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Methylation Methionine is first enzymatically converted to S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), the principal methyl donor for methylation of DNA, RNA, protein, phospholipids, creatinine and neurotransmitters. S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) is generated as a product of transmethylation and is hydrolyzed to homocysteine (Hcy) and adenosine through a reversible reaction. SAH is a potent inhibitor of methylation reactions. Efficient removal of adenosine and Hcy is imperative to prevent accumulation of SAH. Hcy is normally removed or recycled by remethylation to methionine through a series of reactions that require 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, B12 and betaine to complete the normal methylation cycle. A low ratio of SAM to SAH is a sensitive indicator of under-methylation. Elevated plasma Hcy is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent research suggests that elevated SAH may be an even better predictor of risk for CVD. Transsulfuration: Methionine > Homocysteine > Cysteine The methionine transsulfuration pathway occurs primarily in the liver and diverts Hcy away from remethylation to methionine toward synthesis of the conditionally essential amino acid cysteine. Homocysteine in the presence of serine and B6 is enzymatically converted to cystathionine and ultimately cysteine. Cysteine is the rate-limiting amino acid in the biosynthesis of quintessential glutathione (GSH). GSH is pivotal in the regulation of intracellular redox homeostasis, oxidative stress, immune function, DNA synthesis and repair, apoptosis and detoxification of metals and chemicals. Methylation Methionine is first enzymatically converted to S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), the principal methyl donor for methylation of DNA, RNA, protein, phospholipids, creatinine and neurotransmitters. S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) is generated as a product of transmethylation and is hydrolyzed to homocysteine (Hcy) and adenosine through a reversible reaction. SAH is a potent inhibitor of methylation reactions. Efficient removal of adenosine and Hcy is imperative to prevent accumulation of SAH. Hcy is normally removed or recycled by remethylation to methionine through a series of reactions that require 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, B12 and betaine to complete the normal methylation cycle. A low ratio of SAM to SAH is a sensitive indicator of under-methylation. Elevated plasma Hcy is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent research suggests that elevated SAH may be an even better predictor of risk for CVD. Transsulfuration: Methionine > Homocysteine > Cysteine The methionine transsulfuration pathway occurs primarily in the liver and diverts Hcy away from remethylation to methionine toward synthesis of the conditionally essential amino acid cysteine. Homocysteine in the presence of serine and B6 is enzymatically converted to cystathionine and ultimately cysteine. Cysteine is the rate-limiting amino acid in the biosynthesis of quintessential glutathione (GSH). GSH is pivotal in the regulation of intracellular redox homeostasis, oxidative stress, immune function, DNA synthesis and repair, apoptosis and detoxification of metals and chemicals.