1-Methylguanidine hydrochloride

Methylguanidine (MG) is a guanidine compound deriving from protein catabolism. It is also a product of putrefaction. Methylguanidine is a suspected uraemic toxin that accumulates in renal failure however it also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects. Methylguanidine is synthesized from creatinine concomitant with the synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from endogenous substrates in peroxisomes. Recent evidence suggests that methylguanidine significantly inhibits iNOS activity and TNF- release. This means that methylguandine can attenuate the degree of inflammation and tissue damage associated with endotoxic shock.