1
|
Fujikawa M, Ueda M, Maruyama K. Role of Kynurenine and Its Derivatives in the Neuroimmune System. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7144. [PMID: 39000249 PMCID: PMC11241229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing realization of intricate interactions between the nervous and immune systems, characterized by shared humoral factors and receptors. This interplay forms the basis of the neuroimmune system, the understanding of which will provide insights into the pathogenesis of neurological diseases, in which the involvement of the immune system has been overlooked. Kynurenine and its derivatives derived from tryptophan have long been implicated in the pathogenesis of various neurological diseases. Recent studies have revealed their close association not only with neurological disorders but also with sepsis-related deaths. This review provides an overview of the biochemistry of kynurenine and its derivatives, followed by a discussion of their role via the modulation of the neuroimmune system in various diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Fujikawa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masashi Ueda
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kenta Maruyama
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Klausing AD, Fukuwatari T, DeAngeli N, Bucci DJ, Schwarcz R. Adrenalectomy exacerbates stress-induced impairment in fear discrimination: A causal role for kynurenic acid? Biochem Pharmacol 2024:116350. [PMID: 38852644 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Impaired activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and reduced blood levels of glucocorticoids (GCs) are signature features of stress-related maladies. Recent evidence suggests a possible role of the tryptophan metabolite kynurenic acid (KYNA) in this context. Here we investigated possible causal relationships in adult male rats, using stress-induced fear discrimination as a translationally relevant behavioral outcome measure. One week following adrenalectomy (ADX) or sham surgery, animals were for 2 h either physically restrained or exposed to a predator odor, which caused a much milder stress response. Extracellular KYNA levels were determined before, during and after stress by in vivo microdialysis in the prefrontal cortex. Separate cohorts underwent a fear discrimination procedure starting immediately after stress termination. Different auditory conditioned stimuli (CS) were either paired with a foot shock (CS+) or non-reinforced (CS-). One week later, fear was assessed by re-exposing the animals to each CS. Separate groups of rats were treated with the KYNA synthesis inhibitor BFF-816 prior to stress initiation to test a causal role of KYNA in fear discrimination. Restraint stress raised extracellular KYNA levels by ∼85 % in ADX rats for several hours, and these animals were unable to discriminate between CS+ and CS-. Both effects were prevented by BFF-816 and were not observed after exposure to predator odor or in sham-operated rats. These findings suggest that a causal connection exists between adrenal function, stress-induced KYNA increases, and behavioral deficits. Pharmacological inhibition of KYNA synthesis may therefore be an attractive, novel option for the treatment of stress-related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex D Klausing
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tsutomu Fukuwatari
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicole DeAngeli
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - David J Bucci
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Robert Schwarcz
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kondo T, Okada Y, Shizuya S, Yamaguchi N, Hatakeyama S, Maruyama K. Neuroimmune modulation by tryptophan derivatives in neurological and inflammatory disorders. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151418. [PMID: 38729083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The nervous and immune systems are highly developed, and each performs specialized physiological functions. However, they work together, and their dysfunction is associated with various diseases. Specialized molecules, such as neurotransmitters, cytokines, and more general metabolites, are essential for the appropriate regulation of both systems. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is converted into functional molecules such as serotonin and kynurenine, both of which play important roles in the nervous and immune systems. The role of kynurenine metabolites in neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases has recently received particular attention. Recently, we found that hyperactivity of the kynurenine pathway is a critical risk factor for septic shock. In this review, we first outline neuroimmune interactions and tryptophan derivatives and then summarized the changes in tryptophan metabolism in neurological disorders. Finally, we discuss the potential of tryptophan derivatives as therapeutic targets for neuroimmune disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Kondo
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-8636, Japan
| | - Yuka Okada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama 641-0012, Japan
| | - Saika Shizuya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama 641-0012, Japan
| | - Naoko Yamaguchi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Shigetsugu Hatakeyama
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-8636, Japan
| | - Kenta Maruyama
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Aichi 480-1195, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Saliba A, Debnath S, Tamayo I, Tumova J, Maddox M, Singh P, Fastenau C, Maity S, Lee HJ, Zhang G, Hejazi L, O'Connor JC, Fongang B, Hopp SC, Bieniek KF, Lechleiter JD, Sharma K. Quinolinic acid links kidney injury to brain toxicity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.07.592801. [PMID: 38766008 PMCID: PMC11100748 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.07.592801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Kidney dysfunction often leads to neurological impairment, yet the complex kidney-brain relationship remains elusive. We employed spatial and bulk metabolomics to investigate a mouse model of rapid kidney failure induced by mouse double minute 2 ( Mdm2) conditional deletion in the kidney tubules to interrogate kidney and brain metabolism. Pathway enrichment analysis of focused plasma metabolomics panel pinpointed tryptophan metabolism as the most altered pathway with kidney failure. Spatial metabolomics showed toxic tryptophan metabolites in the kidneys and brains, revealing a novel connection between advanced kidney disease and accelerated kynurenine degradation. In particular, the excitotoxic metabolite quinolinic acid was localized in ependymal cells adjacent to the ventricle in the setting of kidney failure. These findings were associated with brain inflammation and cell death. A separate mouse model of acute kidney injury also had an increase in circulating toxic tryptophan metabolites along with altered brain inflammation. Patients with advanced CKD similarly demonstrated elevated plasma kynurenine metabolites and quinolinic acid was uniquely correlated with fatigue and reduced quality of life in humans. Overall, our study identifies the kynurenine pathway as a bridge between kidney decline, systemic inflammation, and brain toxicity, offering potential avenues for diagnosis and treatment of neurological issues in kidney disease.
Collapse
|
5
|
Kotańska M, Łanocha M, Bednarski M, Marcinkowska M. MM165 - A Small Hybrid Molecule Modulates the Kynurenine Pathway and Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Memory Deficits and Inflammation. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:1200-1211. [PMID: 38381245 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-024-04105-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunctions are now recognized as core symptoms of various psychiatric disorders e.g., major depressive disorder. Sustained immune activation may leads to cognitive dysfunctions. Proinflammatory cytokines shunt the metabolism of tryptophan towards kynurenine and quinolinic acid may accumulate at toxic concentrations. This acid triggers an increase in neuronal nitric oxide synthase function and promotes oxidative stress. The searching for small molecules that can regulate tryptophan metabolites produced in the kynurenic pathway has become an important goal in developing treatments for various central nervous system diseases with an inflammatory component. Previously we have identified a small hybrid molecule - MM165 which significantly reduces depressive-like symptoms caused by inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide administration. In the present study, we investigated whether this compound would mitigate cognitive deficits induced by lipopolysaccharide administration and whether treatment with it would affect the plasma or brain levels of quinolinic acid and kynurenic acid. Neuroinflammation was induced in rats by administering lipopolysaccharide at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg body weight for 10 days. We conducted two tests: novel object recognition and object location, to assess the effect on memory impairment in animals previously treated with lipopolysaccharide. In plasma collected from rats, the concentrations of C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor alfa were determined. The concentrations of kynurenic acid and quinolinic acid were determined in plasma and homogenates obtained from the cerebral cortex of rats. Interleukin 6 in the cerebral cortex of rats was determined. Additionally, the body and spleen mass and spontaneous activity were measured in rats. Our study shows that MM165 may mitigate cognitive deficits induced by inflammation after administration of lipopolysaccharide and alter the concentrations of tryptophan metabolites in the brain. Compounds exhibiting a mechanism of action analogous to that of MM165 may serve as foundational structures for the development of a new class of antidepressants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kotańska
- Department of Pharmacological Screening, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna, 30-688, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Michał Łanocha
- Department of Pharmacological Screening, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna, 30-688, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marek Bednarski
- Department of Pharmacological Screening, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna, 30-688, Krakow, Poland
| | - Monika Marcinkowska
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna, 30-688, Krakow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Orhan F, Schwieler L, Engberg G, Samuelsson M. Kynurenine Metabolites in CSF and Plasma in Healthy Males. Int J Tryptophan Res 2024; 17:11786469241245323. [PMID: 38665132 PMCID: PMC11044574 DOI: 10.1177/11786469241245323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, kynurenine metabolites generated by tryptophan catabolism have gained increasing attention in the context of brain diseases. The question of importance is whether there is a relationship between peripheral and central levels of these metabolites. Some of these compounds do not cross the blood-brain barrier; in particular, kynurenic acid, and most analyses of kynurenines from psychiatric patients have been performed using plasma samples. In the present study, we recruited 30 healthy volunteers with no history of psychiatric or neurological diagnosis, to analyze tryptophan, kynurenine, kynurenic acid, and quinolinic acid levels in CSF and plasma. In addition, kynurenic acid was analyzed in urine. The most important finding of this study is that CSF kynurenic acid levels do not correlate with those in plasma or urine. However, we found a correlation between plasma kynurenine and CSF kynurenic acid. Further, plasma kynurenine and plasma quinolinic acid were correlated. Our findings clarify the distribution of tryptophan and its metabolites in various body compartments and may serve as a guide for the analysis of these metabolites in humans. The most significant finding of the present study is that a prediction of brain kynurenic acid by of the analysis of the compound in plasma cannot be made.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Funda Orhan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lilly Schwieler
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Göran Engberg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Samuelsson
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry, Linköping University Hospital, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Asia LK, Van Vuren EJ, Lindeque Z, Williams ME. A pilot investigation of the association between HIV-1 Vpr amino acid sequence diversity and the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway as a potential mechanism for neurocognitive impairment. Virol J 2024; 21:47. [PMID: 38395987 PMCID: PMC10893664 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02313-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
HIV infection compromises both the peripheral and central immune systems due to its pathogenic and neuropathogenic features. The mechanisms driving HIV-1 pathogenesis and neuropathogenesis involve a series of events, including metabolic dysregulation. Furthermore, HIV-subtype-specific variations, particularly alterations in the amino acid sequences of key viral proteins, are known to influence the severity of clinical outcomes in people living with HIV. However, the impact of amino acid sequence variations in specific viral proteins, such as Viral protein R (Vpr), on metabolites within the Tryptophan (Trp)-kynurenine (Kyn) pathway in people living with HIV remains unclear. Our research aimed to explore the relationship between variations in the Vpr amino acid sequence (specifically at positions 22, 41, 45, and 55, as these have been previously linked to neurocognitive function) and peripheral Trp-Kyn metabolites. Additionally, we sought to clarify the systems biology of Vpr sequence variation by examining the link between Trp-Kyn metabolism and peripheral inflammation, as a neuropathogenic mechanism. In this preliminary study, we analyzed a unique cohort of thirty-two (n = 32) South African cART naïve people living with HIV. We employed Sanger sequencing to ascertain blood-derived Vpr amino acid sequence variations and a targeted LC-MS/MS metabolomics platform to assess Trp-Kyn metabolites, such as Trp, Kyn, kynurenic acid (KA), and quinolinic acid (QUIN). Particle-enhanced turbidimetric assay and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure immune markers, hsCRP, IL-6, suPAR, NGAL and sCD163. After applying Bonferroni corrections (p =.05/3) and adjusting for covariates (age and sex), only the Vpr G41 and A55 groups was nearing significance for higher levels of QUIN compared to the Vpr S41 and T55 groups, respectively (all p =.023). Multiple regression results revealed that Vpr amino acid variations at position 41 (adj R2 = 0.049, β = 0.505; p =.023), and 55 (adj R2 = 0.126, β = 0.444; p =.023) displayed significant associations with QUIN after adjusting for age and sex. Lastly, the higher QUIN levels observed in the Vpr G41 group were found to be correlated with suPAR (r =.588, p =.005). These results collectively underscore the importance of specific Vpr amino acid substitutions in influencing QUIN and inflammation (specifically suPAR levels), potentially contributing to our understanding of their roles in the pathogenesis and neuropathogenesis of HIV-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Esmé Jansen Van Vuren
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Zander Lindeque
- Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bakker L, Köhler S, Eussen SJPM, Choe K, van den Hove DLA, Kenis G, Rutten BPF, Ulvik A, Ueland PM, Verhey FRJ, Ramakers IHGB. Correlations between kynurenines in plasma and CSF, and their relation to markers of Alzheimer's disease pathology. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 111:312-319. [PMID: 37149106 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Altered levels of kynurenines in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have been reported in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, it is still largely unknown whether peripheral kynurenine concentrations resemble those found in CSF and how they relate to AD pathology. We therefore studied correlations between kynurenines in plasma and CSF and their associations with CSF amyloid-beta (Aβ1-42) and tau levels in patients from the memory clinic spanning the whole cognitive spectrum. METHODS The Biobank Alzheimer Center Limburg study is a prospective cohort study of consecutive patients referred to the memory clinic of the Alzheimer Center Limburg. Plasma and CSF concentrations of tryptophan (TRP), eight kynurenines and neopterin from 138 patients were determined by means of LC-MS/MS. Additionally, CSF Aβ1-42, total-tau (t-tau) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) concentrations were determined using commercially available single-parameter ELISA methods. Partial correlations were used to analyze cross-sectional associations between kynurenines in plasma and CSF and their relation to AD related CSF-biomarkers adjusted for age, sex, educational level, and kidney function. RESULTS Moderate to strong correlations were observed between plasma and CSF levels for quinolinic acid (QA; r = 0.63), TRP (r = 0.47), anthranilic acid (r = 0.59), picolinic acid (r = 0.55), and the kynurenine (KYN)/TRP ratio (KTR; r = 0.55; all p < 0.0001), while other kynurenines correlated only weakly with their corresponding CSF values. No correlations were found between plasma and CSF levels of KA/QA. Several kynurenines were also weakly correlated with Aβ1-42, t-tau or p-tau. Plasma levels of KA/QA were negatively correlated with Aβ1-42 (r = -0.21, p < 0.05). Plasma levels of TRP were negatively correlated with t-tau (r = -0.19) and levels of KYN with p-tau (r = -0.18; both p < 0.05). CSF levels of KYN (r = 0.20, p < 0.05), KA (r = 0.23, p < 0.01), and KTR (r = 0.18, p < 0.05) were positively correlated with Aβ1-42. Finally, TRP and KYN were negatively (r = -0.22 and r = -0.18, respectively), and neopterin positively (r = 0.19) correlated with p-tau (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Plasma concentrations of TRP, KP metabolites, KTR, and neopterin all significantly correlated positively with their corresponding CSF concentrations, but many correlations were weak. Additionally, our results suggest a relation between higher kynurenine levels and lower AD pathology load. These results need verification in future studies and require more research into (shared) underlying mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lieke Bakker
- Alzheimer Center Limburg, Maastricht University, 6229 ET Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs) and European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Sebastian Köhler
- Alzheimer Center Limburg, Maastricht University, 6229 ET Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs) and European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Simone J P M Eussen
- Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University, 6229 HA Maastricht, the Netherlands; School for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM) and Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Kyonghwan Choe
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs) and European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Daniel L A van den Hove
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs) and European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany.
| | - Gunter Kenis
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs) and European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Bart P F Rutten
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs) and European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | | | | | - Frans R J Verhey
- Alzheimer Center Limburg, Maastricht University, 6229 ET Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs) and European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Inez H G B Ramakers
- Alzheimer Center Limburg, Maastricht University, 6229 ET Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs) and European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Siddiqui F, Gallagher D, Shuster-Hyman H, Lopez L, Gauthier-Fisher A, Librach CL. First trimester human umbilical cord perivascular cells (HUCPVC) modulate the kynurenine pathway and glutamate neurotransmission in an LPS-induced mouse model of neuroinflammation. J Inflamm (Lond) 2023; 20:15. [PMID: 37127610 PMCID: PMC10152638 DOI: 10.1186/s12950-023-00340-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Kynurenine Pathway (KP) of tryptophan degradation and glutamate toxicity is implicated in several neurological disorders, including depression. The therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), owing to their well documented phagocytosis-driven mechanism of immunomodulation and neuroprotection, has been tested in many neurological disorders. However, their potential to influence KP and the glutamatergic system has not yet been investigated. Hence, this study sought to investigate the effect of HUCPVC, a rich and potent source of MSC, on Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated KP metabolites, KP enzymes, and key components of glutamate neurotransmission. METHODS The immunomodulatory effect of peripherally administered HUCPVC on the expression profile of kynurenine pathway metabolites and enzymes was assessed in the plasma and brain of mice treated with LPS using LCMS and QPCR. An assessment of the glutamatergic system, including selected receptors, transporters and related proteins was also conducted by QPCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blot. RESULTS HUCPVC were found to modulate LPS-induced activation of KP enzymes and metabolites in the brain associated with neurotoxicity. Moreover, the reduced expression of the glutamatergic components due to LPS was also found to be significantly improved by HUCPVC. CONCLUSIONS The immunomodulatory properties of HUCPVC appear to confer neuroprotection, at least in part, through their ability to modulate the KP in the brain. This KP modulation enhances neuroprotective regulators and downregulates neurotoxic consequences, including glutamate neurotoxicity, which is associated with neuroinflammation and depressive behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fyyaz Siddiqui
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, ON, M5G 1N8, Canada.
| | - Denis Gallagher
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, ON, M5G 1N8, Canada
| | - Hannah Shuster-Hyman
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, ON, M5G 1N8, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lianet Lopez
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, ON, M5G 1N8, Canada
| | | | - Clifford L Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, ON, M5G 1N8, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toronto, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tryptophan-kynurenine metabolic characterization in the gut and brain of depressive-like rats induced by chronic restraint stress. J Affect Disord 2023; 328:273-286. [PMID: 36746244 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence revealed the role of tryptophan (TRP) metabolism, especially its kynurenine pathway (KP), in the communication along the gut-brain axis. However, the underlying characterization of such interaction was not precise. In the present study, the rat depression model was induced by chronic restraint stress (CRS). After depression behavior tests, seven segments (cortex, hippocampus, striatum, hypothalamus, serum, cecum, and colon) along the gut-brain axis were collected to characterize their KP metabolism. mRNA expression of IL-1β, IFN-γ, IL-10 and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) enzyme revealed a general inflammatory response and region-specific activated IDO1 along the gut-brain axis. Determination of KP metabolites and enzymes displayed a general KP activation with region-specificity, especially in the hippocampus and colon, where the changes were more pronounced. KYN and 3-HK were increased dramatically along the gut-brain axis; hippocampal KA revealed a significant decrease while colonic KA showed a notable increase, evidenced by the same alternation trends of the corresponding enzymes. The expression of quinolinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase (QPRT), the crucial enzyme to produce NAD+ from QA, was significantly upregulated in the gut but not changed in the brain. Pearson's correlation analysis suggested that kynurenine (KYN), 3-hydroxycaninuric acid (3-HK), serotonin (5-HT), TRP and kynurenic acid (KA) significantly correlated with depressive behaviors in rats. Furthermore, western blot analysis on nod-like receptor protein 3/2 (NLRP3/NLRP2) inflammasome signaling displayed that NLRP3 and cleaved IL-1β/caspase-1 were significantly activated in the hippocampus and colon of CRS rats. However, NLRP2 was only activated in the hippocampus. These results revealed CRS induced inflammatory responses along the brain-gut axis of rats might be controlled through the NLRP3/NLRP2 inflammasome signaling pathway, which may be the underlying regulator for CRS-induced TRP-KYN metabolic changes. This study provides a new experimental background for developing stress-related health products.
Collapse
|
11
|
Polyák H, Galla Z, Nánási N, Cseh EK, Rajda C, Veres G, Spekker E, Szabó Á, Klivényi P, Tanaka M, Vécsei L. The Tryptophan-Kynurenine Metabolic System Is Suppressed in Cuprizone-Induced Model of Demyelination Simulating Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030945. [PMID: 36979924 PMCID: PMC10046567 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease with a unique pattern, which is histologically classified into the subpial type 3 lesions in the autopsy. The lesion is also homologous to that of cuprizone (CPZ) toxin-induced animal models of demyelination. Aberration of the tryptophan (TRP)-kynurenine (KYN) metabolic system has been observed in patients with MS; nevertheless, the KYN metabolite profile of progressive MS remains inconclusive. In this study, C57Bl/6J male mice were treated with 0.2% CPZ toxin for 5 weeks and then underwent 4 weeks of recovery. We measured the levels of serotonin, TRP, and KYN metabolites in the plasma and the brain samples of mice at weeks 1, 3, and 5 of demyelination, and at weeks 7 and 9 of remyelination periods by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) after body weight measurement and immunohistochemical analysis to confirm the development of demyelination. The UHPLC-MS/MS measurements demonstrated a significant reduction of kynurenic acid, 3-hydoxykynurenine (3-HK), and xanthurenic acid in the plasma and a significant reduction of 3-HK, and anthranilic acid in the brain samples at week 5. Here, we show the profile of KYN metabolites in the CPZ-induced mouse model of demyelination. Thus, the KYN metabolite profile potentially serves as a biomarker of progressive MS and thus opens a new path toward planning personalized treatment, which is frequently obscured with immunologic components in MS deterioration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helga Polyák
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Clinical Medicine, University of Szeged, Korányi fasor 6, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Galla
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Szent-Györgyi Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Nikolett Nánási
- Danube Neuroscience Research Laboratory, ELKH-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, University of Szeged (ELKH-SZTE), Tisza Lajos krt. 113, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Edina Katalin Cseh
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Cecília Rajda
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Veres
- Independent Researcher, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Eleonóra Spekker
- Danube Neuroscience Research Laboratory, ELKH-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, University of Szeged (ELKH-SZTE), Tisza Lajos krt. 113, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Szabó
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Clinical Medicine, University of Szeged, Korányi fasor 6, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter Klivényi
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Masaru Tanaka
- Danube Neuroscience Research Laboratory, ELKH-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, University of Szeged (ELKH-SZTE), Tisza Lajos krt. 113, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Danube Neuroscience Research Laboratory, ELKH-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, University of Szeged (ELKH-SZTE), Tisza Lajos krt. 113, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhao LP, Wu J, Quan W, Zhou Y, Hong H, Niu GY, Huang SB, Qiao CM, Zhao WJ, Cui C, Shen YQ. DSS-induced acute colitis causes dysregulated tryptophan metabolism in brain: an involvement of gut microbiota. J Nutr Biochem 2023; 115:109282. [PMID: 36758839 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2023.109282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease can cause pathological changes of certain organs, including the gut and brain. As the major degradation route of tryptophan (Trp), Kynurenine (Kyn) pathway are involved in multiple pathologies of brain. This study sought to explore the effects of Dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis on serum and brain Trp metabolism (especially the Kyn pathway) and its mechanisms. We induced acute colitis and sub-chronic colitis with 3% DSS and 1% DSS respectively and found more severe intestinal symptoms in acute colitis than sub-chronic colitis. Both of the colitis groups altered Trp-Kyn-Kynurenic acid (Kyna) pathway in serum by regulating the expression of rate-limiting enzyme (IDO-1, KAT2). Interestingly, only 3% DSS group activated Trp-Kyn pathway under the action of metabolic enzymes (IDO-1, TDO-2 and KAT2) in brain. Furthermore, intestinal flora 16S rRNA sequencing showed significantly changes in both DSS-induced colitis groups, including microbial diversity, indicator species, and the abundance of intestinal microflora related to Trp metabolism. The functional pathways of microbiomes involved in inflammation and Trp biosynthesis were elevated after DSS treatment. Moreover, correlation analysis showed a significant association between intestinal flora and Trp metabolism (both in serum and brain). In conclusion, our study suggests that DSS-induced acute colitis causes dysregulation of Trp-Kyn-Kyna pathways of Trp metabolism in serum and brain by affecting rate-limiting enzymes and intestinal flora.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ping Zhao
- Neurodegeneration and Injury Laboratory, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Neurodegeneration and Injury Laboratory, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Quan
- Neurodegeneration and Injury Laboratory, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Neurodegeneration and Injury Laboratory, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Hong
- Neurodegeneration and Injury Laboratory, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gu-Yu Niu
- Neurodegeneration and Injury Laboratory, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shu-Bing Huang
- Neurodegeneration and Injury Laboratory, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen-Meng Qiao
- Neurodegeneration and Injury Laboratory, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei-Jiang Zhao
- Neurodegeneration and Injury Laboratory, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chun Cui
- Neurodegeneration and Injury Laboratory, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan-Qin Shen
- Neurodegeneration and Injury Laboratory, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Linking nervous and immune systems in psychiatric illness: A meta-analysis of the kynurenine pathway. Brain Res 2023; 1800:148190. [PMID: 36463958 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid absorbed by the gut depending on a homoeostatic microbiome. Up to 95% of unbound tryptophan is converted into tryptophan catabolites (TRYCATs) through the kynurenine system. Recent studies identified conflicting associations between altered levels of TRYCATs and genetic polymorphisms in major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia (SCZ), and bipolar disorder (BD). This meta-analysis aimed to understand how tryptophan catabolic pathways are altered in MDD, SCZ, and BD. When compared to healthy controls, participants with MDD had moderately lower levels of tryptophan associated with a moderate increase of kynurenine/tryptophan ratios and no differences in kynurenine. While significant differences were found in SCZ for any of the TRYCATs, studies on kynurenic acid found opposing directions of effect sizes depending on the sample source. Unique changes in levels of TRYCATs were also observed in BD. Dynamic changes in levels of cytokines and other immune/inflammatory elements modulate the transcription and activity of kynurenine system enzymes, which lastly seems to be impacting glutamatergic neurotransmission via N-methyl-D-aspartate and α-7 nicotine receptors.
Collapse
|
14
|
Effects of Ozone on Sickness and Depressive-like Behavioral and Biochemical Phenotypes and Their Regulation by Serum Amyloid A in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021612. [PMID: 36675130 PMCID: PMC9860713 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Ozone (O3) is an air pollutant that primarily damages the lungs, but growing evidence supports the idea that O3 also harms the brain; acute exposure to O3 has been linked to central nervous system (CNS) symptoms such as depressed mood and sickness behaviors. However, the mechanisms by which O3 inhalation causes neurobehavioral changes are limited. One hypothesis is that factors in the circulation bridge communication between the lungs and brain following O3 exposure. In this study, our goals were to characterize neurobehavioral endpoints of O3 exposure as they relate to markers of systemic and pulmonary inflammation, with a particular focus on serum amyloid A (SAA) and kynurenine as candidate mediators of O3 behavioral effects. We evaluated O3-induced dose-, time- and sex-dependent changes in pulmonary inflammation, circulating SAA and kynurenine and its metabolic enzymes, and sickness and depressive-like behaviors in Balb/c and CD-1 mice. We found that 3 parts per million (ppm) O3, but not 2 or 1 ppm O3, increased circulating SAA and lung inflammation, which were resolved by 48 h and was worse in females. We also found that indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (Ido1) mRNA expression was increased in the brain and spleen 24 h after 3 ppm O3 and that kynurenine was increased in blood. Sickness and depressive-like behaviors were observed at all O3 doses (1-3 ppm), suggesting that behavioral responses to O3 can occur independently of increased SAA or neutrophils in the lungs. Using SAA knockout mice, we found that SAA did not contribute to O3-induced pulmonary damage or inflammation, systemic increases in kynurenine post-O3, or depressive-like behavior but did contribute to weight loss. Together, these findings indicate that acute O3 exposure induces transient symptoms of sickness and depressive-like behaviors that may occur in the presence or absence of overt pulmonary neutrophilia and systemic increases of SAA. SAA does not appear to contribute to pulmonary inflammation induced by O3, although it may contribute to other aspects of sickness behavior, as reflected by a modest effect on weight loss.
Collapse
|
15
|
Anderson EW, Jin Y, Shih A, Arazi A, Goodwin S, Roeser J, Furie RA, Aranow C, Volpe B, Diamond B, Mackay M. Associations between circulating interferon and kynurenine/tryptophan pathway metabolites: support for a novel potential mechanism for cognitive dysfunction in SLE. Lupus Sci Med 2022; 9:e000808. [PMID: 36384965 PMCID: PMC9670923 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2022-000808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Quinolinic acid (QA), a kynurenine (KYN)/tryptophan (TRP) pathway metabolite, is an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor agonist that can produce excitotoxic neuron damage. Type I and II interferons (IFNs) stimulate the KYN/TRP pathway, producing elevated QA/kynurenic acid (KA), a potential neurotoxic imbalance that may contribute to SLE-mediated cognitive dysfunction. We determined whether peripheral blood interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression associates with elevated serum KYN:TRP and QA:KA ratios in SLE. METHODS ISG expression (whole-blood RNA sequencing) and serum metabolite ratios (high-performance liquid chromatography) were measured in 72 subjects with SLE and 73 healthy controls (HCs). ISG were identified from published gene sets and individual IFN scores were derived to analyse associations with metabolite ratios, clinical parameters and neuropsychological assessments. SLE analyses were grouped by level of ISG expression ('IFN high', 'IFN low' and 'IFN similar to HC') and level of monocyte-associated gene expression (using CIBERSORTx). RESULTS Serum KYN:TRP and QA:KA ratios were higher in SLE than in HC (p<0.01). 933 genes were differentially expressed ≥2-fold in SLE versus HC (p<0.05). 70 of the top 100 most highly variant genes were ISG. Approximately half of overexpressed genes that correlated with KYN:TRP and QA:KA ratios (p<0.05) were ISG. In 36 IFN-high subjects with SLE, IFN scores correlated with KYN:TRP ratios (p<0.01), but not with QA:KA ratios. Of these 36 subjects, 23 had high monocyte-associated gene expression, and in this subgroup, the IFN scores correlated with both KY:NTRP and QA:KA ratios (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS High ISG expression correlated with elevated KYN:TRP ratios in subjects with SLE, suggesting IFN-mediated KYN/TRP pathway activation, and with QA:KA ratios in a subset with high monocyte-associated gene expression, suggesting that KYN/TRP pathway activation may be particularly important in monocytes. These results need validation, which may aid in determining which patient subset may benefit from therapeutics directed at the IFN or KYN/TRP pathways to ameliorate a potentially neurotoxic QA/KA imbalance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik W Anderson
- Institute of Molecule Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Ying Jin
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | - Andrew Shih
- Genomics and Human Genetics, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Arnon Arazi
- Institute of Molecule Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Sara Goodwin
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | - Julien Roeser
- Charles River Laboratories, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Richard A Furie
- Institute of Molecule Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
- Rheumatology, Northwell Health, Great Neck, New York, USA
| | - Cynthia Aranow
- Institute of Molecule Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Bruce Volpe
- Institute of Molecule Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Betty Diamond
- Institute of Molecule Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Meggan Mackay
- Institute of Molecule Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Park JH. Potential Inflammatory Biomarker in Patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13054. [PMID: 36361835 PMCID: PMC9658646 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder that can diminish the quality of life of both children and adults in academic, occupational, and social contexts. The kynurenine pathway (KP) contains a set of enzymatic reactions involved in tryptophan (TRP) degradation. It is known to be associated with the risk of developing ADHD. This review will address the KP and underlying mechanism of inflammation in ADHD. Potential inflammatory biomarkers reported in the most recent studies are summarized. Although a strong neuroimmunological basis has been established due to the advances of recent neurobiological research, the pathophysiology of ADHD remains unclear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyun Park
- College of Pharmacy, Duksung Women's University, Seoul 01369, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Almulla AF, Vasupanrajit A, Tunvirachaisakul C, Al-Hakeim HK, Solmi M, Verkerk R, Maes M. The tryptophan catabolite or kynurenine pathway in schizophrenia: meta-analysis reveals dissociations between central, serum, and plasma compartments. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3679-3691. [PMID: 35422466 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01552-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The tryptophan catabolite (TRYCAT) pathway is implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia (SCZ) since the rate-limiting enzyme indoleamine-dioxygenase (IDO) may be induced by inflammatory and oxidative stress mediators. This systematic review searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for papers published from inception until August 2021 and meta-analyzed the association between SCZ and TRYCATs in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral blood. We included 61 studies comprising 2813 patients and 2948 healthy controls. In the CNS we found a significant (p < 0.001) increase in the kynurenine/tryptophan (KYN/TRP) (standardized mean difference, SMD = 0.769, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.456; 1.082) and kynurenic acid (KA)/KYN + TRP (SMD = 0.697, CI: 0.478-0.917) ratios, KA (SMD = 0.646, CI: 0.422; 0.909) and KYN (SMD = 1.238; CI: 0.590; 1.886), while the 3OH-kynurenine (3HK) + KYN-3-monooxygenase (KMO)/KYN ratio was significantly reduced (SMD = -1.089, CI: -1.682; -0.496). There were significant differences between KYN/TRP, (KYN + KA)/TRP, (3HK + KMO)/KYN, KA, and KYN levels among the CNS and peripheral blood, and among serum and plasma KYN. The only useful peripheral marker of CNS TRYCATs findings was the increased KYN/TRP ratio in serum (SMD = 0.211, CI: 0.056; 0.366, p = 0.007), but not in plasma. There was no significant increase in a neurotoxic composite score based on KYN, 3HK, and picolinic, xanthurenic, and quinolinic acid. SCZ is accompanied by increased IDO activity in the CNS and serum, and reduced KMO activity and a shift towards KA production in the CNS. This CNS TRYCATs profile indicates neuroprotective, negative immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Peripheral blood levels of TRYCATs are dissociated from CNS findings except for a modest increase in serum IDO activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abbas F Almulla
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Asara Vasupanrajit
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Marco Solmi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI), Clinical Epidemiology Program, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Verkerk
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. .,Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria. .,Department of Psychiatry, IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Tryptophan Challenge in Healthy Controls and People with Schizophrenia: Acute Effects on Plasma Levels of Kynurenine, Kynurenic Acid and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15081003. [PMID: 36015151 PMCID: PMC9416551 DOI: 10.3390/ph15081003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The pivotal tryptophan (TRP) metabolite kynurenine is converted to several neuroactive compounds, including kynurenic acid (KYNA), which is elevated in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid of people with schizophrenia (SZ) and may contribute to cognitive abnormalities in patients. A small proportion of TRP is metabolized to serotonin and further to 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). Notably, KP metabolism is readily affected by immune stimulation. Here, we assessed the acute effects of an oral TRP challenge (6 g) on peripheral concentrations of kynurenine, KYNA and 5-HIAA, as well as the cytokines interferon-γ, TNF-α and interleukin-6, in 22 participants with SZ and 16 healthy controls (HCs) using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. TRP raised the levels of kynurenine, KYNA and 5-HIAA in a time-dependent manner, causing >20-fold, >130-fold and 1.5-fold increases in kynurenine, KYNA and 5-HIAA concentrations, respectively, after 240 min. According to multivariate analyses, neither baseline levels nor the stimulating effects of TRP differed between participants with SZ and HC. Basal cytokine levels did not vary between groups, and remained unaffected by TRP. Although unlikely to be useful diagnostically, measurements of circulating metabolites following an acute TRP challenge may be informative for assessing the in vivo efficacy of drugs that modulate the neosynthesis of KYNA and other products of TRP degradation.
Collapse
|
19
|
Kamishikiryo T, Okada G, Itai E, Masuda Y, Yokoyama S, Takamura M, Fuchikami M, Yoshino A, Mawatari K, Numata S, Takahashi A, Ohmori T, Okamoto Y. Left DLPFC activity is associated with plasma kynurenine levels and can predict treatment response to escitalopram in major depressive disorder. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 76:367-376. [PMID: 35543406 PMCID: PMC9544423 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM To establish treatment response biomarkers that reflect the pathophysiology of depression, it is important to use an integrated set of features. This study aimed to determine the relationship between regional brain activity at rest and blood metabolites related to treatment response to escitalopram to identify the characteristics of depression that respond to treatment. METHODS Blood metabolite levels and resting-state brain activity were measured in patients with moderate to severe depression (n = 65) before and after 6-8 weeks of treatment with escitalopram, and these were compared between Responders and Nonresponders to treatment. We then examined the relationship between blood metabolites and brain activity related to treatment responsiveness in patients and healthy controls (n = 36). RESULTS Thirty-two patients (49.2%) showed a clinical response (>50% reduction in the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score) and were classified as Responders, and the remaining 33 patients were classified as Nonresponders. The pretreatment fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) value of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and plasma kynurenine levels were lower in Responders, and the rate of increase of both after treatment was correlated with an improvement in symptoms. Moreover, the fALFF value of the left DLPFC was significantly correlated with plasma kynurenine levels in pretreatment patients with depression and healthy controls. CONCLUSION Decreased resting-state regional activity of the left DLPFC and decreased plasma kynurenine levels may predict treatment response to escitalopram, suggesting that it may be involved in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder in response to escitalopram treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshiharu Kamishikiryo
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Go Okada
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Eri Itai
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Masuda
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yokoyama
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Masahiro Takamura
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo-shi, Japan
| | - Manabu Fuchikami
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Atsuo Yoshino
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Mawatari
- Department of Preventive Environment and Nutrition, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Shusuke Numata
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Biomedical Science, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Akira Takahashi
- Department of Preventive Environment and Nutrition, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Ohmori
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Biomedical Science, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Okamoto
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Meier TB, Savitz J. The Kynurenine Pathway in Traumatic Brain Injury: Implications for Psychiatric Outcomes. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:449-458. [PMID: 34266671 PMCID: PMC8630076 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an established risk factor for the development of psychiatric disorders, especially depression and anxiety. However, the mechanistic pathways underlying this risk remain unclear, limiting treatment options and hindering the identification of clinically useful biomarkers. One salient pathophysiological process implicated in both primary psychiatric disorders and TBI is inflammation. An important consequence of inflammation is the increased breakdown of tryptophan to kynurenine and, subsequently, the metabolism of kynurenine into several neuroactive metabolites, including the neurotoxic NMDA receptor agonist quinolinic acid and the neuroprotective NMDA receptor antagonist kynurenic acid. Here, we review studies of the kynurenine pathway (KP) in TBI and examine their potential clinical implications. The weight of the literature suggests that there is increased production of neurotoxic kynurenines such as quinolinic acid in TBI of all severities and that elevated quinolinic acid concentrations in both the cerebrospinal fluid and blood are a negative prognostic indicator, being associated with death, magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities, increased depressive and anxiety symptoms, and prolonged recovery. We hypothesize that an imbalance in KP metabolism is also one molecular pathway through which the TBI-induced neurometabolic cascade may predispose to the development of psychiatric sequelae. If this model is correct, KP metabolites could serve to predict who is likely to develop psychiatric illness while drugs that target the KP could help to prevent or treat depression and anxiety arising in the context of TBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy B. Meier
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,Corresponding author: Timothy Meier, PhD, 414-955-7310, , Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - Jonathan Savitz
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, Oklahoma,Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Stress induced microglial activation contributes to depression. Pharmacol Res 2022; 179:106145. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
22
|
Saraste M, Matilainen M, Rajda C, Galla Z, Sucksdorff M, Vécsei L, Airas L. Association between microglial activation and serum kynurenine pathway metabolites in multiple sclerosis patients. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 59:103667. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
23
|
The Kynurenine Pathway as a Potential Target for Neuropathic Pain Therapy Design: From Basic Research to Clinical Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011055. [PMID: 34681715 PMCID: PMC8537209 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests the key role of the kynurenine pathway (KP) of the tryptophan metabolism in the pathogenesis of several diseases. Despite extensive research aimed at clarifying the mechanisms underlying the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain, the roles of KP metabolites in this process are still not fully known. Although the function of the peripheral KP has been known for several years, it has only recently been acknowledged that its metabolites within the central nervous system have remarkable consequences related to physiology and behavior. Both the products and metabolites of the KP are involved in the pathogenesis of pain conditions. Apart from the neuroactive properties of kynurenines, the KP regulates several neurotransmitter systems in direct or indirect ways. Some neuroactive metabolites are known to have neuroprotective properties (kynurenic acid, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide cofactor), while others are toxic (3-hydroxykynurenine, quinolinic acid). Numerous animal models show that modulation of the KP may turn out to be a viable target for the treatment of diseases. Importantly, some compounds that affect KP enzymes are currently described to possess analgesic properties. Additionally, kynurenine metabolites may be useful for assessing response to therapy or as biomarkers in therapeutic monitoring. The following review describes the molecular site of action and changes in the levels of metabolites of the kynurenine pathway in the pathogenesis of various conditions, with a particular emphasis on their involvement in neuropathy. Moreover, the potential clinical implications of KP modulation in chronic pain therapy as well as the directions of new research initiatives are discussed.
Collapse
|
24
|
Skorobogatov K, De Picker L, Verkerk R, Coppens V, Leboyer M, Müller N, Morrens M. Brain Versus Blood: A Systematic Review on the Concordance Between Peripheral and Central Kynurenine Pathway Measures in Psychiatric Disorders. Front Immunol 2021; 12:716980. [PMID: 34630391 PMCID: PMC8495160 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.716980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Disturbances in the kynurenine pathway have been implicated in the pathophysiology of psychotic and mood disorders, as well as several other psychiatric illnesses. It remains uncertain however to what extent metabolite levels detectable in plasma or serum reflect brain kynurenine metabolism and other disease-specific pathophysiological changes. The primary objective of this systematic review was to investigate the concordance between peripheral and central (CSF or brain tissue) kynurenine metabolites. As secondary aims we describe their correlation with illness course, treatment response, and neuroanatomical abnormalities in psychiatric diseases. Methods We performed a systematic literature search until February 2021 in PubMed. We included 27 original research articles describing a correlation between peripheral and central kynurenine metabolite measures in preclinical studies and human samples from patients suffering from neuropsychiatric disorders and other conditions. We also included 32 articles reporting associations between peripheral KP markers and symptom severity, CNS pathology or treatment response in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder. Results For kynurenine and 3-hydroxykynurenine, moderate to strong concordance was found between peripheral and central concentrations not only in psychiatric disorders, but also in other (patho)physiological conditions. Despite discordant findings for other metabolites (mainly tryptophan and kynurenic acid), blood metabolite levels were associated with clinical symptoms and treatment response in psychiatric patients, as well as with observed neuroanatomical abnormalities and glial activity. Conclusion Only kynurenine and 3-hydroxykynurenine demonstrated a consistent and reliable concordance between peripheral and central measures. Evidence from psychiatric studies on kynurenine pathway concordance is scarce, and more research is needed to determine the validity of peripheral kynurenine metabolite assessment as proxy markers for CNS processes. Peripheral kynurenine and 3-hydroxykynurenine may nonetheless represent valuable predictive and prognostic biomarker candidates for psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Skorobogatov
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
| | - Livia De Picker
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
| | - Robert Verkerk
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Violette Coppens
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
| | - Marion Leboyer
- INSERM U955, Equipe Psychiatrie Translationnelle, Créteil, France.,Fondation FondaMental - Hôpital Albert Chenevier - Pôle Psychiatrie, Créteil, France.,AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, DHU Pepsy, Pôle de Psychiatrie et d'Addictologie, Créteil, France.,Université Paris Est Créteil, Faculté de Médecine, Creteil, France
| | - Norbert Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, München, Germany
| | - Manuel Morrens
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Scientific Initiative of Neuropsychiatric and Psychopharmacological Studies (SINAPS), University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Anderson EW, Fishbein J, Hong J, Roeser J, Furie RA, Aranow C, Volpe BT, Diamond B, Mackay M. Quinolinic acid, a kynurenine/tryptophan pathway metabolite, associates with impaired cognitive test performance in systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus Sci Med 2021; 8:e000559. [PMID: 34686589 PMCID: PMC8543639 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2021-000559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Interferon-alpha, an important contributor to SLE pathogenesis, induces the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in the kynurenine/tryptophan (KYN/TRP) pathway. This leads to a potentially neurotoxic imbalance in the KYN/TRP pathway metabolites, quinolinic acid (QA), an N-methyl D-aspartate glutamatergic receptor (NMDAR) agonist, and kynurenic acid (KA), an NMDAR antagonist. We determined whether QA/KA ratios associate with cognitive dysfunction (CD) and depression in SLE. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 74 subjects with SLE and 74 healthy control (HC) subjects; all without history of neuropsychiatric disorders. Serum metabolite levels (KYN, TRP, QA, KA) were measured concurrently with assessments of cognition (Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM), 2×2 array), mood and pain, and compared between SLE and HC. Multivariable modelling in SLE was used to evaluate associations of metabolites with cognitive performance and depression. RESULTS Serum KYN/TRP and QA/KA ratios were elevated in SLE versus HC (p<0.0001). SLE performed worse than HC on four of five ANAM tests (all p≤0.02) and the 2×2 array (p<0.01), and had higher depression scores (p<0.01). In SLE, elevated QA/KA ratios correlated with poor performance on Match to Sample (MTS), a working memory and visuospatial processing task (p<0.05). Subjects with SLE with elevated QA/KA ratios also had slightly higher odds of depression, but this did not reach significance (p=0.09). Multivariable modelling in SLE confirmed an association between QA/KA ratios and poor MTS performance when considering potentially confounding factors (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Elevated serum KYN/TRP and QA/KA ratios confirm KYN/TRP pathway activation in SLE. The novel association between increased QA/KA ratios and poor cognitive performance supports further study of this pathway as a potential biomarker or therapeutic target for SLE-mediated CD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik W Anderson
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Joanna Fishbein
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Joseph Hong
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Julien Roeser
- Charles River Laboratories, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Richard A Furie
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Cynthia Aranow
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Bruce T Volpe
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Betty Diamond
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Meggan Mackay
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Marszalek-Grabska M, Walczak K, Gawel K, Wicha-Komsta K, Wnorowska S, Wnorowski A, Turski WA. Kynurenine emerges from the shadows – Current knowledge on its fate and function. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 225:107845. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
27
|
The kynurenine pathway and bipolar disorder: intersection of the monoaminergic and glutamatergic systems and immune response. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:4085-4095. [PMID: 31732715 PMCID: PMC7225078 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0589-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction in a wide array of systems-including the immune, monoaminergic, and glutamatergic systems-is implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. One potential intersection point for these three systems is the kynurenine (KYN) pathway. This study explored the impact of the prototypic glutamatergic modulator ketamine on the endogenous KYN pathway in individuals with bipolar depression (BD), as well as the relationship between response to ketamine and depression-related behavioral and peripheral inflammatory markers. Thirty-nine participants with treatment-resistant BD (23 F, ages 18-65) received a single ketamine infusion (0.5 mg/kg) over 40 min. KYN pathway analytes-including plasma concentrations of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), KYN, kynurenic acid (KynA), and quinolinic acid (QA)-were assessed at baseline (pre-infusion), 230 min, day 1, and day 3 post-ketamine. General linear models with restricted maximum likelihood estimation and robust sandwich variance estimators were implemented. A repeated effect of time was used to model the covariance of the residuals with an unstructured matrix. After controlling for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), post-ketamine IDO levels were significantly lower than baseline at all three time points. Conversely, ketamine treatment significantly increased KYN and KynA levels at days 1 and 3 versus baseline. No change in QA levels was observed post-ketamine. A lower post-ketamine ratio of QA/KYN was observed at day 1. In addition, baseline levels of proinflammatory cytokines and behavioral measures predicted KYN pathway changes post ketamine. The results suggest that, in addition to having rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in BD participants, ketamine also impacts key components of the KYN pathway.
Collapse
|
28
|
Molecular Basis of Late-Life Depression. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147421. [PMID: 34299040 PMCID: PMC8303929 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Late-life depression (LLD), compared to depression at a young age, is more likely to have poor prognosis and high risk of progression to dementia. A recent systemic review and meta-analysis of the present antidepressants for LLD showed that the treatment response rate was 48% and the remission rate was only 33.7%, thus implying the need to improve the treatment with other approaches in the future. Recently, agents modulating the glutamatergic system have been tested for mental disorders such as schizophrenia, dementia, and depressive disorder. Ketamine, a noncompetitive NMDA receptor (NMDAR) antagonist, requires more evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to prove its efficacy and safety in treating LLD. The metabotropic receptors (mGluRs) of the glutamatergic system are family G-protein-coupled receptors, and inhibition of the Group II mGluRs subtypes (mGlu2 and mGlu3) was found to be as effective as ketamine in exerting rapid antidepressant activity in some animal studies. Inflammation has been thought to contribute to depression for a long time. The cytokine levels not only increase with age but also decrease serotonin. Regarding LLD, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) released in vivo are likely to contribute to the reduced serotonin level. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a growth factor and a modulator in the tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) family of tyrosine kinase receptors, probably declines quantitatively with age. Recent studies suggest that BDNF/TrkB decrement may contribute to learning deficits and memory impairment. In the process of aging, physiological changes in combination with geriatric diseases such as vascular diseases result in poorer prognosis of LLD in comparison with that of young-age depression. Treatments with present antidepressants have been generally unsatisfactory. Novel treatments such as anti-inflammatory agents or NMDAR agonists/antagonists require more studies in LLD. Last but not least, LLD and dementia, which share common pathways and interrelate reciprocally, are a great concern. If it is possible to enhance the treatment of LDD, dementia can be prevented or delated.
Collapse
|
29
|
Bondulich MK, Fan Y, Song Y, Giorgini F, Bates GP. Ablation of kynurenine 3-monooxygenase rescues plasma inflammatory cytokine levels in the R6/2 mouse model of Huntington's disease. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5484. [PMID: 33750843 PMCID: PMC7943810 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84858-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) regulates the levels of neuroactive metabolites in the kynurenine pathway (KP), dysregulation of which is associated with Huntington's disease (HD) pathogenesis. KMO inhibition leads to increased levels of neuroprotective relative to neurotoxic metabolites, and has been found to ameliorate disease-relevant phenotypes in several HD models. Here, we crossed KMO knockout mice to R6/2 HD mice to examine the effect of KMO depletion in the brain and periphery. KP genes were dysregulated in peripheral tissues from R6/2 mice and KMO ablation normalised levels of a subset of these. KP metabolites were also assessed, and KMO depletion led to increased levels of neuroprotective kynurenic acid in brain and periphery, and dramatically reduced neurotoxic 3-hydroxykunurenine levels in striatum and cortex. Notably, the increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFa, IL1β, IL4 and IL6 found in R6/2 plasma were normalised upon KMO deletion. Despite these improvements in KP dysregulation and peripheral inflammation, KMO ablation had no effect upon several behavioural phenotypes. Therefore, although genetic inhibition of KMO in R6/2 mice modulates several metabolic and inflammatory parameters, these do not translate to improvements in primary disease indicators-observations which will likely be relevant for other interventions targeted at peripheral inflammation in HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Katrin Bondulich
- Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute At UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, Queen Square, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Yilan Fan
- Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute At UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, Queen Square, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Yeojin Song
- Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute At UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, Queen Square, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Flaviano Giorgini
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - Gillian P Bates
- Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute At UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, Queen Square, WC1N 3BG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Pawlowski T, Pawlak D, Inglot M, Zalewska M, Marciniak D, Bugajska J, Janocha-Litwin J, Malyszczak K. The role of anthranilic acid in the increase of depressive symptoms and major depressive disorder during treatment for hepatitis C with pegylated interferon-α2a and oral ribavirin. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2021; 46:E166-E175. [PMID: 33464780 PMCID: PMC7955854 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.190139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tryptophan metabolism via the kynurenine pathway is considered the link between the immune and endocrine systems. Dysregulation of serotonergic transmission can stem from the direct influence of interferon-α on the activity of serotonergic receptors 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A, and from its indirect effect on tryptophan metabolism. Induction of the kynurenine pathway increases the concentration of neurotoxic kynurenine metabolites, and the activity of kynurenine derivatives is linked to the onset of depression. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationships between depressive symptoms and kynurenine, tryptophan, anthranilic acid and kynurenic acid concentrations, indolamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity and tryptophan availability to the brain. METHODS The study followed a prospective longitudinal cohort design. We evaluated 101 patients with chronic hepatitis C who were treated with pegylated interferon-α2a, and 40 controls who were awaiting treatment. We evaluated the relationships between total score on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and kynurenine, tryptophan, anthranilic acid and kynurenic acid concentrations, IDO activity and tryptophan availability to the brain. A logistic regression model was adapted for the diagnosis of major depressive disorder at each time point, taking into account changes in parameters of the kynurenine pathway between a given time point and the baseline measurement. RESULTS Of the treated patients, 44% fulfilled the criteria for major depressive disorder at least once during the 24 weeks of treatment. Anthranilic acid concentrations were significantly increased compared to baseline for all time points except week 2. Tryptophan availability showed a significant decrease (β = -0.09, p = 0.01) only in week 12 of treatment. Over time, kynurenine, tryptophan and anthranilic acid concentrations, as well as IDO activity and tryptophan availability to the brain, were significantly associated with total score on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale. A logistic regression model revealed that participants with decreased tryptophan availability to the brain at 12 weeks of treatment and participants with increased anthranilic acid concentrations at week 24 of treatment were at increased risk for diagnosis of major depressive disorder (odds ratios 2.92 and 3.59, respectively). LIMITATIONS This study had an open-label design in a population receiving naturalistic treatment. CONCLUSION The present study provides the first direct evidence of the role of anthranilic acid in the pathogenesis of inflammation-induced major depressive disorder during treatment for hepatitis C with pegylated interferon-α2a.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Pawlowski
- From the Division of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Pawlowski, Malyszczak); the Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland (Pawlak); the Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiency, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Inglot, Zalewska); the Department of Drugs Form Technology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Marciniak); the Clinical Biochemistry Department, Jagiellonian University College of Medicine, Krakow, Poland (Bugajska); and the Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Janocha-Litwin)
| | - Dariusz Pawlak
- From the Division of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Pawlowski, Malyszczak); the Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland (Pawlak); the Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiency, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Inglot, Zalewska); the Department of Drugs Form Technology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Marciniak); the Clinical Biochemistry Department, Jagiellonian University College of Medicine, Krakow, Poland (Bugajska); and the Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Janocha-Litwin)
| | - Malgorzata Inglot
- From the Division of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Pawlowski, Malyszczak); the Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland (Pawlak); the Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiency, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Inglot, Zalewska); the Department of Drugs Form Technology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Marciniak); the Clinical Biochemistry Department, Jagiellonian University College of Medicine, Krakow, Poland (Bugajska); and the Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Janocha-Litwin)
| | - Malgorzata Zalewska
- From the Division of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Pawlowski, Malyszczak); the Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland (Pawlak); the Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiency, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Inglot, Zalewska); the Department of Drugs Form Technology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Marciniak); the Clinical Biochemistry Department, Jagiellonian University College of Medicine, Krakow, Poland (Bugajska); and the Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Janocha-Litwin)
| | - Dominik Marciniak
- From the Division of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Pawlowski, Malyszczak); the Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland (Pawlak); the Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiency, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Inglot, Zalewska); the Department of Drugs Form Technology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Marciniak); the Clinical Biochemistry Department, Jagiellonian University College of Medicine, Krakow, Poland (Bugajska); and the Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Janocha-Litwin)
| | - Jolanta Bugajska
- From the Division of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Pawlowski, Malyszczak); the Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland (Pawlak); the Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiency, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Inglot, Zalewska); the Department of Drugs Form Technology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Marciniak); the Clinical Biochemistry Department, Jagiellonian University College of Medicine, Krakow, Poland (Bugajska); and the Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Janocha-Litwin)
| | - Justyna Janocha-Litwin
- From the Division of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Pawlowski, Malyszczak); the Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland (Pawlak); the Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiency, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Inglot, Zalewska); the Department of Drugs Form Technology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Marciniak); the Clinical Biochemistry Department, Jagiellonian University College of Medicine, Krakow, Poland (Bugajska); and the Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Janocha-Litwin)
| | - Krzysztof Malyszczak
- From the Division of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Pawlowski, Malyszczak); the Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland (Pawlak); the Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiency, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Inglot, Zalewska); the Department of Drugs Form Technology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Marciniak); the Clinical Biochemistry Department, Jagiellonian University College of Medicine, Krakow, Poland (Bugajska); and the Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Janocha-Litwin)
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Gostner JM, Geisler S, Stonig M, Mair L, Sperner-Unterweger B, Fuchs D. Tryptophan Metabolism and Related Pathways in Psychoneuroimmunology: The Impact of Nutrition and Lifestyle. Neuropsychobiology 2020; 79:89-99. [PMID: 30808841 DOI: 10.1159/000496293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In the past, accelerated tryptophan breakdown was considered to be a feature of clinical conditions, such as infection, inflammation, and malignant disease. More recently, however, the focus has changed to include the additional modulation of tryptophan metabolism by changes in nutrition and microbiota composition. The regulation of tryptophan concentration is critical for the maintenance of systemic homeostasis because it integrates essential pathways involved in nutrient sensing, metabolic stress response, and immunity. In addition to tryptophan being important as a precursor for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin, several catabolites along the kynurenine axis are neuroactive. This emphasizes the importance of the immunometabolic fate of this amino acid for processes relevant to neuropsychiatric symptoms. In humans, besides hepatic catabolism, there is usually a strong relationship between immune activation-associated tryptophan breakdown and increased levels of biomarkers, such as neopterin, which has particular relevance for both acute and chronic diseases. A shift towards neopterin synthesis during oxidative stress may indicate a corresponding decrease in tetrahydrobiopterin, a cofactor of several mono-oxygenases, providing a further link between tryptophan metabolism and serotonergic and catecholaminergic neurotransmission. The psychoneuroimmunological consequences of tryptophan metabolism and the susceptibility of this pathway to modulation by a variety of nutritional and lifestyle-related factors have important implications for the development of both diagnostic and treatment options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna M Gostner
- Division of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Simon Geisler
- Division of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marlies Stonig
- Division of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lisa Mair
- Division of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Dietmar Fuchs
- Division of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria,
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ormstad H, Simonsen CS, Broch L, Maes DM, Anderson G, Celius EG. Chronic fatigue and depression due to multiple sclerosis: Immune-inflammatory pathways, tryptophan catabolites and the gut-brain axis as possible shared pathways. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2020; 46:102533. [PMID: 33010585 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic fatigue and major depression (MDD)-like symptoms are common manifestations of multiple sclerosis (MS), both with huge impact on quality of life. Depression can manifest itself as fatigue, and depressive symptoms are often mistaken for fatigue, and vice versa. The two conditions are sometimes difficult to differentiate, and their relationship is unclear. Whether chronic fatigue and depression occur primarily, secondarily or coincidentally with activated immune-inflammatory pathways in MS is still under debate. We have carried out a descriptive review aiming to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between chronic fatigue and depression in MS, and the shared pathways that underpin both conditions. This review focuses on immune-inflammatory pathways, the kynurenine pathway and the gut-brain axis. It seems likely that proinflammatory cytokines, tryptophan catabolites (the KYN pathway) and the gut-brain axis are involved in the mechanisms causing chronic fatigue and MDD-like symptoms in MS. However, the evidence base is weak, and more research is needed. In order to advance our understanding of the underlying pathological mechanisms, MS-related fatigue and depression should be examined using a longitudinal design and both immune-inflammatory and KYN pathway biomarkers should be measured, relevant clinical characteristics judiciously registered, and self-report instruments for both fatigue and depression should be used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Ormstad
- University of South-Eastern Norway and University Oslo Metropolitan University.
| | | | | | - Dr Michael Maes
- Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; IMPACT Strategic Center, Deakin University, Australia
| | - George Anderson
- CRC Scotland & London, Eccleston Square, London, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
The Role of the Kynurenine Signaling Pathway in Different Chronic Pain Conditions and Potential Use of Therapeutic Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176045. [PMID: 32842609 PMCID: PMC7503462 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan (TRP) is an essential, aromatic amino acid catabolized by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) enzymes into kynurenine. The IDO enzyme is expressed in peripheral tissues and the central nervous system. Another enzyme of interest in the kynurenine signaling pathway is kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO). The purpose of this review is to discuss the role of TRP and the kynurenine signaling pathway in different chronic pain patients. The IDO-1, IDO-2, and KMO enzymes and the kynurenine metabolite have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain and other painful conditions (migraine, cluster headache, etc.) as well as depressive behavior. We highlighted the analgesic potential of novel agents targeting the enzymes of the kynurenine signaling pathway to explore their efficacy in both future basic science and transitional studies. Upcoming studies conducted on animal models will need to take into consideration the differences in TRP metabolism between human and non-human species. Since chronic painful conditions and depression have common pathophysiological patterns, and the kynurenine signaling pathway is involved in both of them, future clinical studies should aim to have outcomes targeting not only pain, but also functionality, mood changes, and quality of life.
Collapse
|
34
|
Peripheral and cerebral abnormalities of the tryptophan metabolism in the depression-like rats induced by chronic unpredicted mild stress. Neurochem Int 2020; 138:104771. [PMID: 32450184 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Tryptophan (TRP) metabolism could occur both peripherally and centrally, which plays an essential role in brain and gastrointestinal disorders. The participation of TRP metabolism in the bidirectional brain-gut interactions is of value to better understand the mechanism of the pathophysiology of depression. To compare the difference between peripheral and cerebral TRP metabolism in depression, the chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS) was used to induce depressive-like syndrome in rats. After the rats were subjected to CUMS for five weeks, TRP and its metabolites were determined by prominence ultrafast liquid chromatography (UFLC) coupled with a QTRAP 5500 mass spectrometer (UFLC-QTRAP-5500/MS), and the expression of TRP metabolic enzymes were examined by Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). CUMS induced TRP metabolism abnormalities in the colon, cortex and hippocampus of rats. There were regional metabolism differences, but the common points were the upregulation of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and the increased contents of Kynurenine (KYN), which suggested that KYN pathway (KP) was more favored than the serotonin (5-HT) pathway in the TRP metabolism under CUMS in the three regions studied. More importantly, KYN was preferentially metabolized into neurotoxic 3-hydroxycaninuric acid (3-HK) branch in the cortex and hippocampus while Kynurenic acid (KA) branch in the colon under CUMS. Interestingly, according to the Pearson's correlation coefficients, there may be correlations between the colonic KYN and cerebral 3-HK and KA. It advances our understanding of the role of TRP metabolism in gut-brain communication and provides new research ideas and methods for depression.
Collapse
|
35
|
Piirsalu M, Taalberg E, Lilleväli K, Tian L, Zilmer M, Vasar E. Treatment With Lipopolysaccharide Induces Distinct Changes in Metabolite Profile and Body Weight in 129Sv and Bl6 Mouse Strains. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:371. [PMID: 32292347 PMCID: PMC7118216 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse strains differ significantly in their behaviors and responses to pathogenic and pharmacological agents. This study seeks to characterize behavioral and metabolomic profiles of two widely used mouse lines, 129S6/SvEvTac (129Sv) and C57BL/6NTac (Bl6), to acute administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS caused a significant suppression of locomotor activity and a decline in body weight (BW) in both strains within 24 h. However, the BW loss was more pronounced in Bl6 than in 129Sv. Comparison of strains revealed clear differences between their metabolomic profiles. According to the general linear model analysis (GLM), the 1.5 h LPS challenge in Bl6 caused a decrease of propionylcarnitine (C3), glucogenic amino acids, and acetylornithine (Ac-Orn), whereas the response of 129Sv included decreased concentrations of short-chain acylcarnitines (SCACs), citrulline, and elevation of glycerophospholipid (PCaa C42:0) and sphingolipid [SM(OH)C16:1]. 24 h after LPS administration, robust alterations in lipid profile were observed in both strains. LPS treatment caused elevation of sphingolipids, phosphatidylcholine diacyls (PCaa) as well as a decrease in lysophosphatidylcholines (LysoPC). However, the number of elevated PCaa and sphingolipids was considerably higher in 129Sv. In addition to lipids, 24 h LPS challenge in Bl6 mice induced increased levels of kynurenine (KYN), putrescine and decreased levels of citrulline, hexoses, Ac-Orn, and PC acyl-alkyl (PCae 38:2) as well as severe BW loss. In contrast, the 24 h LPS challenge in 129Sv mice induced increased levels of KYN, long-chain acylcarnitines (LCACs) and decreased levels of citrulline as well as moderate BW loss. Altogether, our study revealed both similarities and differences in response to LPS in Bl6 and 129Sv strains. For major differences, Bl6 mice showed stronger reduction of BW 24 h after LPS treatment, accompanied by significantly reduced levels of hexoses, the ratio between LysoPC16:1/LysoPC16:0, and elevated levels of neuroprotective putrescine. In 129Sv mice, the BW loss was milder, accompanied by increased levels of hydroxylated LCACs, probably reflecting shifts in oxidative metabolism of fatty acids. One may suggest that LPS caused stronger hypometabolic state in the Bl6 mice than in the 129Sv strain. Altogether, this study confirms that Bl6 and 129Sv mice display vastly distinct adaptation capacities independent from the nature of stressful challenge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Piirsalu
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Center of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Egon Taalberg
- Center of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kersti Lilleväli
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Center of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Li Tian
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Center of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mihkel Zilmer
- Center of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Eero Vasar
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Center of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Moffett JR, Arun P, Puthillathu N, Vengilote R, Ives JA, Badawy AAB, Namboodiri AM. Quinolinate as a Marker for Kynurenine Metabolite Formation and the Unresolved Question of NAD + Synthesis During Inflammation and Infection. Front Immunol 2020; 11:31. [PMID: 32153556 PMCID: PMC7047773 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Quinolinate (Quin) is a classic example of a biochemical double-edged sword, acting as both essential metabolite and potent neurotoxin. Quin is an important metabolite in the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan catabolism leading to the de novo synthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). As a precursor for NAD+, Quin can direct a portion of tryptophan catabolism toward replenishing cellular NAD+ levels in response to inflammation and infection. Intracellular Quin levels increase dramatically in response to immune stimulation [e.g., lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or pokeweed mitogen (PWM)] in macrophages, microglia, dendritic cells, and other cells of the immune system. NAD+ serves numerous functions including energy production, the poly ADP ribose polymerization (PARP) reaction involved in DNA repair, and the activity of various enzymes such as the NAD+-dependent deacetylases known as sirtuins. We used highly specific antibodies to protein-coupled Quin to delineate cells that accumulate Quin as a key aspect of the response to immune stimulation and infection. Here, we describe Quin staining in the brain, spleen, and liver after LPS administration to the brain or systemic PWM administration. Quin expression was strong in immune cells in the periphery after both treatments, whereas very limited Quin expression was observed in the brain even after direct LPS injection. Immunoreactive cells exhibited diverse morphology ranging from foam cells to cells with membrane extensions related to cell motility. We also examined protein expression changes in the spleen after kynurenine administration. Acute (8 h) and prolonged (48 h) kynurenine administration led to significant changes in protein expression in the spleen, including multiple changes involved with cytoskeletal rearrangements associated with cell motility. Kynurenine administration resulted in several expression level changes in proteins associated with heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), a chaperone for the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), which is the primary kynurenine metabolite receptor. We propose that cells with high levels of Quin are those that are currently releasing kynurenine pathway metabolites as well as accumulating Quin for sustained NAD+ synthesis from tryptophan. Further, we propose that the kynurenine pathway may be linked to the regulation of cell motility in immune and cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John R. Moffett
- Departments of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University Medical School, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Peethambaran Arun
- Departments of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University Medical School, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Narayanan Puthillathu
- Departments of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University Medical School, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ranjini Vengilote
- Departments of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University Medical School, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - John A. Ives
- The Center for Brain, Mind, and Healing, Samueli Institute, Alexandria, VA, United States
| | | | - Aryan M. Namboodiri
- Departments of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics and Neuroscience Program, Uniformed Services University Medical School, Bethesda, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) plays a critical role in generating cellular energy in the form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Because energy requirements are substantially increased during an immune response, the KP is a key regulator of the immune system. Perhaps more importantly in the context of psychiatry, many kynurenines are neuroactive, modulating neuroplasticity and/or exerting neurotoxic effects in part through their effects on NMDA receptor signaling and glutamatergic neurotransmission. As such, it is not surprising that the kynurenines have been implicated in psychiatric illness in the context of inflammation. However, because of their neuromodulatory properties, the kynurenines are not just additional members of a list of inflammatory mediators linked with psychiatric illness, but in preclinical studies have been shown to be necessary components of the behavioral analogs of depression and schizophrenia-like cognitive deficits. Further, as the title suggests, the KP is regulated by, and in turn regulates multiple other physiological systems that are commonly disrupted in psychiatric disorders, including endocrine, metabolic, and hormonal systems. This review provides a broad overview of the mechanistic pathways through which the kynurenines interact with these systems, thus impacting emotion, cognition, pain, metabolic function, and aging, and in so doing potentially increasing the risk of developing psychiatric disorders. Novel therapeutic approaches targeting the KP are discussed. Moreover, electroconvulsive therapy, ketamine, physical exercise, and certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatories have been shown to alter kynurenine metabolism, raising the possibility that kynurenine metabolites may have utility as treatment response or therapeutic monitoring biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Savitz
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA.
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Okamoto N, Watanabe K, Ngyuyen L, Ikenouchi A, Kishi T, Iwata N, Kakeda S, Korogi Y, Yoshimura R. Association of Serum Kynurenine Levels and Neural Networks in Patients with First-Episode, Drug-Naïve Major Depression: A Source-Based Morphometry Study. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2020; 16:2569-2577. [PMID: 33154644 PMCID: PMC7605945 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s279622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The kynurenine (KYN) pathway can directly or indirectly influence cerebral volume and neural integrity in patients with major depression (MD). The aim of the present study was to investigate neural network systems and the KYN pathway in patients with first-episode, drug-naïve MD. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty right-handed drug-naïve patients, with MD diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision, Research Version, were included in this study. Magnetic resonance imaging scans and scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression were assessed, and serum sampling was performed prior to the start of pharmacological treatment. Image processing and data analysis were performed according to our recently published procedure. Serum metabolomes were measured in the cation and anion modes of CE-FTMS-based metabolome analysis. RESULTS We found that serum KYN levels were positively correlated with the Z-scores of the salience network but not with those of the central executive network or default mode network. No associations were observed between serum glutamate levels and the Z-score of any of the three networks. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that serum KYN levels might affect the activity of the salience network in first-episode, drug-naïve patients with MD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naomichi Okamoto
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Keita Watanabe
- Open Innovation Institute, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - LeHoa Ngyuyen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.,School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Atsuko Ikenouchi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Taro Kishi
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Medical University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Nakao Iwata
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Medical University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Shingo Kakeda
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Yukunori Korogi
- Department of Radiology, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Reiji Yoshimura
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Leucine competes with kynurenine for blood-to-brain transport and prevents lipopolysaccharide-induced depression-like behavior in mice. Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:1523-1532. [PMID: 29988087 PMCID: PMC6326900 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0076-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation activates indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) which metabolizes tryptophan into kynurenine. Circulating kynurenine is transported into the brain by the large amino transporter LAT1 at the level of the blood-brain barrier. We hypothesized that administration of leucine that has a high affinity for LAT1 should prevent the entry of kynurenine into the brain and attenuate the formation of neurotoxic kynurenine metabolites. To test whether leucine could prevent inflammation-induced depression-like behavior, mice were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.83 mg/kg IP) or saline and treated with L-leucine (50 mg/kg, IP) or vehicle administered before and 6 h after LPS. Depression-like behavior was measured by increased duration of immobility in the forced swim test and decreased sucrose preference. Leucine decreased brain kynurenine levels, blocked LPS-induced depression-like behavior and had antidepressant-like effects in control mice. Leucine had no effect of its own on sickness behavior and neuroinflammation. To confirm that leucine acts by interfering with the transport of kynurenine into the brain, mice were injected with L-leucine (300 mg/kg, IP) immediately before kynurenine (33 mg/kg IP) and brain kynurenine and depression-like behavior were measured 3 h later. Leucine did prevent the entry of exogenous kynurenine into the brain and abrogated depression-like behavior measured by increased duration of immobility in the forced swim test. Additional experiments using an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier confirmed that kynurenine competes with leucine at the level of the amino acid transporter LAT1 for brain uptake. These experiments also revealed that efflux was the dominant direction of kynurenine transport and was largely independent of LAT1 and leucine, which explains why leucine could block brain uptake of kynurenine without affecting brain clearance. These findings demonstrate that leucine has antidepressant properties vis-à-vis inflammation-induced depression and one mechanism for this is by blocking the ability of kynurenine to enter the brain.
Collapse
|
40
|
Maes M, Sirivichayakul S, Kanchanatawan B, Vodjani A. Breakdown of the Paracellular Tight and Adherens Junctions in the Gut and Blood Brain Barrier and Damage to the Vascular Barrier in Patients with Deficit Schizophrenia. Neurotox Res 2019; 36:306-322. [PMID: 31077000 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-019-00054-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Deficit schizophrenia is characterized by leaky intestinal tight and adherens junctions and bacterial translocation. Here we examine whether (deficit) schizophrenia is accompanied by leaky paracellular, transcellular, and vascular barriers in the gut and blood-brain barriers. We measured IgA responses to occludin, claudin-5, E-cadherin, and β-catenin (paracellular pathway, PARA); talin, actin, vinculin, and epithelial intermediate filament (transcellular pathway, TRANS); and plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein (PLVAP, vascular pathway) in 78 schizophrenia patients and 40 controls. IgA responses to claudin-5, E-cadherin, and β-catenin, the sum of the four PARA proteins, and the ratio PARA/TRANS were significantly higher in deficit schizophrenia patients than in nondeficit schizophrenia patients and controls. A large part of the variance in PHEMN (psychosis, hostility, excitation, mannerism, and negative) symptoms, psychomotor retardation, formal thought disorders, verbal fluency, word list memory, word list recall, and executive functions was explained by the PARA/TRANS ratio coupled with plasma IgA responses to Gram-negative bacteria, IgM to malondialdehyde, CCL-11 (eotaxin), IgA levels of the ratio of noxious to more protective tryptophan catabolites (NOX/PRO TRYCATs), and a plasma immune activation index. Moreover, IgA levels to Gram-negative bacteria were significantly associated with IgA to E-cadherin, β-catenin, and PLVAP, while IgA levels to claudin-5 were significantly predicted by IgA to E-cadherin, NOX/PRO TRYCAT ratio, Gram-negative bacteria, and CCL11. The phenomenology of the deficit syndrome is to a large extent explained by the cumulative effects of lowered natural IgM, breakdown of the paracellular and vascular pathways, increased bacterial translocation, peripheral immune-inflammatory responses, and indices of BBB breakdown.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. .,Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria. .,IMPACT Strategic Research Center, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
| | | | - Buranee Kanchanatawan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Aristo Vodjani
- Immunosciences Lab., Inc, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Cyrex Labs, LLC, Phoenix, AZ, USA.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
The ‘Yin’ and the ‘Yang’ of the kynurenine pathway: excitotoxicity and neuroprotection imbalance in stress-induced disorders. Behav Pharmacol 2019; 30:163-186. [DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
42
|
Kanchanatawan B, Sriswasdi S, Maes M. Supervised machine learning to decipher the complex associations between neuro-immune biomarkers and quality of life in schizophrenia. Metab Brain Dis 2019; 34:267-282. [PMID: 30467771 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-018-0339-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Stable phase schizophrenia is characterized by altered patterning in tryptophan catabolites (TRYCATs) and memory impairments, which are associated with PHEMN (psychosis, hostility, excitation, mannerism and negative) and DAPS (depression, anxiety and physio-somatic) symptoms. This study was carried out to examine the association between TRYCAT patterning, memory impairments, psychopathological features and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in schizophrenia. The World Health Organization (WHO) QoL instrument-Abbreviated version (WHO-QoL-BREF), IgA/IgM responses to TRYCATs, cognitive tests, Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), Hamilton and Depression (HAMD) and Anxiety (HAMA) Rating Scales and the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Rating Scale (FF) were measured in 80 schizophrenia patients and 40 controls. Neural Network analysis shows that the total HR-Qol score is best predicted by (in descending order) HAMA, FF, HAMD, and psychosis. Partial least Squares (PLS) analysis shows that 56.7% of the variance in the WHO-QoL scores is explained by PHEMN / DAPS symptoms, while 64.3% of the variance in those symptoms is explained by TRYCAT patterning and episodic/semantic memory impairments. IgA responses to picolinic acid, xanthurenic acid and 3-hydroxy-kynurenine (all negatively) and anthranilic acid (positively) have highly significant indirect effects on WHO-QoL scores, which are completely mediated by cognitive impairments and PHEMN / DAPS symptoms. The results show that lowered HR-Qol in schizophrenia is strongly associated with noxious TRYCATs and that these effects are mediated by impairments in episodic / semantic memory and schizophrenia phenomenology, especially physio-somatic and anxiety symptoms. Mucosal activation of the TRYCAT pathway combined with a deficit in natural IgM isotype antibodies to TRYCATs determine cognitive impairments and DAPS/PHEMN symptoms, which together determine to a large extent lowered HR-QoL in schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Buranee Kanchanatawan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Sira Sriswasdi
- Computational Molecular Biology Group, Chulalongkorn University, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- Research Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
- IMPACT Strategic Research Center, Barwon Health, Deakin University, PO Box 281, Geelong, Vic, 3220, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Bryn V, Verkerk R, Skjeldal OH, Saugstad OD, Ormstad H. Kynurenine Pathway in Autism Spectrum Disorders in Children. Neuropsychobiology 2018; 76:82-88. [PMID: 29694960 DOI: 10.1159/000488157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence that altered immune responses play a role in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), together with dysfunction of the serotonergic and glutamatergic systems. Since the kynurenine (KYN) pathway that degrades tryptophan (TRP) is activated in various neuroinflammatory states, we aimed to determine whether this pathway is activated in ASD. METHODS Sixty-five pediatric ASD patients (including 52 boys) were enrolled from an epidemiological survey covering 2 counties in Norway; 30 (46.5%) of these patients were diagnosed with childhood autism, 16 (24.6%) with Asperger syndrome, 12 (18.5%) with atypical autism, 1 (1.5%) with Rett syndrome, and 6 (9.2%) with other ASD. The serum levels of the following markers were measured in the children with ASD and compared to those in 30 healthy children: TRP, KYN, kynurenic acid (KA), 3-hydroxykynurenine, and quinolinic acid. RESULTS The mean serum level of KA was significantly lower in the ASD group than in the healthy controls (28.97 vs. 34.44 nM, p = 0.040), while the KYN/KA ratio was significantly higher in the ASD group (61.12 vs. 50.39, p = 0.006). The same relative values were found when comparing the childhood autism subgroup with the controls. Also, the mean serum level of TRP was significantly lower in children with a subdiagnosis of childhood autism than in those with Asperger syndrome (67.26 vs. 77.79 μM, p = 0.020). CONCLUSION Our study indicates that there is an increased neurotoxic potential and also a possible lower KYN aminotransferase activity in ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Bryn
- Department of Pediatrics, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Lillehammer, Norway
| | - Robert Verkerk
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ola H Skjeldal
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ola Didrik Saugstad
- Pediatric Research Institute, Rikshospitalet Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Heidi Ormstad
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Buskerud University College, Drammen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Kanchanatawan B, Sriswasdi S, Thika S, Sirivichayakul S, Carvalho AF, Geffard M, Kubera M, Maes M. Deficit schizophrenia is a discrete diagnostic category defined by neuro-immune and neurocognitive features: results of supervised machine learning. Metab Brain Dis 2018. [PMID: 29527624 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-018-0208-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Deficit schizophrenia is characterized by neurocognitive impairments and changes in the patterning of IgA/IgM responses to plasma tryptophan catabolites (TRYCATs). In the current study, supervised pattern recognition methods, including logistic regression analysis (LRA), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy (SIMCA), were used to examine whether deficit schizophrenia is a discrete diagnostic class with respect to Consortium To Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's disease (CERAD) and Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) tests and IgA/IgM responses to noxious (NOX) and generally more protective (PRO) TRYCATs. We recruited patients with (n = 40) and without (n = 40) deficit schizophrenia and healthy volunteers (n = 40). The combined use of TRYCAT and CERAD features strongly segregates deficit from nondeficit schizophrenia and healthy controls. Three out of the top five most important features in LRA, SVM and SIMCA agreed, namely two different NOX/PRO TRYCAT ratios and false memory recall. SIMCA shows that deficit schizophrenia is significantly separated from nondeficit schizophrenia and controls with as top 6 features IgA responses to picolinic acid, IgM responses to 3-OH-kynurenine and kynurenic acid, and impairments in Word List Memory and Verbal Fluency Tests and Mini-Mental State Examination. Nevertheless, nondeficit schizophrenia was not significantly separated from controls. The results show that schizophrenia is not a unitary disease with mere continuous differences in severity of illness between apparent subtypes. Deficit schizophrenia is a qualitatively distinct class defined by neuroimmune (autoimmune responses to TRYCATs) and neurocognitive (episodic and semantic memory) features coupled or not with clinical (negative) symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Buranee Kanchanatawan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sira Sriswasdi
- Research Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Supaksorn Thika
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - André F Carvalho
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Michel Geffard
- Research Department, IDRPHT, Talence, France
- GEMAC, Saint Jean d'Illac, France
| | - Marta Kubera
- Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
- IMPACT Strategic Research Center, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Vic, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Kanchanatawan B, Sirivichayakul S, Carvalho AF, Anderson G, Galecki P, Maes M. Depressive, anxiety and hypomanic symptoms in schizophrenia may be driven by tryptophan catabolite (TRYCAT) patterning of IgA and IgM responses directed to TRYCATs. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 80:205-216. [PMID: 28690204 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to delineate the associations between the tryptophan catabolite (TRYCAT) pathway and affective symptoms in schizophrenia. Towards this end we measured immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgM responses to relatively noxious TRYCATs, namely quinolinic (QA), xanthurenic (XA), picolinic (PA) acid and 3-OH-kynurenine (3HK), and generally protective TRYCATs, namely anthranilic (AA) and kynurenic (KA) acid in 80 patients with schizophrenia and 40 healthy controls. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HDRS) and anxiety (HAMA), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) as well as the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale of Schizophrenia (PANSS) were measured. Depression, anxiety and hypomanic as well as negative and positive symptoms were associated with increased IgA responses to PA. Increased IgA responses to XA were associated with anxiety, hypomanic and negative symptoms. Moreover, depressive, anxiety, hypomanic and negative symptoms were characterized by increased IgA responses to the noxious (XA+3HK+QA+PA)/protective (AA+KA) TRYCAT ratio. All symptom dimensions were associated with increased IgM responses to QA, while depressive, anxiety, positive and negative symptoms were accompanied by lowered IgM responses to 3HK. Hypomanic symptoms were additionally accompanied by lowered IgM responses to AA, and negative symptoms by increased IgM responses to KA. In conclusion, both shared and distinct alterations in the activity of the TRYCAT pathway, as well as its regulatory factors and consequences, may underpin affective and classical psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia. Increased mucosa-generated production of noxious TRYCATs, especially PA, and specific changes in IgM-mediated regulatory activities may be associated with the different symptom dimensions of schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Buranee Kanchanatawan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - André F Carvalho
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Piotr Galecki
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil; Revitalis, Waalre, The Netherlands; IMPACT Strategic Research Center, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Dantzer R. Neuroimmune Interactions: From the Brain to the Immune System and Vice Versa. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:477-504. [PMID: 29351513 PMCID: PMC5866360 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00039.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 517] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of the compartmentalization of disciplines that shaped the academic landscape of biology and biomedical sciences in the past, physiological systems have long been studied in isolation from each other. This has particularly been the case for the immune system. As a consequence of its ties with pathology and microbiology, immunology as a discipline has largely grown independently of physiology. Accordingly, it has taken a long time for immunologists to accept the concept that the immune system is not self-regulated but functions in close association with the nervous system. These associations are present at different levels of organization. At the local level, there is clear evidence for the production and use of immune factors by the central nervous system and for the production and use of neuroendocrine mediators by the immune system. Short-range interactions between immune cells and peripheral nerve endings innervating immune organs allow the immune system to recruit local neuronal elements for fine tuning of the immune response. Reciprocally, immune cells and mediators play a regulatory role in the nervous system and participate in the elimination and plasticity of synapses during development as well as in synaptic plasticity at adulthood. At the whole organism level, long-range interactions between immune cells and the central nervous system allow the immune system to engage the rest of the body in the fight against infection from pathogenic microorganisms and permit the nervous system to regulate immune functioning. Alterations in communication pathways between the immune system and the nervous system can account for many pathological conditions that were initially attributed to strict organ dysfunction. This applies in particular to psychiatric disorders and several immune-mediated diseases. This review will show how our understanding of this balance between long-range and short-range interactions between the immune system and the central nervous system has evolved over time, since the first demonstrations of immune influences on brain functions. The necessary complementarity of these two modes of communication will then be discussed. Finally, a few examples will illustrate how dysfunction in these communication pathways results in what was formerly considered in psychiatry and immunology to be strict organ pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Dantzer
- Department of Symptom Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Kalkman HO, Feuerbach D. Microglia M2A Polarization as Potential Link between Food Allergy and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2017; 10:ph10040095. [PMID: 29232822 PMCID: PMC5748650 DOI: 10.3390/ph10040095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Atopic diseases are frequently co-morbid with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Allergic responses are associated with an activation of mast cells, innate lymphoid cells, and Th2 cells. These cells produce type-2 cytokines (IL4 and IL13), which stimulate microglia and macrophages to adopt a phenotype referred to as ‘alternative activation’ or ‘M2A’. M2A-polarized macrophages and microglia play a physiological role in tissue repair by secreting growth factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor-1. In ASD there is evidence for increased type-2 cytokines, microglia activation, M2A polarization, and increased levels of growth factors. In neurons, these growth factors drive a signal transduction pathway that leads to activation of the enzyme mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR), and thereby to the inhibition of autophagy. Activation of mTOR is an effect that is also common to several of the genetic forms of autism. In the central nervous system, redundant synapses are removed via an autophagic process. Activation of mTOR would diminish the pruning of redundant synapses, which in the context of ASD is likely to be undesired. Based on this line of reasoning, atopic diseases like food allergy, eczema or asthma would represent risk factors for autism spectrum disorders.
Collapse
|
48
|
Laumet G, Zhou W, Dantzer R, Edralin JD, Huo X, Budac DP, O’Connor JC, Lee AW, Heijnen CJ, Kavelaars A. Upregulation of neuronal kynurenine 3-monooxygenase mediates depression-like behavior in a mouse model of neuropathic pain. Brain Behav Immun 2017; 66:94-102. [PMID: 28709913 PMCID: PMC5650931 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2017.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain and depression often co-occur, but the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. Here, we used the spared nerve injury (SNI) model in mice to induce both neuropathic pain and depression-like behavior. We investigated whether brain interleukin (IL)-1 signaling and activity of kynurenine 3-monoxygenase (KMO), a key enzyme for metabolism of kynurenine into the neurotoxic NMDA receptor agonist quinolinic acid, are necessary for comorbid neuropathic pain and depression-like behavior. SNI mice showed increased expression levels of Il1b and Kmo mRNA in the contralateral side of the brain. The SNI-induced increase of Kmo mRNA was associated with increased KMO protein and elevated quinolinic acid and reduced kynurenic acid in the contralateral hippocampus. The increase in KMO-protein in response to SNI mostly took place in hippocampal NeuN-positive neurons rather than microglia. Inhibition of brain IL-1 signaling by intracerebroventricular administration of IL-1 receptor antagonist after SNI prevented the increase in Kmo mRNA and depression-like behavior measured by forced swim test. However, inhibition of brain IL-1 signaling has no effect on mechanical allodynia. In addition, intracerebroventricular administration of the KMO inhibitor Ro 61-8048 abrogated depression-like behavior without affecting mechanical allodynia after SNI. We show for the first time that the development of depression-like behavior in the SNI model requires brain IL-1 signaling and activation of neuronal KMO, while pain is independent of this pathway. Inhibition of KMO may represent a promising target for treating depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffroy Laumet
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Wenjun Zhou
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Robert Dantzer
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Jules D. Edralin
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - XiaoJiao Huo
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - David P. Budac
- Bioanalysis and Physiology, Lundbeck Research, Paramus, NJ, USA
| | - Jason C. O’Connor
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center and Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital, South Texas Veteran’s Heath Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Anna W. Lee
- Neuroinflammation Disease Biology Unit, Lundbeck Research USA, Paramus, NJ, USA at the time the analysis of kynurenine metabolites was carried out
| | - Cobi J. Heijnen
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Annemieke Kavelaars
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Changes in Tryptophan Catabolite (TRYCAT) Pathway Patterning Are Associated with Mild Impairments in Declarative Memory in Schizophrenia and Deficits in Semantic and Episodic Memory Coupled with Increased False-Memory Creation in Deficit Schizophrenia. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:5184-5201. [PMID: 28875464 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0751-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Evidence indicates that schizophrenia and in particular negative symptoms and deficit schizophrenia are accompanied by neurocognitive impairments and changes in the patterning of the tryptophan catabolite (TRYCAT) pathway. This cross-sectional study was carried out to examine the associations between cognitive functions (as measured with Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's disease (CERAD)) and TRYCAT pathway patterning in patients with (n = 40) and without (n = 40) deficit schizophrenia and normal controls (n = 40). Cognitive measures were assessed with the Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), Boston Naming Test (BNT), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Word List Memory (WLM), Constructional Praxis, Word List Recall (WLRecall), and Word List Recognition (WLRecognition), while TRYCAT measurements assessed the IgA/IgM responses to noxious TRYCATs, namely quinolinic acid (QA), 3-OH-kynurenine (3HK), picolinic acid (PA), and xanthurenic (XA) acid, and more protective (PRO) TRYCATs, including kynurenic acid (KA) and anthranilic acid (AA). IgA NOX/PRO, IgM KA/3HK, and IgA/IgM NOX/PRO ratios were computed. Schizophrenia was accompanied by lower VFT and WLM, while BNT (dysnomia) and MMSE are significantly lower in multiple- than first-episode schizophrenia. Deficit schizophrenia is strongly associated with worse outcomes on VFT, MMSE, WLM, WLRecall, WLRecognition, and delayed recall savings and increased false memories. Around 40-50% of the variance in negative symptoms' scores was explained by VFT, WLM, WLRecall, and MMSE. Increases in IgA NOX/PRO, IgM KA/3HK, and/or IgA/IgM NOX/PRO ratios were associated with impairments in VFT, BNT, MMSE, WLM, WLRecall, WLRecognition, and false-memory creation. In conclusion, nondeficit schizophrenia is accompanied by mild memory impairments, while disease progression is accompanied by broader cognitive impairments. Deficit schizophrenia and negative symptoms are strongly associated with deficits in working memory, delayed recall and recognition, and increased false-memory creation. These cognitive impairments and memory deficits are in part explained by increased production and/or attenuated regulation of TRYCATs with neurotoxic, excitotoxic, immune-inflammatory, oxidative, and nitrosative potential, which may contribute to neuroprogression.
Collapse
|
50
|
Yaksh TL, Schwarcz R, Snodgrass HR. Characterization of the Effects of L-4-Chlorokynurenine on Nociception in Rodents. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2017; 18:1184-1196. [PMID: 28428091 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2017.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Upon systemic administration in rats, the prodrug L-4-chlorokynurenine (4-Cl-KYN; AV-101; VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc, South San Francisco, CA) is rapidly absorbed, actively transported across the blood-brain barrier, and converted in astrocytes to 7-chlorokynurenic acid (7-Cl-KYNA), a potent and specific antagonist of the glycine B coagonist site of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. We examined the effects of 4-Cl-KYN in several rat models of hyperalgesia and allodynia and determined the concentrations of 4-Cl-KYN and newly produced 7-Cl-KYNA in serum, brain, and spinal cord. Adult male rats were given 4-Cl-KYN (56, 167, 500 mg/kg), the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 (.1, .3, 1.0 mg/kg), or gabapentin (33, 100, 300 mg/kg) intraperitoneally, and were then examined on rotarod, intraplantar formalin-evoked flinching, thermal escape in the normal and carrageenan-inflamed paw, and allodynia after sciatic nerve ligation. Our conclusions show that after systemic delivery, the highest 2 doses (167 and 500 mg/kg) of 4-Cl-KYN yielded brain concentrations of 7-Cl-KYNA exceeding its half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) at the glycine B site and resulted in dose-dependent antihyperalgesia in the 4 models of facilitated processing associated with tissue inflammation and nerve injury. On the basis of the relative dose requirements for analgesic actions and side effect profiles from these experiments, 4-Cl-KYN is predicted to have antihyperalgesic efficacy and a therapeutic ratio equal to gabapentin and superior to MK-801. PERSPECTIVE These studies show that systemic administration of the prodrug 4-Cl-KYN produces high central nervous system levels of 7-Cl-KYNA, a potent and highly selective antagonist of the NMDA receptor. Compared with other drugs tested, 4-Cl-KYN has robust antinociceptive effects with a better side effect profile, highlighting its potential for treating hyperpathic pain states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tony L Yaksh
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.
| | - Robert Schwarcz
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | |
Collapse
|