PHARMACOLOGY OF VITAMINS

BY
DR.EZE C.EZE
DEPT.OF PHARMACOLOGY AND
THERAPEUTICS
AEFUNIA
 Vitamins – low molecular weight
organic compounds that have
different chemical structure
and are not synthesized or are
synthesized in small amount in
the human organism, are not
used as building material, but
have marked biological effect
and are necessary components
of diet
Hypovitaminosis – decrease of vitamin amount in the organism
Hypervitaminosis – increase of vitamin amount in the
organism Avitaminosis – lack of vitamin in the organism

Two types of hypо- and avitaminosis: exo- and еndogenic

 Classification
of vitamins

Water soluble:
- group В
-С
- Н(BIOTIN)
- Р(Flavonoids)

Fat soluble:
-А
-D
-E
-K
-F(alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid)
 Water soluble vitamins Fat soluble vitamins

Form coenzymes Do not form coenzymes

Do not affect membranes Modulators of membranes

Do not have antioxidant Most are antioxidants

properties (except vit. С)

Do not affect genetic Cause the expression of genes

apparatus

Do not cause hypervitaminosis Cause hypervitaminosis

Do not have provitamins Have provitamins

Water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins
Water soluble Vitamins
Vitamin В1
(thyamin,
antineuritic)

Consists of two rings – pyrimidine and thiazole

 Is phosphorylated in liver to ТМP, ТPP and ТТP

ТМP, ТPP and ТТP are coenzymes of:

-pyruvate- and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase
-transketolase
In the thiamin deficiency ketoacids that
are toxic for nervous system are Glucose
accumulated.
Acidosis. Glucose-6-
Carbs are not used, energy deficit. phosphate
Organism uses lipids and proteins, loss of
weight, dystrophy, growth retardation.
Catabolism prevails.

Inhibition of transketolase, inhibition of Pyruvate

PPC, deficit of NADPH and riboses,
disorders of fatty acids synthesis, steroid
hormones, cholesterol, nucleic acids.
Acetyl Co A
Chronic deficiency of thiamine
Berry-berry disease
Often found in
-Asian countries
-alcoholics

Two types: dry and wet

Dry: disseminated polyneuritis,

partial paralysis, weakness and pain in
the limbs, atrophy, loss of weight,
impaired sensory perception

Wet: heart failure, edema, dystrophy

of myocardium

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome :
hemorrhage in CNS. Mental
disorders, amnesia, encephalopathy,
psychosis
Daily requirement:
1-3 mg

Preparations:
-thiamine,
-cocarboxylase

Are used in cardiac,

nervous diseases,
diabetes mellitus,
muscle dystrophy
 Vitamin В2 (riboflavin,
growth vitamin)
Is composed from
isoallaxasine and alcohol
ribitol

Flavus - yellow
Forms the coenzymes FMN and FAD

Are necessary for the action of more than 30

enzymes – oxido-reductases (оxidation-reduction
reactions)

-AA deamination (оxidases of AA)

-pyruvate dehydrogenase and alpha-
ketoglutarate complexes
-succinate dehydrogenase (Krebs cycle)
-fatty acids oxidation (acyl CoA dehydrogenase)
-uric acid formation (xanthine oxidase)
-electron transport in respiration chain
Hypovitaminosis – disorders of the processes
of biological oxidation
Symptoms: cracks at the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis),
Dermatitis,GLOSITIS, Ceratitis, Blepharitis (inflammation of
Ceratitis, Blepharitis
the eyelid margins),
Conjuctivitis, Anemia ,Leucopenia
Daily
requirement: 1-3
mg

Partially is
synthesized by the
intestine
microorganisms

Preparation:
riboflavin
 Vitamin В3 (pantothenic
acid, antidermatitic)

Coenzymes:
-coenzyme А
-phosphopantothenate

Is necessary for
the action of about coenzyme А
80 enzymes
 Processes which are inhibited
in vitamin В3 deficiency
-oxidative decarboxilation of pyruvate
and alpha-ketoglutarate
-transport of the fatty acids residues
-synthesis of purine nucleotides
-activation of fatty acids
-phosphopantothenate is a constituent of
multienzyme complex – fatty acids synthase
-cholesterol synthesis
-ketogenesis
 dermatitis

Hypovitaminosis:
-dermatitis
-ulcers of mucosa
-spasms, paresis
-hypolipidemia,
-liver steatosis

Liver steatosis

of mucosa
 Daily
requirement: 10-
15 mg

Food:
liver, eggs, fish,
bread

Preparation:
pantothenic
acid
 Vitamin В5 (РР, nicotinic acid,
nicotinamide (niacin),
antipellagric)

Nature –
derivative of
pyridine

Form the
coenzymes
NAD and
NADP
NAD and NADP – coenzymes of many оxido-
reductases (about 100)
Take part in:
-glycolisis
-gluconeogenesis
-PPC
-FA synthesis and
oxidation
-AA deamination
-Krebs cycle (3 enzymes)
-ETC
-nucleic acids formation

NADP takes part in:

-FA synthesis
-cholesterol synthesis
Hypovitaminosis – disease pellagra

Causes:
-malabsorption
-alcoholism
-taking of cytostatics and
isoniazide for a long time
-protein starvation
-in persons who eat a lot
of corn (lack of tryptophan
from which В5 can be
synthesized by bacteria)
 Pellagra – disease of 3 D
-dermatitis,
-diarrhea, Dermatitis:
-dementia – symmet-
rical,
Diarrhea as result of the
-on the open
atrophy of stomach and areas of
intestine endothelium body,
Glossitis, stomatitis. -hyper-
Dementia as result of keratosis
the chronic injury of
CNS. Psychosis. Mental
confusion.
 Dermatitis in pellagra

Daily requirement: 14-25 mg

Is formed in the intestine (by microorganisms)

and cells from tryptophan

Food: liver, meat, fish, black bread, yeast, eggs

 Vitamin В6
(pyridoxine,
аntidermatitic)

In the base of structure –

pyridine core

Form coenzymes
pyridoxal phosphate
(PLP) and pyridoxamine
monophosphate (PMP)
 PLP and ПМФ – coenzymes of enzymes of
AA metabolism:
-amino transferases
-decarboxylases
-participate in oxidation of amines
-synthesis of GABA

ПАЛФ/ПАМФ

-amino acid -keto acid -keto acid -amino acid

Hypovitaminosis
-in the using of antagonists
(isoniazid, penicyllamine, L-DOPA,
estrogens)
-in malabsorption, alcoholism
-increased requirement in pregnancy

isoniazid L-DOPA
Disorders of protein metabolism
-hyperaminoaciduria
-negative nitrogen balance
-dermatitis (erythema, pigmentation, edema)
-anemia (disorders of iron utilization)
-leucopenia (disorders of protein synthesis)
-growth inhibition
-convulsions, muscle spasms (GABA inhibition)
Daily
requirement: 2-3
mg
Is formed by
intestinal bacteria
Photosensitive
Thermostable
 convulsion

Vitamin В10
(folic acid,
antianemic)

In the base of –
structure residue of
pterine,
paraaminobenzoic acid,
glutamic acid

Coenzyme -
tetrahydrofolic acid
(THFA)
Biological role of THFA:
-transfers methyl groups in the synthesis of AA, pyrimidine
nucleotides, creatin, methionin. In deficiency – disorders of the NA
and protein synthesis, inhibition of growth and cell division

Symptoms:
-hyperchromic megaloblastic anemia
-leucopenia
-thrombocytopenia
-glossitis, conjuctivitis, gastritis (disorders of epithelium
proliferation)
-growth inhibition
-impairment of the wound healing
-immunodeficiency
Daily
requirement:
200-500 mg

Is formed by
intestinal bacteria

Food: bean, green

leafy vegetables,
lemons,
mushrooms, meat,
liver
There are many
antivitamins of folic
acid: -cytostatics
(methotrexat is used
for treatment of
leucemia)
-sulfanilamide
(structural analogs
of р-аminobenzoic
acid, inhibit the
synthesis of folic
acid (purine bases,
DNA, RNA in
bacteria)
 Vitamin В12
(cyanocobalamin,
аntianemic)

Structure – tetrapyrrol
compound, Со іоn,
nucleotide part

Coenzymes -
-5-deoxyadenosyl-
cobalamin
-меthylcobalamin
Biological role:
-tightly connected to folic acid
-synthesis of methionine from homocysteine
-synthesis of creatin, cholin
-synthesis of phospholipids
-synthesis of purine and pyrimidine bases, nucleic acids
Symptoms:
-hyperchromic megaloblastic
anemia (malignant,
pernicious, Addison-Birmer
disease)
megaloblastic anemia
-fatty dystrophy of nervous
cells, neurological disorders
-cardiovascular disorders
(accumulation of
homocystein)
Daily requirement: 2-5
micrograms

Is not synthesized
neither in plants nor in
animals.
Is formed only by
intestinal bacteria

Is absorbed in small
intestine
 Vitamin С (ascorbic acid,
аntiscorbutic)

Structure – lacton
of dienolgulonic
acid

Coenzyme function
has not been
established
Has oxidation-reduction properties

Can donate hydrogen, as result is converted

to dehydroascorbic acid
 Biological role:
-reduces sulhydryl groups of proteins,
enzymes
-formation of serotonin
-synthesis of norepinephrine
-synthesis of steroid hormones
-formation of carnitin
-synthesis of collagen (hydroxyprolin)
-formation of THFA
-decomposition of hemoglobin
-Fe3+  Fe2+ - absorption in the
intestine
-promote immunity defense
Hypovitaminosis -
scurvy:
-hemorrhages
- loose of teeth, gums swell
and bleed easily (collagen
deficit)
-anemia (lack of THFA)

-pain in heart, swelling of legs, weakness, fatigue

-loss of weight
Daily
requirement: 75-
100 mg

Requirement is
increased in infections,
flue, in pregnancy

Food: rose, black

currant, citrus,
vegetables,
fruits, needles
Using:

-anemia
-pregnancy
-for the stimulation
of regeneration
-for the increase of
immunity
Vitamin Р (biophlavonoids, factor
of permeability)

Structure – catechin
compounds having
phenolic
structure

Representatives:
-catechin
-rutin
-kvercetin
-hesperidin
Biological role:
–synergist of vitamin C
-protects vitamin C against oxidation
-hydroxylation of proline and lysine
-inhibit hyaluronidase
-prevent oxidation of epinephrine
-antioxidants

Hypovitami-
nosis:
-petechiae
-symptoms
of scurvy
Daily requirement: 50-75 mg

Food: pepper, citrus, black currant, rowan,

buckwheat, fruits
Is used to make capillaries stronger
Vitamin Н (biotin, antiseborheic)
Structure –
consists of
tiophen, imidazol
and valeric acid

Coenzyme of carboxylase, serves as transporter

of carboxylic group
-Pyruvate carboxylase – gluconeogenesis
-Acetyl-СоА carboxylase, propionyl-СоА
carboxylase – lipid metabolism
Hypovitaminosis almost does not occur
Can be in malabsorption, disbacteriosis, using of
large amount of eggs white (contains avidin)

Avidin – glycoprotein that irreversibly binds

biotin - аntivitamin

Symptoms:
-seborrheic dermatitis
of the hair part of
head
-conjunctivitis
-anemia
-depression
Daily requirement: 150-200 mg
Food: liver, soybeans, egg yolks, mushrooms,
beans, onion, spinach
LIPID SOLUBLE VITAMINS
 Vitamin А

Retinol. Antixerophthalmic
 Active forms
•Retinol
•Retinal
•Retinoic acid
Precursors -
carotenoids

•Most
important –
beta-
carotene

• Are
cleaved
to retinol
in liver
 Dark green and
yellow
vegetables are
good sources for
carotenoids:
tomatoes,
carrots,
apricots,
parsley, corn,
radish

Organism gets ¼
of vit. A from
carotenoids
 Biological functions of
carotenes
• Antioxidants
• Anticancer properties
 Biological functions of vitamin A
•Modulator of biomembranes
-changes the permeability
-synthesis of membranes components
•Growth vitamin
-stimulates the synthesis of proteins
(especially in cartilages)
-stimulates the synthesis of purine and
pyrimidine nucleotides
•Participates in oxidation-
reduction reactions
Biological functions of vitamin A

•Regulates the synthesis of

keratin (prevents the conversion
of cylindrical epithelium into horny
•Promotes the spermatogenesis and
placenta development
•Stimulates the synthesis of
antibodies and phagocytosis
(antiinfectious)
Biological functions of vitamin A

Regulates the hormonal status

-prevents the oxidation of vitamin C
-inhibits the synthesis of thyroxin

•Maintains the antioxidant potential

of different tissues
 Biological functions of vitamin A
Is responsible for the vision cycle

Night blindness
– early symptom
of vitamin A
deficiency
 Later symptoms of vitamin A deficiency
Anemia (vit. A is required for the synthesis of
transferrin)
Increased susceptibility to infection and cancer
Follicular hyperkeratosis (“goosebumps” skin)

The most
cosmetic
creams
contain retinol
 Xerophthalmia (progressive
keratinization of cornea)
Keratomalacia (corneal ulcerations)
Bronchitis, pneumonia (metaplasia of
endothelium)
Cysts in salivary glands
Cystitis, pyelonephritis (change of endothelium in
nephrones)
Daily requirement: 2-3 mg
 Hypervitaminosis
•Accumulates in liver
•In overdosing in treatment,
consumption a large amount of fish oil,
liver of polar animals
•Symptoms:
obone pain
ovomiting, diarrhea
oliver and spleen
enlargement
odermatitis
oloss of hair
 Vitamin D
(cholecalciferol,
аntirickets)
 Two forms of vitamin D

•Vitamin D2 – ergocalciferol
•Vitamin D3 - cholecalciferol

cholecalciferol
ergocalciferol
 Both ergo-
calciferol and
cholecalciferol
are metabo-
lized in liver

1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol
Vit.D acts in
concert with
parathyroid
hormone
(PTH)

PTH
stimulates
the
production of
1,25-(OH)2D
 Functions of
vitamin D
regulates the Ca
and P levels in the
blood
•promotes absorption
of Ca and P in the
intestine
•promotes
reabsorption of Ca in
the kidneys
•high levels of serum
Ca and P increase the
rate of bone
mineralization
•promote bone
resorption (at low Ca
in blood)
 Functions of vitamin D
affects immune system

•promotes
phagocytosis

•immunomodu-
latory activity

•induces
differentiation
of immune cells
 Functions of vitamin D
prevents tumorgenesis

•inhibits
proliferation

•inhibits
angiogenesis

•induces
differentiation
 Functions of vitamin D

•Activates reabsorption of
amino acids, especially prolin

•Activates the monosaccharides

phosphorylation (glycogen
synthesis)

•Promotes ATP formation

 Rickets
softening of bones in children potentially
leading to fractures and deformity

Causes:
•vitamin D deficiency
•lack of calcium in the diet (famine)
•severe diarrhea and vomiting
•fat malabsorption
•alcoholism
•severe liver and kidney diseases
 Signs and symptoms of rickets
•Bone pain or tenderness
•Dental problems
•Muscle weakness
•Fractures (easily broken bones)
•Skeletal deformity
•Bowed legs (genu varum)
•Knock-knees (genu valgum) or "windswept knees"
•Cranial, spinal, and pelvic deformities
•Hypocalcemia
•Tetany (uncontrolled muscle spasms)
•Craniotabes (soft skull)
•Widening of wrist (due to metaphysial
cartilage hyperplasia)
 Knock knee
Windswept deformity
deformity (genu
valgum)
 Daily requirement:
12-25 micrograms

Hypervitaminosis

•Increase of Ca and P in blood

•Demineralization of bones

•Calcification
of inner
organs
•Renal stones
Vitamin E

Tocopherols and
tocotrienols.
Antisterile
•Group of tocopherols and
tocotrienols
•Most active – alpha-tocopherol
 Biological role
•Most potent antioxidant
•Active scavenger of free oxygen
and nitrogen radicals
•Protects
vit.A from
oxidation
•Prevents
oxidation of
Se
•Stabilizes the cell membranes
•Increases the resistance of membranes to
oxidation and toxic effects
•Improves cellular respiration stabilizing
ubiquinone
•Prevents oxidation of LDL
•Reduces risk of atherosclerosis

•Regulates transcription
•Maintains normal immune function
•Inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis
 Hypovitaminosis
•Causes: malabsorption, famine
•Symptoms:
oActivation of FRO
oIncrease of membrane permeability
oHemolysis of erythrocytes
oDeficit of ATP
oMuscle dystrophy (creatinuria)
oDemyelization of nerves (CNS changes)
oDisorders of reproductive function
(atrophy of testis, azoospermia, inability
to implantation)
Daily requirement: 20-50 mg
Using:
•Cardiovascular
diseases
•Stimulation of
immunity
•Tumors
•Miscarriages
 Vitamin K
Quinone
derivatives
Antihemorrhagic
K1, phyloquinone (in green vegetables)
K2, menaquinone (is synthesized by
intestinal bacteria)
 Biological functions
•Stimulates the synthesis of
coagulation factors in liver
•Increases the resistance of
capillaries
•Stimulates the synthesis of
albumins, pepsin, trypsis, lipase,
amilase
•Increases the peristalsis of
intestine
•Inhibits free radical oxidation
 Hypovitaminosis
Causes:
•Lipids malabsorption (lack of
bile acids)
•Disbacteriosis (vit. K is synthesized
by intestinal microflora)
•Taking of antivitamins (dicumarol)

dicumarol
 Hypovitaminosis
Symptoms:
•Hemorrhages (subcutaneous,
intramuscular, into inner
organs)
•Increased coagulation time

Daily requirement: 0.2-0.3 mg

 Vikasol
•Water soluble
analog of vit. K
•Is used to
stop
bleeding
•Can be
administered
parenterally
 Vitamin F
Polyunsaturated fatty acids
Antisclerotic
Linoleic acid
Linolenic acid
Arachidonic
acid
 Biological functions
•Participate in the organism growth
and development
•Components of phospholipids (cell
membranes)
•Regeneration of skin epithelium
•Synthesis of prostaglandins
•Decrease cholesterol level
•Increase the organism resistance
 Hypovitaminosis
Causes:
 •Growth retardation
•Dermatitis
•Dry skin
•Exema
•Atherosclerosis
• Daily requirement: 10-15 g