Orotic Acid, a Precursor of Pyrimidines in the Rat

Bergström, Sune; Arvidson, H.; Hammarsten, E.; Eliasson, N.A.; Reichard, P.; Ubisch, H.V.

doi:10.1016/s0021-9258(18)57110-6

Cited by 23 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Historically, this compound was believed to be part of the vitamin B complex after it was determined in the 1950s that the previously unidentified growth enhancement factor vitamin B13, first isolated from distiller's dried grains with solubles (i.e., dried animal feed) in the late 1940s (Novak & Hauge, 1948), was in fact orotic acid (Manna & Hauge, 1953). During this period, orotic acid was identified as a precursor of pyrimidine biosynthesis (Bergström et al., 1949; Smith & Baker, 1959), highlighting its essential role in mammalian metabolism. While it is now known that orotic acid is not a vitamin, its previous status as B13 provides insight into its historical importance as a dietary component.…”

Section: Lithium Orotate: a Superior Lithium Compound?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Lithium orotate: A superior option for lithium therapy?

Pacholko

Bekar

2021

Brain and Behavior

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Bipolar disorder (BD) poses a significant public health concern, with roughly onequarter of sufferers attempting suicide. BD is characterized by manic and depressive mood cycles, the recurrence of which can be effectively curtailed through lithium therapy. Unfortunately, the most frequently employed lithium salt, lithium carbonate (Li 2 CO 3 ), is associated with a host of adverse health outcomes following chronic use: these unwanted effects range from relatively minor inconveniences (e.g., polydipsia and polyuria) to potentially major complications (e.g., hypothyroidism and/or renal impairment). As these undesirable effects can limit patient compliance, an alternative lithium compound with a lesser toxicity profile would dramatically improve treatment efficacy and outcomes. Lithium orotate (LiC 5 H 3 N 2 O 4 ; henceforth referred to as LiOr), a compound largely abandoned since the late 1970s, may represent such an alternative. LiOr is proposed to cross the blood-brain barrier and enter cells more readily than Li 2 CO 3 , which will theoretically allow for reduced dosage requirements and ameliorated toxicity concerns. This review addresses the controversial history of LiOr, complete with discussions of experimental and clinical efficacy, putative mechanisms of action, adverse effects, and its potential future in therapy.

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