Repairing the Cell Membrane
The human cell membrane separates the interior of all cells from the outside
environment of the cell called the extracellular matrix.
The fundamental building blocks of all cell membranes are phospholipids.
Phospholipids are a class of lipids that are a major component of all cell
membranes. They can form lipid bilayers because of their amphiphilic
characteristic. The structure of the phospholipid molecule generally consists of
two hydrophobic fatty acid “tails” and a hydrophilic “head”, joined together by a
glycerol molecule.
About 50% of the mass of most cell membranes are composed of phospholipids.
They include:
Phosphatidyl-choline (PC)
Phosphatidyl-ethanolamine (PE)
Phosphatidyl-glycerol(PG) (precursor to Cardiolipin)
Phosphatidyl-inositol (PI)
Phosphatidyl-serine (PS)
Forty percent of the total lipid content of the cell membrane consists of
glycolipids and cholesterol. The glycolipids include:
Digalactosyldiacylglyceride (DGDG)
Monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG)
Adequate intake of phospholipids and glycolipids is important for the integrity of
the cell membranes. A therapy called Lipid Replacement Therapy (LRT®) consists
of replacing the appropriate lipids and glycolipids by oral supplementation. [i]
Lecithin contains a balanced amount of phospholipids and glycolipids. Lecithin
consists of phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine,
phosphatidylinositol, Phosphatidic acid, other minor phospholipids and
glycolipids.
The substances in the Table below have been researched for their ability to
maintain and repair the cell membrane.
Table: Nutraceuticals/Foods/Herbs that Enhance the Function of and
Repair the Cell Membrane
Cell Membrane
Catagory
Nutraceuticals/Foods/Herbs
Reference(s)
Carnosine
1
Taurine
2
Ginko Biloba
3
Phosphatidyl-choline (PC)
4
Phosphatidyl-ethanolamine (PE)
4
Phosphatidyl-glycerol(PG) (precursor to
Cardiolipin)
4
Amino Acids
Herbs
Lipids
Phosphatidyl-inositol (PI)
4
Phosphatidyl-serine (PS)
4
Digalactosyldiacylglyceride (DGDG)
4
Monoglactosyldiacylglyceride (MGDG)
4
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
5
Calcium 2-AEP
6
Chromium Picolinate
7
Germanium (Ge-132)
8
Zinc
9
Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE)
10
Alpha-GPC (Choline)
11
Vitamin E
12
Minerals
Nootropic
Vitamins
A mitochondrion contains outer and inner membranes composed of phospholipid
bilayers and proteins.
The inner and outer mitochondrial membrane contains the major classes of
phospholipids found in all cell membranes:
Phosphatidylcholine (PC)
Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)
Phosphatidylinositol (PI)
Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Phosphatidic acid (PA)
Phosphatidylglycerol (PG), the precursor for Cardiolipin (CL)
The inner mitochondrial membrane can be subject to oxidative damage due to the
presence of a very oxidation-sensitive phospholipid named Cardiolipin which
represents 20% of the total lipid composition of the inner mitochondrial
membrane.
Cardiolipin is functionally required for the electron transport system, and it is
synthesized inside the mitochondria from two phosphatidylglyerol molecules.
The inner mitochondrial membrane can become damaged and altered due to an
increasingly “leaky” membrane. This is caused when Cardiolipin is damaged by
oxidation.
Once the Cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane becomes oxidized, the
membrane become compromised and no longer form a tight ionic/electrical “seal”
or barrier. With the loss of this ionic/electrical barrier the mitochondria losses
electron transport and cellular energy. Ultimately this could result in cell death.
The substances in the Table below have been researched for their ability to
enhance the function of Cardiolipin.
Table: Nutraceuticals that Enhance the Function of Cardiolipin
Cardiolipin
Category
Nutraceuticals
Reference(s)
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
12
Melatonin
13
CDP-Choline
14 15
Amino Acids
Hormones
Vitamins
References:
[i] Nicolson GL, Ellithrope R. Lipid replacement and antioxidant nutritional
therapy for restoring mitochondrial function and reducing fatigue in chronic
fatigue syndrome and other fatiguing illnesses. J. Chronic Fatigue Syndr.
2006;13(1): 57-68.
Ellithorpe RA, Settineri R, Mitchell CA, Jacques B, Ellithorpe E, Nicolson GL.
Lipid replacement therapy drink containing a glycophospholipid formulation
rapidly and significantly reduces fatigue while improving energy and mental
clarity. Funct Food Health Dis. 2011;1(8): 245-254.
Nicolson GL, Ellithorpe R, Ayson-Mitchell C, Jacques B, Settineri R. Lipid
Replacement Therapy with a Glycophospholipid-Antioxidant-Vitamin Formulation
Significantly Reduces Fatigue Within One Week. J Am Nutraceut Assoc.
2010;13(1):10-14.
Piper BF, Dibble SL, Dodd MJ, Weiss MC, Slaughter RE, Paul SM. The revised
Piper Fatigue Scale: psychometric evaluation in women with breast cancer. Oncol
Nurs Forum. 1998;25(4):677-684.
Agadjanyan M, Vasilevko V, Ghochikyan A, Berns P, Kesslak P, Settineri R,
Nicolson GL. Nutritional supplement (NTFactor) restores mitochondrial function
and reduces moderately severe fatigue in aged subjects. J Chronic Fatigue Syndr
2003;11(3):23-26.
Resources:
Allergy Research Group – NTFactor® EnergyLipids Chewables
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