Monitoring the kynurenine system: Concentrations, ratios or what else?
Masaru Tanaka, László Vécsei
Abstract
The tryptophan-kynurenine metabolic pathway plays the most essential role in tryptophan metabolism, producing various endogenous bioactive molecules. The activation of the metabolic pathway is linked to the pathogenesis of a wide range of diseases. The calibration of the levels and the ratio of kynurenines has been attempted in search of biomarkers and diagnostic targets. This editorial introduces biosystems in close interaction with the kynurenine system and potential measures to assess a state of stress, which may lead to illnesses.
Topics & Concepts
KynurenineEnvironmental scienceChemistryEnvironmental chemistryTryptophanBiochemistryAmino acidTryptophan and brain disordersVitamin D Research StudiesStress Responses and Cortisol