数据之源，洞见之始

Metabolite Card

Note

N-Acetyltaurine (also known as NAT) is a highly water-soluble and hygroscopic compound formed by the acetylation of taurine. It is both an endogenous metabolite that is constitutively synthesized in the body and an exogenous metabolite formed by ethanol metabolism. NAT is formed by one or multiple N-acetylation reactions between taurine and ethanol metabolites (primarily acetate). The enzyme responsible for NAT synthesis is called NAT synthase, a cytosolic metalloenzyme located in the kidney and liver that can directly catalyze the esterification reaction between taurine and acetate, without the involvement of ATP and CoA. NAT is a potential biomarker of hyperacetatemia as well as ethanol consumption (PMID: 22228769). NAT is typically found in human urine with normal concentrations of 0.599-1.38 umol/mmol creatinine in alcohol-abstinent subjects. NAT can reach average levels of 8.38 umol/mmol creatinine (range 5.39-10.47 umol/mmol creatinine) in subjects consuming alcohol within 3 to 6 h after the start of drinking. Positive NAT results can be used as an indicator for recent alcohol consumption (PMID: 27520321). NAT is considered a direct alcohol biomarker that specifically represents the oxidative pathway of ethanol metabolism. Other direct alcohol biomarkers such as fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE), ethyl glucuronide, ethyl sulfate, and phosphatidylethanol reflect the non-oxidative pathway of alcohol metabolism. NAT is also elevated in urine after periods of endurance exercise. NAT was previously found in nature as a major component in the sticky droplet of orb spider web. Due to its high hygroscopicity, N-acetyltaurine appears to ensure the orb spider’s web flexibility.