Amine oxidase (AO)

Amine oxidases are a diverse family of enzymes that catalyze the oxidative deamination of biogenic and xenobiotic amines, producing aldehydes, ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide [4, 11]. They are broadly classified into two groups based on their cofactors: flavin-dependent amine oxidases (such as monoamine oxidase A and B) and copper-containing amine oxidases (such as diamine oxidase and vascular adhesion protein-1) [1, 2]. These enzymes play critical roles in regulating neurotransmitter levels in the central nervous system, metabolizing dietary amines in the periphery, and mediating leukocyte trafficking during inflammatory responses [3, 16]. Due to their central role in neurochemistry and vascular biology, amine oxidases are major therapeutic targets for treating depression, Parkinson's disease, and chronic inflammatory conditions [9, 12]. Drugs targeting these enzymes include monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for neuropsychiatric disorders and emerging VAP-1 inhibitors for inflammatory and fibrotic diseases like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) [5, 16].

Other names

Amine:oxygen oxidoreductase (deaminating)Monoamine oxidaseDiamine oxidaseSemicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidaseCopper amine oxidaseFlavin amine oxidaseHistaminaseVascular adhesion protein-1

Inhibition of the oxidative deamination of amines, leading to increased synaptic neurotransmitter concentrations or reduced production of pro-inflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species.