Vanillylmandelic acid: Difference between revisions

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'''Vanillylmandelic acid''' (VMA) is a [[metabolite]] of [[catecholamines]] [[epinephrine]] and [[norepinephrine]]. It is used as a reagent to detect disorders related to the adrenal gland.  
{{Short description|A metabolite of catecholamines}}
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| ImageFile = Vanilmandelic_acid.svg
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| ImageAlt = Skeletal formula of vanillylmandelic acid
| ImageFile1 = Noradrenaline_breakdown.svg
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| ImageAlt1 = Pathway of noradrenaline breakdown
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== Overview ==
'''Vanillylmandelic acid''' ('''VMA''') is a [[metabolite]] of the [[catecholamines]] [[epinephrine]] (adrenaline) and [[norepinephrine]] (noradrenaline). It is produced via the breakdown of these catecholamines and is excreted in the [[urine]].


VMA is a [[chemical compound]] that is produced when the body breaks down [[dopamine]], [[epinephrine]], and [[norepinephrine]]. These chemicals are called catecholamines and are used by nerve cells to send signals.  
==Biochemistry==
Vanillylmandelic acid is formed by the [[methylation]] of [[homovanillic acid]] and the subsequent oxidation of the resulting compound. The process involves several enzymatic steps, including the action of [[catechol-O-methyltransferase]] and [[monoamine oxidase]].


== Medical Use ==
The breakdown of norepinephrine and epinephrine begins with their conversion to [[3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol]] (DHPG) and [[3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid]] (DHMA), respectively. These intermediates are further metabolized to vanillylmandelic acid, which is then excreted in the urine.


The VMA test is a [[urine test]] that measures the amount of vanillylmandelic acid in the urine. It is used to detect and monitor [[neuroblastoma]] and [[pheochromocytoma]], two types of [[tumor]]s that can increase the production of catecholamines.
==Clinical significance==
The measurement of vanillylmandelic acid in urine is used as a diagnostic test for certain types of [[tumors]] that produce catecholamines, such as [[pheochromocytoma]] and [[neuroblastoma]]. Elevated levels of VMA in the urine can indicate the presence of these tumors, as they lead to increased production and breakdown of catecholamines.


== Procedure ==
==Testing==
Urinary VMA levels are typically measured using [[high-performance liquid chromatography]] (HPLC) or other analytical techniques. Patients are often advised to avoid certain foods and medications that can interfere with the test results, such as [[caffeine]], [[vanilla]], and certain [[antihypertensive]] drugs.


The test is performed by collecting all urine over a 24-hour period. This is done by urinating into a special container, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The amount of VMA in the urine is measured and the results are used to determine if there is an abnormal amount of catecholamines in the body.
==Related pages==
 
* [[Catecholamine]]
== Risks ==
 
There are no significant risks associated with the VMA test. However, certain medications and foods can affect the results of the test. Therefore, it is important to inform your doctor of any medications you are taking and to follow any dietary restrictions before the test.
 
== See Also ==
 
* [[Catecholamines]]
* [[Epinephrine]]
* [[Epinephrine]]
* [[Norepinephrine]]
* [[Norepinephrine]]
* [[Pheochromocytoma]]
* [[Neuroblastoma]]
* [[Neuroblastoma]]
* [[Pheochromocytoma]]
== References ==
* [[National Institutes of Health]]
* [[Mayo Clinic]]


[[Category:Medical Tests]]
==References==
[[Category:Biochemistry]]
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Endocrinology]]


{{stub}}
[[Category:Biomolecules]]
[[Category:Metabolism]]
[[Category:Phenolic acids]]

Revision as of 20:59, 9 February 2025

A metabolite of catecholamines


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Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) is a metabolite of the catecholamines epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). It is produced via the breakdown of these catecholamines and is excreted in the urine.

Biochemistry

Vanillylmandelic acid is formed by the methylation of homovanillic acid and the subsequent oxidation of the resulting compound. The process involves several enzymatic steps, including the action of catechol-O-methyltransferase and monoamine oxidase.

The breakdown of norepinephrine and epinephrine begins with their conversion to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG) and 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid (DHMA), respectively. These intermediates are further metabolized to vanillylmandelic acid, which is then excreted in the urine.

Clinical significance

The measurement of vanillylmandelic acid in urine is used as a diagnostic test for certain types of tumors that produce catecholamines, such as pheochromocytoma and neuroblastoma. Elevated levels of VMA in the urine can indicate the presence of these tumors, as they lead to increased production and breakdown of catecholamines.

Testing

Urinary VMA levels are typically measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or other analytical techniques. Patients are often advised to avoid certain foods and medications that can interfere with the test results, such as caffeine, vanilla, and certain antihypertensive drugs.

Related pages

References

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