Dipeptide-bound glutamine and the intestinal microcirculation in sepsis

Glutamine is made from glutamine and ammonia through a biochemical reaction, catalyzed by enzyme glutamine synthetase [1]. In fact, GLN is crucial in the regulation of amino acid homeostasis. GLN provides the amide-group required for the synthesis of metabolites, such as the amino-sugars, purines, pyrimidines and nucleotides. In addition, Gln is an important nutrient for rapidly proliferating cells, including enterocytes and lymphocytes [2]. The relevance of GLN is also related to enhancing the availability of these metabolites, e.g. the synthesis of the antioxidant glutathione, and the synthesis of citrulline and arginine [3], and the resultant production of the vasodilator nitric oxide.