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Adenosine triphosphate

ATP was discovered in 1929 by the German biochemist and physiologist Karl Lohmann. Adenosine triphosphate is a molecule belonging to the mononucleotide group, which contains energy-rich phosphate residues bound via anhydride bonds and thus serves as the main energy store within cells.

Chemical structure

Adenosine triphosphate consists of the molecule adenine, which is bound to the five-membered sugar ribose via an O-glycosidic bond. At the 5'-end of the sugar molecule is a triphosphate residue, the first phosphate group of which is bound as an ester and the other two as anhydrides.

Synthesis

The molecule can be formed from ATP by simple phosphorylation or from adenosine via three phosphorylation steps. The activated phosphate residues required for this either come from other energy-rich molecules such as creatine phosphate or some metabolites of glycolysis (substrate chain phosphorylation) or are attached to the molecule within the mitochondria as part of the respiratory chain (oxidative phosphorylation) using FADH2 and NADH.

Physiology

The organism can use about half of the absorbed energy to provide energy for various metabolic processes; the synthesis of ATP plays the central role: after the citrate cycle in the mitochondria, redox equivalents in the form of NADH and FADH2 are formed and then consumed by the enzymes of the respiratory chain for the formation of adenosine triphosphate.

Utilization

The largest proportion of ATP consumption is for the active transport of ions through the cell membrane, but adenosine triphosphate is also used for the synthesis of biological molecules, the transport of particles within the cell or the movement of cellular components or muscles.

Regulation

The regulation of the ATP concentration within the cells is of central importance for the organism. It is subject to various mechanisms:

  • The decrease in the concentration of ATP directly or indirectly increases the activity of enzymes of glycogen and fat breakdown as well as glycolysis; there is an increased production of energy from stored energy reserves.
  • In contrast, an increase in ATP levels leads to the inhibition of energy-providing reactions and an increase in energy stores (e.g. glycogen or fat) in various tissues.

Requirements in sport

Adenosine triphosphate is sometimes referred to as the "energy currency of the body" or "high energy compound". ATP, as the name suggests, contains three phosphate groups. The energy in the phosphate compound is greater than the energy in most other chemical compounds. The body uses ATP for its own energy circulation, to build body structures and for other tasks as needed. ATP is the primary fuel for the muscles. It is usually obtained from a creatine supplement. Numerous studies have concluded that supplementing with keratin increases lean mass, physical performance and muscle morphology in response to resistance training. Fatigue during short, high-intensity exercise is due to the inability of skeletal muscle to maintain a high level of anaerobic ATP. Clinical studies show an improvement in performance due to a parallel improvement in ATP resynthesis during exercise. Other studies also provide evidence that energy metabolism and O2-induced pulmonary vasodilation is accompanied by an increase in ATP levels. Many study participants who improved their strength levels and felt better also appeared to benefit from ATP supplementation.

Safety and side effects

Adenosine appears to be safe and harmless when injected by a physician. Possible side effects include breathing problems and chest pain, especially when high doses are administered. Other possible side effects include palpitations, low blood pressure, nausea, sweating, flushing, dizziness, sleep problems, coughing and anxiety.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Not enough is known about the safety of adenosine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid adenosine to be on the safe side.

Gout: ATP can increase uric acid levels in the blood and urine and this can cause an attack of gout. Gout causes red, warm, swollen joints. The joint most commonly affected is the joint of the big toe.

Heart disease: ATP can reduce blood flow to the heart and cause chest pain. It may exacerbate symptoms in patients with heart disease such as chest pain and heart attack.

Interactions

ATP should not be used in conjunction with the following medications:

Dipyridamole

The body breaks down adenosine in order to excrete it. Dipyridamole can reduce the breakdown of adenosine. A reduction in the breakdown of adenosine can cause heart problems. For this reason, ATP should not be used when taking dipyridamole.

Carbamazepine

Adenosine can slow down the heartbeat. Taking carbamazepine in combination with ATP could cause a slow heartbeat. For this reason, ATP should not be used when taking carbamazepine.

Medication for gout

Gout is caused by an accumulation of crystals in the joints. Adenosine can increase the amount of uric acid in the body and could reduce the effectiveness of medication for gout.