GABA - A Brief Overview

What Is GABA?

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and spinal cord. Neurotransmitters carry signals from one neuron to another. GABA blocks impulses between neurons in the brain. Besides the brain, GABA is also synthesized in the pancreas and adrenal glands. The main function of GABA is to reduce neurons’ ability to send and receive chemical signals. GABA, like other neurotransmitters, carries signals across the synapse (fluid-filled space between neurons) and binds to the specific receptors in the next neuron. This way, they will transmit chemical signals from one neuron to another. The main function of GABA is to reduce blood pressure, stress, and fear and to induce sleep.

How Is GABA Produced in the Human Body?

GABA is synthesized by glutamate with the help of glutamate decarboxylase and vitamin B6. After the synthesis of GABA, it is released into the postsynaptic nerve terminal (located at the end of the axon) and accepted by GABA receptors, which are of two types: GABA-A and GABA-B receptors.

What Are the Benefits of GABA?

GABA plays an important role in regulating many body functions. Some of the benefits of GABA are:

• Reduces stress, anxiety, and fear.

• Improves sleep.

• Elevates mood.

• Improves cognition.

• Reduces blood pressure.

• Build muscle mass.

What Are the Sources of GABA?

Plants, animals, and humans produce GABA. Therefore, it is available in a variety of food sources. Nowadays, GABA supplements are also commercially available. However, the consumption of GABA-rich food and GABA supplements that will help to increase GABA levels in the body is yet to be proven.

Following are some of the fermented foods that contain GABA:

• Fermented fish.

• Kimchi.

• Miso.

• Tempeh.

• Yogurt.

• Durian.

• Mulberry beer.

Other foods that contain a small amount of GABA or can increase the production of GABA are:

• Tomatoes.

• Cabbage.

• Broccoli.

• Spinach.

• Brown rice.

• Soybeans.

• Brussels.

• Green tea.

What Are GABA Supplements?

GABA supplements are commercially available. They are produced by fermenting a type of lactic acid bacteria. Supplements are available in pill form. People also use them with food and protein drinks. Research on GABA supplements’ ability to improve functions is still ongoing. However, people consuming GABA supplements said they experience benefits like stress reduction, improved thinking ability, sleep, and so on.

However, some people also experienced side effects like:

• Headache.

• Sleepiness.

• Muscle weakness.

People are advised to consult physicians if they develop any side effects after consuming GABA supplements.

Which Medication Improves GABA Actions?

The medications that can regulate the signaling of GABA are:

• Benzodiazepines: They are psychotropic drugs. They act by binding with GABA type A receptors and facilitate the inhibitory effect of GABA. Benzodiazepines are used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and epilepsy. They also have sedative and hypnotic actions. In addition, they can also relieve muscle spasms.

• Barbiturates: They also act by binding to the GABA type A receptors. They can prolong the action of GABA by increasing the duration of binding. Barbiturates can treat insomnia and seizures and are also used as an anesthetic agent.

• Valproate: Valproate can increase the production of GABA, which is used to treat migraine, mood disorders, epilepsy, and bipolar disorder.

• Propofol: Propofol can enhance the receptor activity of GABA type A. It is an anesthetic as well as a sedative agent. Propofol is commonly injected before the surgical procedure for sedation.

• Baclofen: It activates GABA type B receptors. Baclofen is a skeletal muscle relaxant. They can relieve muscle cramps, stiffness, and spasms caused by multiple sclerosis (disease of the brain and spinal cord) or spinal cord injury. Baclofen is also used in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

• Gabapentin: Gabapentin is an analog of GABA; hence, it can increase the levels of GABA in the brain. It is an anticonvulsant and is used to treat seizures and nerve pain.

• Flumazenil: It binds with GABA type A receptors and decreases the peak levels of GABA without changing the dose-response relation. It can reverse the action of benzodiazepines and hence, is used in reversing the sedative action of benzodiazepines.

What Is GABA Transaminase Deficiency?

GABA transaminase deficiency is a condition that is caused by the mutation of the 4-aminobutyrate aminotransferase (ABAT) gene. GABA transaminase enzyme helps break down GABA when its function is over. ABAT gene contains the information for the production of GABA transaminase deficiency. When the ABAT gene gets mutated, the breakdown of GABA does not occur, resulting in excessive GABA in brain cells, leading to neurological symptoms. It is an inherited disorder where both parents carry each copy of the gene for mutation in ABAT, but they do not show any signs. The symptoms of ABAT begin during infancy, and the affected children show recurrent seizures, increased sleepiness, weak muscles, etc.

What Are the Diseases Associated With Variations in GABA Concentrations?

The fluctuations in the concentration of GABA in the brain can lead to some neurological and psychiatric disorders, which include:

• Schizophrenia: It is a severe psychiatric disorder that causes delusions, psychosis, hallucinations, and disorganized thought process. Studies found that schizophrenic patients had low levels of GABA, which may be attributed to their low cognitive functions and other symptoms.

• Anxiety: GABA can attach to a protein receptor which produces a calming effect. Low levels of GABA in the brain can induce increased fear and anxiety disorders.

• Epilepsy: It is a neurological disorder caused by abnormal activity in the brain that produces seizures and different behavior. Poor GABA functions caused by genetic or acquired factors can induce epilepsy.

• Parkinson’s Disease: It is a neurodegenerative condition with symptoms like tremors, slow movement, difficulty in speech, rigid muscles, etc. The neurotransmitter dopamine is found to be decreased in Parkinson’s patients. Some research has also shown symptoms like tremors and slow movement in Parkinson’s patients due to increased GABA levels.

• Huntington’s Disease: It is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterized by symptoms like depression, mood swings, memory lapses, etc. GABA levels are significantly reduced in patients with Huntington’s disease.

Conclusion:

GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in the human body. It is also present in plants and animals. The main function of GABA is to reduce stress, improve mood and induce sleep. GABA is also considered a natural brain relaxant as it can produce a calming effect. GABA is available in certain foods, and they are also available as supplements. GABA is also taken as a post-workout supplement as it helps improve muscle mass. Certain medications used as sedations, antidepressants, and antipsychotics often target GABA receptors in the brain to facilitate their function. The variation in GABA levels can cause many disorders like anxiety, schizophrenia, epilepsy, autism, etc. Consuming food rich in GABA helps to maintain normal GABA levels in the brain.