Cadaverine (1,5-diaminopentane) is a biogenic amine produced by bacterial lysine decarboxylase — primarily by Enterobacteriaceae, Fusobacterium, and Clostridium — during proteolytic fermentation of undigested protein in the distal colon. It is a product of putrefaction and a marker of proteolytic (vs. saccharolytic) microbial activity.
Clinical Relevance
- CRC: Elevated fecal cadaverine is part of the metabolomic signature distinguishing CRC from healthy controls [1] [2]. High protein/low fiber diets increase cadaverine production.
- Endometriosis: Altered in fecal metabolomics of endometriosis models [3].
- Cadaverine at high concentrations is cytotoxic and mutagenic — contributing to the CRC-promoting effect of proteolytic fermentation.
Cross-References
- saccharolytic fermentation — healthy counterpart (fiber→SCFA vs. protein→cadaverine)
- colorectal cancer — cadaverine as CRC metabolomic biomarker
- hydrogen sulfide — co-product of proteolytic fermentation