MOLECULE

Argininosuccinic acid

Argininosuccinic acid, also known as L-argininosuccinate or ASA, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as aspartic acid and derivatives. Aspartic acid and derivatives are compounds containing an aspartic acid or a derivative thereof resulting from reaction of aspartic acid at the amino group or the carboxy group, or from the replacement of any hydrogen of glycine by a heteroatom. Argininosuccinic acid is a very strong basic compound (based on its pKa). Argininosuccinic acid exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to humans. Within humans, argininosuccinic acid participates in a number of enzymatic reactions. In particular, argininosuccinic acid can be converted into fumaric acid and L-arginine; which is catalyzed by the enzyme argininosuccinate lyase. In addition, argininosuccinic acid can be biosynthesized from citrulline and L-aspartic acid; which is mediated by the enzyme argininosuccinate synthase. Argininosuccinic acid in affected individuals is excreted by the kidney at a rate practically equivalent to the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). In humans, argininosuccinic acid is involved in the metabolic disorder called argininemia. Argininosuccinic acid is a precursor to fumarate in the citric acid cycle via Argininosuccinic acid lyase. Argininosuccinic acid is a potentially toxic compound. Argininosuccinic acid, with regard to humans, has been found to be associated with the diseases such as argininosuccinyl-coa lyase deficiency; argininosuccinic acid has also been linked to several inborn metabolic disorders including argininosuccinic aciduria and argininemia. Argininosuccinic acid (ASA) lyase deficiency results in defective cleavage of ASA. Extreme symptoms include coma and cerebral edema. Argininosuccinic acid is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.