Description

Ectoine, also known as 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2-methyl-4-pyrimidine carboxylic acid, is a widely distributed compatible solute accumulated by halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms to prevent osmotic stress in highly saline environments. Ectoine as a highly water-keeping compound stabilizing biomolecules and whole cells can be used in scientific work, cosmetics, and medicine.

Benefits

Ectoines are part of the compatible solute family. These compounds are highly water soluble, mostly electrically neutral (physiological pH), and small organic molecules, which protect cells and macromolecules against extreme environmental stress conditions including desiccation, high or low temperatures, hydrostatic pressure, or high osmolarity. Ectoine and its derivative 5-hydroxyectoine [(4S, 5S)?5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidine-4-carboxylic acid] are representatives of a specialized group of organic osmolytes, the compatible solutes. These types of compounds are widely used by members of each domain of life as effective cytoprotectants, in particular against the detrimental effects caused by high external salinity or osmolarity on cellular hydration, physiology, and growth. The function-preserving properties of these solutes allow their high-level cellular accumulation, a process raising the osmotic potential of the cytoplasm, which then in turn counteracts the high osmolarity-instigated efflux of water from the cell. At the same time, the solvent properties of the crowded cytoplasm are optimized for vital biochemical reactions, so that growth can occur under osmotically unfavorable circumstances. Compatible solutes also serve as stabilizers of proteins, macromolecular assemblies, and even entire cells, both in vitro and in vivo.

As anti-inflammatory drugs

Although the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of ectoine on the formation of ceramides is not understood, it seemed likely to consider a potential anti-inflammatory capacity of ectoine as ceramides are generally accepted as mediators of inflammation. Indeed, ectoine was reported to significantly reduce lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages and primary cultured rat intestinal smooth muscle cells, as well as in human keratinocytes.

Due to the protecting effects of ectoine on epithelial membranes and promising antiinflammatory properties, Abdel-Aziz et al. (2013) tested ectoine in rats with 2,4,6- trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. Their result showed a bell-shaped dose-response (30-300 mg/kg) for ectoine, with the best results at 100 mg/kg. Macroscopically, 100 mg/kg ectoine showed a similar or better result in body weight loss, ulcerative area development (colon), colon mass index, and spleen index, compared to 300 mg/kg sulfasalazine (an effective reference drug in IBD).

Conclusion

Of course, ectoine does more than that. Its broader applications and capabilities are still being investigated, both domestically and internationally.

References

[1] BethlehemLukas, van Echten-DeckertGerhild. “Ectoines as novel anti-inflammatory and tissue protective lead compounds with special focus on inflammatory bowel disease and lung inflammation.” Pharmacological research (2021).

[2] CzechLaura. “Illuminating the catalytic core of ectoine synthase through structural and biochemical analysis.” Scientific Reports (2019).