Glycogen serves as a carbohydrate storage molecule, primarily found in muscle, liver and brain. Its breakdown frees up glucose for energy. PLP also catalyzes transamination reactions that are essential for providing amino acids as a substrate for gluconeogenesis, the biosynthesis of glucose. Lipid metabolism
PLP is an essential component of enzymes that facilitate the biosynthesis of sphingolipids. Particularly, the synthesis of ceramide requires PLP. In this reaction, serine is decarboxylated and combined with palmitoyl-CoA to form sphinganine, which is combined with a fatty acyl-CoA to form dihydroceramide. This compound is then further desaturated to form ceramide. In addition, the breakdown of sphingolipids is also dependent on vitamin B6 because sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down sphingosine-1-phosphate, is also PLP-dependent. Hemoglobin synthesis and function
PLP aids in the synthesis of hemoglobin, by serving as a coenzyme for the enzyme aminolevulinic acid synthase. It also binds to two sites on hemoglobin to enhance the oxygen binding of hemoglobin. Gene expression
PLP has been implicated in increasing or decreasing the expression of certain genes. Increased intracellular levels of the vitamin lead to a decrease in the transcription of glucocorticoids. Vitamin B6 deficiency leads to the increased gene expression of albumin mRNA. Also, PLP influences expression of glycoprotein IIb by interacting with various transcription factors; the result is inhibition of platelet aggregation. In plants
Plant synthesis of vitamin B6 contributes to protection from sunlight. Ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) from sunlight stimulates plant growth, but in high amounts can increase production of tissue-damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS), i.e., oxidants.
Surgical excision may be required if its presence is resulting in atrophy of the adrenal glands and the surrounding tissues.In order to acquire better treatment strategies, it is important to further examine, study and discern the distinct molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of endogenous Adrenal Adenomas, hyperplasias, and ACTH-independent Cushings Syndrome to improve the available diagnostic and prognostic markers that can assist clinicians in the management and advance-treatment of such conditions. Prognosis
The long-term outlook for individuals diagnosed with non-functional adrenocortical adenoma is usually excellent. The long-term outlook for individuals diagnosed with functional adrenocortical adenoma is good with early diagnosis and treatment. Epidemiology
Prevalence: Female > Male
More common in adults
Relatively earlier onset in females (ages ≤ 20) than males (ages ≤ 30)
Most common cause of ACTH-independent Cushings syndrome

See also
Hyperplasia
Adrenal tumor
Cushings syndrome
Conns syndrome
Hypercortisolism
Hyperaldosteronism
Hyperandrogenism
Adrenal gland
Adrenal paraganglioma
Adrenal Pheochromocytoma
Adrenal ganglioneuroma

References


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