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1. Basic Information

• Chemical Name: L-Biopterin (also known as 6-Biopterin, L-erythro-Biopterin).
• CAS Number: 22150-76-1.
• Molecular Formula: C₉H₁₁N₅O₃.
• Molecular Weight: 237.22 g/mol.
• Structure: A pteridine derivative, it is the oxidized form of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH₄).

2. Biological Functions

• Cofactor for Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS): L-Biopterin is essential for the activity of NOS enzymes, which generate nitric oxide (NO)—a key signaling molecule in vasodilation, neurotransmission, and immune response.
• Neurotransmitter Synthesis: It acts as a cofactor for aromatic amino acid hydroxylases, facilitating the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.
• Metabolic Regulation: Involved in phenylalanine metabolism through its role in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) pathway.

3. Physiological and Pathological Roles

• Physiological Functions:
  • Vascular Tone: Regulates blood pressure by modulating NO production.
  • Immune Response: Influences inflammation and immune cell function.
  • Melanogenesis: Participates in pigmentation by regulating tyrosinase activity.
• Pathological Implications:
  • Vitiligo: Elevated levels in vitiligo patients’ epidermis suggest a role in melanocyte dysfunction.
  • Cardiovascular Diseases: Dysregulation of NOS activity due to BH₄/L-Biopterin imbalance contributes to hypertension and atherosclerosis.
  • Neurodegenerative Disorders: Linked to dopamine depletion in Parkinson’s disease and serotonin/norepinephrine imbalances in depression.

4. Clinical and Research Applications

• Therapeutic Potential:
  • BH₄ Deficiency Disorders: L-Biopterin serves as a precursor to BH₄, which is used to treat conditions like phenylketonuria (PKU) and dopa-responsive dystonia.
  • Cardiovascular Diseases: Under investigation for its role in improving endothelial function and reducing oxidative stress.
• Research Tools:
  • Biomarker: L-Biopterin levels correlate with NOS activity and disease states, making it useful for diagnostic and prognostic purposes.
  • Drug Development: Synthetic analogs and derivatives are being explored to enhance stability and bioavailability.

5. Safety and Toxicity

• Cytotoxicity: In vitro studies show L-Biopterin is highly toxic to human melanocytes (IC₅₀ = 0.2 μM after 48 hours), though this is mitigated in vivo by rapid reduction to BH₄.
• Metabolic Dependence: Its function relies on enzymes like dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR); genetic deficiencies in these enzymes can lead to pathologies.

6. Detection and Analysis

• Analytical Methods: Quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry (MS), or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).
• Biological Samples: Typically measured in plasma, urine, or tissue extracts to assess NOS activity or metabolic disorders.

7. Synthesis and Availability

• Chemical Synthesis: Produced via pteridine ring modification and oxidation reactions.
• Commercial Sources: Available from vendors like Cayman Chemical, Sigma-Aldrich, and GlpBio, with purities ranging from 95% to ≥98%.

8. Future Directions

• Therapeutic Expansion: Further exploration of L-Biopterin and its derivatives in treating metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Mechanistic Insights: Elucidating its role in cell signaling pathways and metabolic regulation to identify novel therapeutic targets.