S-adenosylmethionine levels in psychiatric and neurological disorders: a review.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is an important methyl donor in over 35 methylation reactions involving DNA, proteins, phospholipids and catechol- and indole- amines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This article reviews the studies that have examined brain and blood levels of SAMe in several psychological, neurological and metabolic disorders. RESULTS: Although studies have found no consistent changes in whole blood SAMe levels in psychiatric patients, other investigators have found low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) SAMe levels in patients with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's dementia, subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord (SACD), and HIV-related neuropathies, as well as in patients with metabolic disorders such as 5, 10-CH2-H4 folate reductase deficiency. CONCLUSION: Intravenous or oral administration of SAMe thus represents a possible treatment for these neurological and metabolic disorders.