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Basson C, Serem JC, Bipath P, Hlophe YN. L-kynurenine and quinolinic acid inhibited markers of cell survival in B16 F10 melanoma cells in vitro. Cell Biol Int 2024. [PMID: 38570921 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma is an aggressive malignancy and remains a major cause of skin cancer mortality, highlighting the need for new treatment strategies. Recent findings revealed that L-kynurenine and quinolinic acid induce cytotoxicity and morphological changes in B16 F10 melanoma cells in vitro. This paper highlights the effects of L-kynurenine and quinolinic acid at previously determined half-maximal inhibitory concentrations on cell cycle progression, cell death and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase inhibition. Melanoma, B16 F10 and murine macrophages, RAW 264.7 cells were used in this study, as both cell lines express all the enzymes associated with the kynurenine pathway. Post exposure to the compounds at half-maximal inhibitory concentrations, transmission electron microscopy was used to assess intracellular morphological changes. Flow cytometry was used to analyse cell cycle progression and quantify apoptosis via the dual staining of Annexin V and propidium iodide and cell survival via extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase. L-kynurenine and quinolinic acid at half-maximal inhibitory concentrations induced intracellular morphological changes representative of cell death. Flow cytometry revealed alterations in cell cycle distribution, increased apoptosis and significantly inhibition of cell survival. L-kynurenine and quinolinic acid are exogenous kynurenine compounds which inhibited cell survival through extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase inhibition, induced cell cycle alterations and induced apoptosis in B16 F10 melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlise Basson
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - June Cheptoo Serem
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Priyesh Bipath
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Yvette Nkondo Hlophe
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Basson C, Serem JC, Hlophe YN, Bipath P. An in vitro investigation of l-kynurenine, quinolinic acid, and kynurenic acid on B16 F10 melanoma cell cytotoxicity and morphology. Cell Biochem Funct 2023; 41:912-922. [PMID: 37661337 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
The metastatic behavior of melanoma has accentuated the need for specific therapy targets. Compounds, namely l-kynurenine ( l-kyn), quinolinic acid (Quin), and kynurenic acid (KA) previously displayed antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects in vitro against cancer cells. Despite the growing interest in these compounds there are limited studies examining the in vitro effects on melanoma. In B16 F10 melanoma cells, RAW 264.7 macrophage cells, and HaCat keratinocyte cells, postexposure to the compounds, crystal violet staining was used to determine the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ), whereas polarization-optical transmitted light differential interference contrast and light microscopy after hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to assess morphological changes. l-kyn, Quin, and KA-induced cytotoxicity in all cell lines, with l-kyn being the most cytotoxic compound. l-kyn and KA at IC50 -induced morphological changes in B16 F10, RAW 264.7, and HaCat cell lines, whereas Quin had effects on B16 F10 and RAW 264.7 cells but did not affect HaCat cells. l-kyn, Quin, and KA each display different levels of cytotoxicity, which were cell line specific. l-kyn was shown to be the most potent compound against all cell lines and may offer future treatment strategies when combined with other viable treatments against melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlise Basson
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - June Cheptoo Serem
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Yvette Nkondo Hlophe
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Priyesh Bipath
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Beopoulos A, Géa M, Fasano A, Iris F. Autism spectrum disorders pathogenesis: Toward a comprehensive model based on neuroanatomic and neurodevelopment considerations. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:988735. [PMID: 36408388 PMCID: PMC9671112 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.988735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves alterations in neural connectivity affecting cortical network organization and excitation to inhibition ratio. It is characterized by an early increase in brain volume mediated by abnormal cortical overgrowth patterns and by increases in size, spine density, and neuron population in the amygdala and surrounding nuclei. Neuronal expansion is followed by a rapid decline from adolescence to middle age. Since no known neurobiological mechanism in human postnatal life is capable of generating large excesses of frontocortical neurons, this likely occurs due to a dysregulation of layer formation and layer-specific neuronal migration during key early stages of prenatal cerebral cortex development. This leads to the dysregulation of post-natal synaptic pruning and results in a huge variety of forms and degrees of signal-over-noise discrimination losses, accounting for ASD clinical heterogeneities, including autonomic nervous system abnormalities and comorbidities. We postulate that sudden changes in environmental conditions linked to serotonin/kynurenine supply to the developing fetus, throughout the critical GW7 - GW20 (Gestational Week) developmental window, are likely to promote ASD pathogenesis during fetal brain development. This appears to be driven by discrete alterations in differentiation and patterning mechanisms arising from in utero RNA editing, favoring vulnerability outcomes over plasticity outcomes. This paper attempts to provide a comprehensive model of the pathogenesis and progression of ASD neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alessio Fasano
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Center for Celiac Research and Treatment, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
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Valente-Silva P, Cervenka I, Ferreira DMS, Correia JC, Edman S, Horwath O, Heng B, Chow S, Jacobs KR, Guillemin GJ, Blomstrand E, Ruas JL. Effects of Tryptophan Supplementation and Exercise on the Fate of Kynurenine Metabolites in Mice and Humans. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11080508. [PMID: 34436450 PMCID: PMC8400416 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11080508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway of tryptophan (TRP) degradation (KP) generates metabolites with effects on metabolism, immunity, and mental health. Endurance exercise training can change KP metabolites by changing the levels of KP enzymes in skeletal muscle. This leads to a metabolite pattern that favors energy expenditure and an anti-inflammatory immune cell profile and reduces neurotoxic metabolites. Here, we aimed to understand if TRP supplementation in untrained vs. trained subjects affects KP metabolite levels and biological effects. Our data show that chronic TRP supplementation in mice increases all KP metabolites in circulation, and that exercise reduces the neurotoxic branch of the pathway. However, in addition to increasing wheel running, we did not observe other effects of TRP supplementation on training adaptations, energy metabolism or behavior in mice. A similar increase in KP metabolites was seen in trained vs. untrained human volunteers that took a TRP drink while performing a bout of aerobic exercise. With this acute TRP administration, TRP and KYN were higher in the trained vs. the untrained group. Considering the many biological effects of the KP, which can lead to beneficial or deleterious effects to health, our data encourage future studies of the crosstalk between TRP supplementation and physical exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Valente-Silva
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.V.-S.); (I.C.); (D.M.S.F.); (J.C.C.)
| | - Igor Cervenka
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.V.-S.); (I.C.); (D.M.S.F.); (J.C.C.)
| | - Duarte M. S. Ferreira
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.V.-S.); (I.C.); (D.M.S.F.); (J.C.C.)
| | - Jorge C. Correia
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.V.-S.); (I.C.); (D.M.S.F.); (J.C.C.)
| | - Sebastian Edman
- Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Biomechanics, Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, 114 33 Stockholm, Sweden; (S.E.); (O.H.); (E.B.)
| | - Oscar Horwath
- Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Biomechanics, Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, 114 33 Stockholm, Sweden; (S.E.); (O.H.); (E.B.)
| | - Benjamin Heng
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sidney, NSW 2109, Australia; (B.H.); (S.C.); (K.R.J.); (G.J.G.)
| | - Sharron Chow
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sidney, NSW 2109, Australia; (B.H.); (S.C.); (K.R.J.); (G.J.G.)
| | - Kelly R. Jacobs
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sidney, NSW 2109, Australia; (B.H.); (S.C.); (K.R.J.); (G.J.G.)
| | - Gilles J. Guillemin
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sidney, NSW 2109, Australia; (B.H.); (S.C.); (K.R.J.); (G.J.G.)
| | - Eva Blomstrand
- Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Biomechanics, Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, 114 33 Stockholm, Sweden; (S.E.); (O.H.); (E.B.)
| | - Jorge L. Ruas
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.V.-S.); (I.C.); (D.M.S.F.); (J.C.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential metabolite with wide-ranging and significant roles in the cell. Defects in NAD+ metabolism have been associated with many human disorders; it is therefore an emerging therapeutic target. Moreover, NAD+ metabolism is perturbed during colonization by a variety of pathogens, either due to the molecular mechanisms employed by these infectious agents or by the host immune response they trigger. Three main biosynthetic pathways, including the de novo and salvage pathways, contribute to the production of NAD+ with a high degree of conservation from bacteria to humans. De novo biosynthesis, which begins with l-tryptophan in eukaryotes, is also known as the kynurenine pathway. Intermediates of this pathway have various beneficial and deleterious effects on cellular health in different contexts. For example, dysregulation of this pathway is linked to neurotoxicity and oxidative stress. Activation of the de novo pathway is also implicated in various infections and inflammatory signaling. Given the dynamic flexibility and multiple roles of NAD+ intermediates, it is important to understand the interconnections and cross-regulations of NAD+ precursors and associated signaling pathways to understand how cells regulate NAD+ homeostasis in response to various growth conditions. Although regulation of NAD+ homeostasis remains incompletely understood, studies in the genetically tractable budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae may help provide some molecular basis for how NAD+ homeostasis factors contribute to the maintenance and regulation of cellular function and how they are regulated by various nutritional and stress signals. Here we present a brief overview of recent insights and discoveries made with respect to the relationship between NAD+ metabolism and selected human disorders and infections, with a particular focus on the de novo pathway. We also discuss how studies in budding yeast may help elucidate the regulation of NAD+ homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Groth
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Biological Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Padmaja Venkatakrishnan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Biological Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Su-Ju Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Biological Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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Heilman PL, Wang EW, Lewis MM, Krzyzanowski S, Capan CD, Burmeister AR, Du G, Escobar Galvis ML, Brundin P, Huang X, Brundin L. Tryptophan Metabolites Are Associated With Symptoms and Nigral Pathology in Parkinson's Disease. Mov Disord 2020; 35:2028-2037. [PMID: 32710594 PMCID: PMC7754343 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The objective of this study was to determine whether neurotoxic kynurenine metabolites, induced by inflammation, in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are associated with symptom severity and nigral pathology in Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods Clinical and MRI data were obtained from 97 PD and 89 controls. We used ultra‐performance liquid chromatography to quantify kynurenine metabolites and high‐sensitivity multiplex assays to quantify inflammation in plasma and CSF. We evaluated group‐wise differences as well as associations between the biomarkers, motor and nonmotor symptoms, and nigral R2* (MRI metric reflecting iron content). Results PD subjects had >100% higher 3‐hydroxykynurenine and 14% lower 3‐hydroxyanthranilic acid in plasma. The 3‐HK in plasma was closely associated with both symptom severity and disease duration. PD subjects also had 23% lower kynurenic acid in the CSF. Higher CSF levels of the excitotoxin quinolinic acid were associated with more severe symptoms, whereas lower levels of the neuroprotective kynurenic acid were linked to olfactory deficits. An elevated quinolinic acid/picolinic acid ratio in the CSF correlated with higher R2* values in the substantia nigra in the entire cohort. Plasma C‐reactive protein and serum amyloid alpha were associated with signs of increased kynurenine pathway activity in the CSF of PD patients, but not in controls. Conclusions In PD, the kynurenine pathway metabolite levels are altered in both the periphery and the central nervous system, and these changes are associated with symptom severity. Replication studies are warranted in other cohorts, and these can also explore if kynurenine metabolites might be PD biomarkers and/or are involved in PD pathogenesis. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick L Heilman
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Ernest W Wang
- Department of Neurology, Penn State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hersey Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mechelle M Lewis
- Department of Neurology, Penn State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hersey Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Penn State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hersey Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Colt D Capan
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Amanda R Burmeister
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Guangwei Du
- Department of Neurology, Penn State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hersey Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Patrik Brundin
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Xuemei Huang
- Department of Neurology, Penn State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hersey Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Penn State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hersey Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hersey Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Radiology, Penn State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hersey Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Kinesiology, Penn State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hersey Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lena Brundin
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.,Division of Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Badawy AA, Namboodiri AM, Moffett JR. The end of the road for the tryptophan depletion concept in pregnancy and infection. Clin Sci (Lond) 2016; 130:1327-33. [PMID: 27358028 DOI: 10.1042/CS20160153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We hypothesize that: (1) L-tryptophan (Trp) is greatly utilized and not depleted in pregnancy; (2) fetal tolerance is achieved in part through immunosuppressive kynurenine (Kyn) metabolites produced by the flux of plasma free (non-albumin-bound) Trp down the Kyn pathway; (3) the role of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in infection is not related to limitation of an essential amino acid, but is rather associated with stress responses and the production of Kyn metabolites that regulate the activities of antigen presenting cells and T-cells, as well as increased NAD+ synthesis in IDO-expressing cells; (4) Trp depletion is not a host defence mechanism, but is a consequence of Trp utilization. We recommend that future studies in normal and abnormal pregnancies and in patients with infections or cancer should include measurements of plasma free Trp, determinants of Trp binding (albumin and non-esterified fatty acids), total Trp, determinants of activities of the Trp-degrading enzymes Trp 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) (cortisol) and IDO (cytokines) and levels of Kyn metabolites. We also hypothesize that abnormal pregnancies and failure to combat infections or cancer may be associated with excessive Trp metabolism that can lead to pathological immunosuppression by excessive production of Kyn metabolites. Mounting evidence from many laboratories indicates that Trp metabolites are key regulators of immune cell behaviour, whereas Trp depletion is an indicator of extensive utilization of this key amino acid.
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Baran H, Staniek K, Bertignol-Spörr M, Attam M, Kronsteiner C, Kepplinger B. Effects of Various Kynurenine Metabolites on Respiratory Parameters of Rat Brain, Liver and Heart Mitochondria. Int J Tryptophan Res 2016; 9:17-29. [PMID: 27226722 PMCID: PMC4872644 DOI: 10.4137/ijtr.s37973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 03/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we demonstrated that the endogenous glutamate receptor antagonist kynurenic acid dose-dependently and significantly affected rat heart mitochondria. Now we have investigated the effects of L-tryptophan, L-kynurenine, 3-hydroxykynurenine and kynurenic, anthranilic, 3-hydroxyanthranilic, xanthurenic and quinolinic acids on respiratory parameters (ie, state 2, state 3), respiratory control index (RC) and ADP/oxygen ratio in brain, liver and heart mitochondria of adult rats. Mitochondria were incubated with glutamate/malate (5 mM) or succinate (10 mM) and in the presence of L-tryptophan metabolites (1 mM) or in the absence, as control. Kynurenic and anthranilic acids significantly reduced RC values of heart mitochondria in the presence of glutamate/malate. Xanthurenic acid significantly reduced RC values of brain mitochondria in the presence of glutamate/malate. Furthermore, 3-hydroxykynurenine and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid decreased RC values of brain, liver and heart mitochondria using glutamate/malate. In the presence of succinate, 3-hydroxykynurenine and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid affected RC values of brain mitochondria, whereas in liver and heart mitochondria only 3-hydroxykynurenine lowered RC values significantly. Furthermore, lowered ADP/oxygen ratios were observed in brain mitochondria in the presence of succinate with 3-hydroxykynurenine and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, and to a lesser extent with glutamate/malate. In addition, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid significantly lowered the ADP/oxygen ratio in heart mitochondria exposed to glutamate/malate, while in the liver mitochondria only a mild reduction was found. Tests of the influence of L-tryptophan and its metabolites on complex I in liver mitochondria showed that only 3-hydroxykynurenine, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid and L-kynurenine led to a significant acceleration of NADH-driven complex I activities. The data indicate that L-tryptophan metabolites had different effects on brain, liver and heart mitochondria. Alterations of L-tryptophan metabolism might have an impact on the bioenergetic activities of brain, liver and/or heart mitochondria and might be involved in the development of clinical symptoms such as cardiomyopathy, hepatopathy and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halina Baran
- Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna.; Karl Landsteiner Research Institute for Neurochemistry, Neuropharmacology, Neurorehabilitation and Pain Treatment, Mauer-Amstetten, Austria
| | - Katrin Staniek
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna
| | - Melanie Bertignol-Spörr
- Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna.; Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna
| | - Martin Attam
- Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna.; Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna
| | - Carina Kronsteiner
- Karl Landsteiner Research Institute for Neurochemistry, Neuropharmacology, Neurorehabilitation and Pain Treatment, Mauer-Amstetten, Austria
| | - Berthold Kepplinger
- Karl Landsteiner Research Institute for Neurochemistry, Neuropharmacology, Neurorehabilitation and Pain Treatment, Mauer-Amstetten, Austria
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Abstract
Tryptophan (Trp) requirements in pregnancy are several-fold: (1) the need for increased protein synthesis by mother and for fetal growth and development; (2) serotonin (5-HT) for signalling pathways; (3) kynurenic acid (KA) for neuronal protection; (4) quinolinic acid (QA) for NAD(+) synthesis (5) other kynurenines (Ks) for suppressing fetal rejection. These goals could not be achieved if maternal plasma [Trp] is depleted. Although plasma total (free + albumin-bound) Trp is decreased in pregnancy, free Trp is elevated. The above requirements are best expressed in terms of a Trp utilization concept. Briefly, Trp is utilized as follows: (1) In early and mid-pregnancy, emphasis is on increased maternal Trp availability to meet the demand for protein synthesis and fetal development, most probably mediated by maternal liver Trp 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) inhibition by progesterone and oestrogens. (2) In mid- and late pregnancy, Trp availability is maintained and enhanced by the release of albumin-bound Trp by albumin depletion and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) elevation, leading to increased flux of Trp down the K pathway to elevate immunosuppressive Ks. An excessive release of free Trp could undermine pregnancy by abolishing T-cell suppression by Ks. Detailed assessment of parameters of Trp metabolism and disposition and related measures (free and total Trp, albumin, NEFA, K and its metabolites and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in maternal blood and, where appropriate, placental and fetal material) in normal and abnormal pregnancies may establish missing gaps in our knowledge of the Trp status in pregnancy and help identify appropriate intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulla A-B Badawy
- School of Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Western Avenue, Cardiff CF5 2YB, Wales, U.K.
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Fejes A, Párdutz Á, Toldi J, Vécsei L. Kynurenine metabolites and migraine: experimental studies and therapeutic perspectives. Curr Neuropharmacol 2011; 9:376-87. [PMID: 22131946 PMCID: PMC3131728 DOI: 10.2174/157015911795596621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2010] [Revised: 04/14/2010] [Accepted: 04/30/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Migraine is one of the commonest neurological disorders. Despite intensive research, its exact pathomechanism is still not fully understood and effective therapy is not always available. One of the key molecules involved in migraine is glutamate, whose receptors are found on the first-, second- and third-order trigeminal neurones and are also present in the migraine generators, including the dorsal raphe nucleus, nucleus raphe magnus, locus coeruleus and periaqueductal grey matter. Glutamate receptors are important in cortical spreading depression, which may be the electrophysiological correlate of migraine aura. The kynurenine metabolites, endogenous tryptophan metabolites, include kynurenic acid (KYNA), which exerts a blocking effect on ionotropic glutamate and α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Thus, KYNA and its derivatives may act as modulators at various levels of the pathomechanism of migraine. They can give rise to antinociceptive effects at the periphery, in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis, and may also act on migraine generators and cortical spreading depression. The experimental data suggest that KYNA or its derivatives might offer a novel approach to migraine therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamária Fejes
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Árpád Párdutz
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - József Toldi
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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