麦角硫因机体内的分布与代谢和其在疾病中的作用研究进展

麦角硫因是一种稀有的天然氨基酸类强抗氧化剂，由放线菌、蓝细菌、部分真菌（例如链霉菌、分枝杆菌等）和蘑菇等微生物合成。动物（包括人类）和植物自身不能在体内合成麦角硫因，植物可通过根系从土壤中吸收微生物合成的麦角硫因，而动物可从食物中吸收和积累麦角硫因。人体通过有机阳离子转运蛋白1型从食物中吸收麦角硫因，其广泛分布于人体的细胞和组织中。已有大量研究报道了麦角硫因的合成、自然界中的分布、化学性质、生理功能和其作为抗氧化剂的特性。尽管研究证明麦角硫因在体外具有明显的抗氧化活性和细胞保护作用，但对其在体内的生理功能研究仍有限。本文旨在综述麦角硫因的独特性质、生物合成以及预防疾病的潜力。

Recent Advances in Understanding the in Vivo Distribution and Metabolism of Ergothioneine and Its Roles in Disease Prevention

Ergothioneine (EGT), a naturally occurring amino acid with strong antioxidant property, is produced by only a few microorganisms, including Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and some fungi like Streptomyces and Mycobacteria. Although EGT cannot be synthesized in animals (including human) and plants, plants can absorb EGT synthesized by microorganisms from the soil through their roots, while animals can absorb and accumulate dietary EGT. EGT is easily absorbed by the human body via the organic cation transporter 1 (OCTN1) and is widely distributed in human cells and tissues. Numerous studies have elucidated the biosynthesis, distribution, chemical properties, and antioxidant activity of EGT. Despite intensive efforts in investigating its antioxidant and cytoprotective capacity in vitro against a variety of oxidative stresses, its physiological roles and potential mechanisms of action in vivo have not been fully determined yet. This review aims to elucidate the unique properties and biosynthesis of EGT as well as its potential as a therapeutic agent in the prevention of diseases.