Formiminoglutamic acid explained

Formiminoglutamic acid (FIGLU; conjugate base, formiminoglutamate) is an intermediate in the catabolism of L-histidine to L-glutamic acid. It thus is also a biomarker for intracellular levels of folate. The FIGLU test is used to identify vitamin B₁₂ deficiency, folate deficiency, and liver failure or liver disease.^[1] It is elevated with folate trapping, where it is accompanied by decreased methylmalonic acid, increased folate and a decrease in homocysteine.^[2]

See also

• Formiminotransferase cyclodeaminase
• Glutamate-1-semialdehyde
• Glutamic acid
• Imidazol-4-one-5-propionic acid

Notes and References

1. Book: 10.1007/978-94-009-1846-7_31. Formiminoglutamic Acid (FIGLU) Test. Diagnostic Function Tests in Chemical Pathology. 59–60. 1989. Lascelles. P. T.. Donaldson. D.. 978-0-7462-0107-7.
2. Scott . JohnM. . Weir . DonaldG. . THE METHYL FOLATE TRAP: A physiological response in man to prevent methyl group deficiency in kwashiorkor (methionine deficiency) and an explanation for folic-acid-induced exacerbation of subacute combined degeneration in pernicious anaemia . The Lancet . 15 August 1981 . 318 . 8242 . 337–340 . 10.1016/S0140-6736(81)90650-4 . 6115113 . 29977127 . 0140-6736.