Recent Trends

This chapter covers the structure and reactivity of vitamin B₁₂ derivatives and structural aspects of their interactions with proteins and nucleotides, which are crucial for the efficient catalysis by the important vitamin Independent enzymes and for achieving and regulating uptake and transport of B₁₂ derivatives. Highlights of recent progress in the field of vitamin B₁₂ derivatives for medical uses with an overview on the following are explored: vitamin B₁₂ for cyanide detection and detoxification, antivitamins B₁₂ for diagnosis and therapy, the use of vitamin B₁₂ conjugates and corrinoids as activators of soluble guanylyl cyclase, among others. Aquacorrinoids represent probably the most promising reagents for cyanide detoxification and detection. Infants of vegetarian mothers or mothers with unrecognised pernicious anaemia may, therefore, develop vitamin B₁₂ deficiency. Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency may have detrimental neurological effects such as psychomotor retardation and epilepsy.