N-Acetyl Glucosamine and N-Acetyl Galactosamine

Monosaccharides

Essential Monosaccharides

Page 4 of 5

• Page 1: The Eight Essential Monosaccharides
• Page 2: Glucose and Galactose
• Page 3: Mannose and Xylose
• Page 4: N-Acetyl Glucosamine and N-Acetyl Galactosamine
• Page 5: Fucose and N-Acetyl Neuraminic Acid

N-Acetyl Glucosamine

Glucosamine is found in three major forms: glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride and n-acetyl glucosamine. These act differently in the body. Glucosamine (as a supplement) has been studied for treating wear-and-tear of joints because glucosamine is a major component of cartilage. Certain levels of glucosamine are needed in the blood to produce hyaluronic acid (one substance essential to heal skin injuries). Because of this property, glucosamine plays a major role in the healing of surgeries.^[1] It is one of five glyconutrients found in breast milk. It can also be found in shiitake mushrooms. Glucosamine can be biosynthesized from glucose.^[2]

N-Acetyl Galactosamine

N-acetyl galactosamine is derived from glucosamine.^[2] It is the terminal glyconutrient on the antigen of blood group A and is responsible for full serological activity.^[3] N-acetyl galactosamine is essential for intercellular communication and can be found in sensory nerve structures of animals.^[4]

References:

[1] DrugDigest.org. “Glucosamine Sulfate.” Available at: http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/HerbsWho/0,3923,4055|Glucosamine%2BSulfate,00.html.

[2] McMurry, John. Organic Chemistry. 7e. Belmont, CA: Thompson Higher Education, 2008.

[3] Yosizawa, Zensaku. “Serologically Responsible Structure of N-Acetyl-D-Galactosamine for Blood..Group A Activity.” Proceedings of the Japan Academy Vol. 39, Number 3(1963)pp.187-192. Available at: http://www.journalarchive.jst.go.jp/english/jnlabstract_en.php?cdjournal=pjab1945&cdvol=39&noissue=3&startpage=187. Accessed August 12, 2008.

[4] R&S Pharmachem. “N-Acetyl-D-Galactosamine (GalNAc).”
Available at: http://www.rspharmchem.com/acetyl_d_galactosamine.htm.
Accessed August 12, 2008.