105766 "Alpha-ketoglutaric acid (a-KG) is a naturally-occurring chemical, formed primarily as part of the citric acid cycle inside cells. One of its most important functions is to detoxify ammonia from tissues of the central nervous system. In the brain and central nervous system, alpha-keto combines with ammonia to form glutamic acid and then glutamine. Glutamine crosses the brain-blood barrier and transports the ammonia out of the brain. Alpha-ketoglutaric also scavenges nitrogen released by the catabolism of amino acids, thereby balancing the body’s nitrogen chemistry and preventing nitrogen overload in body tissues and fluids. As a result of excessive protein ingestion or poor amino acid metabolism, excess nitrogen and ammonia can accumulate in cell tissue. Bacterial infections and intestinal dysbiosis can also elevate ammonia levels in the body. High levels of ammonia or nitrogen in the body can deplete the supply of alpha-keto, allowing ammonia to reach toxic levels. The consequences of excess ammonia (hyperammonemia) may include headaches (migraine), fatigue, irritability, nausea, and diarrhea. Ammonia can attack lipid membranes such as the myelin sheath of neurons. Chronically elevated ammonia in brain tissues can lead to mental confusion and decreased cognitive abilities. Individuals with high protein intake, problems in nitrogen detoxification or intestinal dysbiosis may benefit from supplemental alpha-ketoglutaric as a central nervous system detoxifier. Other conditions associated with elevated ammonia levels include: Autism Spectrum disorders Excess aluminum exposure Magnesium deficiency Manganese deficiency Liver disease (cirrhosis) Reyes syndrome Urea cycle dysfunctions Exposure to toxic nitrogen chemicals such as amines, hydrazines, ammonium compounds Other functions of alpha-ketoglutaric which may suffer as a result of depletion include: Production of cellular energy via the chemical transfer of energy during the citric acid cycle. (Alpha-ketoglutaric has been found to be helpful in alleviating fatigue and increasing stamina.) Formation of carnitine, necessary for proper metabolism of fats. (Inadequate carnitine may result in elevated triglycerides.) Formation of a biologically active coenyzme form of vitamin B3. Research and applications Jon Pangborn, Ph.D. first introduced alpha-ketoglutaric acid to the nutritional supplement industry in 1981. As a result of his published research on the citric acid cycle and on nitrogen detoxification, he saw the need for a nutrient that was effective in reducing ammonia levels in individuals with high protein intake or with problems in nitrogen detoxification. Dr. Pangborns original application for alpha-ketoglutaric acid was for excessive nitrogen or ammonia that may occur in some autistic children. Because toxicity in general is a component of autism, he suggested that alpha-ketoglutaric acid could be nutritionally beneficial in some cases. Dr. Arthur Hume is a toxicologist and professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Hume, in conjunction with his fellow researchers at the University of Mississippi, conducted experiments with lab animals on the effectiveness of utilizing orally administered alpha-ketoglutaric acid alone or in combination with N-acetylcysteine in reducing the lethal effects of potassium cyanide. The mechanism of action Dr. Hume proposed was that AKG binds cyanide in the blood circulation. Recently, Dr. William Shaw of Great Plains Laboratory has suggested that some autistics have citric acid cycle mimics in their gut, produced by dysbiotic flora as is evidenced by laboratory evaluation. Dr. Shaw found these organic acid interferants in his laboratory studies of urine from autistic individuals and has lectured on his findings. Selected References Dulaney M., Whitney S., Hume A.S., "Protection Against Cyanide (CN) Toxicity by Prior Oral Administration of Alpha-Ketoglutaric Acid (a-KG)", Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi, Jackson, MS (1987). Ganrot, P.O., "Metabolism and Possible Health Effects of Aluminum", Environmental Health Perspectives, 1986; 65: pp.363-441. Kjellman, Ulf., et al., "A-ketoglurate for Myocardial Protection in Heart Surgery", Lancet 1995;345: 552-553. Lehninger, A.L., Biochemistry, 2nd ed., Worth Publishers (1975) , pp. 562-566. Moore, S.J. and Hume A.S., "The Prophylactic Efficacy of A-Ketoglutarate in Reduction of Lethality Due to the Inhalation of Gaseous Pyrolysis Products of Polyacrylonitrile", Dept. Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS (1986). Moore, S.J., Norris, J.C., et al., "Efficacy of a-Ketoglutaric Acid in Antagonism of Cyanide Intoxication", Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 1986;82: 40-44. Norris, J.C. and Hume A.S., "Antagonism of Sodium Nitroprusside-Induced Lethality by a-Ketoglutaric Acid, Dept. Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS (1985). Yamamoto, H-A, "Hyperammonemia, Increased Brain Neutral and Aromatic Amino Acid Levels, and Encephalopathy Induced by Cyanide in Mice", Toxicol. App. Pharmacol. 1989; 99: 415-420."