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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.
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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
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2
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Juhas U, Reczkowicz J, Kortas JA, Żychowska M, Pilis K, Ziemann E, Cytrych I, Antosiewicz J, Borkowska A. Eight-day fasting modulates serum kynurenines in healthy men at rest and after exercise. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1403491. [PMID: 38933822 PMCID: PMC11199767 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1403491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tryptophan's (Trp) metabolites are undervalued markers of human health. Their serum concentrations are modified by physical exercise and other factors, among which fasting has a well-documented role. Although this mechanism is hardly explored, thus, the study aimed to determine the effect of the 8-day fasting period and the impact of such a procedure on a single bout of an endurance exercise on the concentration of kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolites. Methods 10 participants fasted for 8 days, and 10 as a control group participated in the study. The exercise was performed at baseline after an overnight fast and repeated post 8 days. Results The 8 days of fasting increased the resting 3-hydroxy-L-kynurenine (3HK), picolinic acid (PA), kynurenic acid (KYNA), and xanthurenic acid (XA) serum concentration. Also elevated phenylalanine (Phe) and tyrosine (Tyr) levels were recorded, suggesting expanded proteolysis of muscle proteins. In turn, physical activity caused a decrease in the concentration of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3HAA) and PA after fasting. The obtained results were not recorded in controls. Conclusion The results of this study show that the health-promoting effects of fasting are associated with changes in the KYN pathway. The increase in the concentration of PA and XA metabolites following fasting is capable of penetrating the blood-brain barrier, and KYNA, which initiates several beneficial changes, supports this assumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulana Juhas
- Department of Bioenergetics and Physiology of Exercise, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Joanna Reczkowicz
- Department of Bioenergetics and Physiology of Exercise, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jakub Antoni Kortas
- Department of Health and Life Sciences, Gdańsk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Żychowska
- Department of Biological Foundations of Physical Culture, Kazimierz Wielki University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Karol Pilis
- Department of Health Sciences, Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, Częstochowa, Poland
| | - Ewa Ziemann
- Department of Athletics, Strength and Conditioning, Poznan University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Jędrzej Antosiewicz
- Department of Bioenergetics and Physiology of Exercise, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Andżelika Borkowska
- Department of Bioenergetics and Physiology of Exercise, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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Tomczyk M, Bidzan-Wiącek M, Kortas JA, Kochanowicz M, Jost Z, Fisk HL, Calder PC, Antosiewicz J. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation affects tryptophan metabolism during a 12-week endurance training in amateur runners: a randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4102. [PMID: 38374149 PMCID: PMC10876641 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54112-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The effects of long-term omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation during endurance training on tryptophan (Trp) metabolism and mental state of healthy individuals have not been evaluated so far. Concentrations of plasma Trp, its metabolites and IL-6 were assessed in 26 male runners before and after a 12-week training program combined with supplementation of n-3 PUFAs (O-3 + TRAIN group) or medium chain triglycerides (MCTs; TRAIN group). After the 12-week program participants' mood before and after stress induction was also assessed. The effects of the same supplementation protocol were evaluated also in 14 inactive subjects (O-3 + SEDEN group). Concentrations of 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) and picolinic acid (PA) significantly increased only in the O-3 + TRAIN group (p = 0.01; [Formula: see text] = 0.22 and p = 0.01; [Formula: see text]= 0.26). Favorable, but not statistically significant changes in the concentrations of kynurenic acid (KYNA) (p = 0.06; [Formula: see text]= 0.14), xanthurenic acid (XA) (p = 0.07; [Formula: see text]= 0.13) and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HAA) (p = 0.06; [Formula: see text]= 0.15) and in the ratio of neurotoxic to neuroprotective metabolites were seen also only in the O-3 + TRAIN group. No changes in mood and IL-6 concentrations were observed in either group. Supplementation with n-3 PUFAs during endurance training has beneficial effects on Trp's neuroprotective metabolites.Trial registry: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with identifier NCT05520437 (14/07/2021 first trial registration and 2018/31/N/NZ7/02962 second trial registration).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Tomczyk
- Department of Biochemistry, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Monika Bidzan-Wiącek
- Department of Bioenergetics and Physiology of Exercise, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Jakub Antoni Kortas
- Department of Biomechanics and Sports Engineering, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336, Gdansk, Poland
| | | | - Zbigniew Jost
- Department of Biochemistry, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Helena L Fisk
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Philip C Calder
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Jędrzej Antosiewicz
- Department of Bioenergetics and Physiology of Exercise, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211, Gdansk, Poland.
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Liang S, Zhao L, Ni P, Wang Q, Guo W, Xu Y, Cai J, Tao S, Li X, Deng W, Palaniyappan L, Li T. Frontostriatal circuitry and the tryptophan kynurenine pathway in major psychiatric disorders. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:97-107. [PMID: 37735237 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06466-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE An imbalance of the tryptophan kynurenine pathway (KP) commonly occurs in psychiatric disorders, though the neurocognitive and network-level effects of this aberration are unclear. OBJECTIVES In this study, we examined the connection between dysfunction in the frontostriatal brain circuits, imbalances in the tryptophan kynurenine pathway (KP), and neurocognition in major psychiatric disorders. METHODS Forty first-episode medication-naive patients with schizophrenia (SCZ), fifty patients with bipolar disorder (BD), fifty patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), and forty-two healthy controls underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Plasma levels of KP metabolites were measured, and neurocognitive function was evaluated. Frontostriatal connectivity and KP metabolites were compared between groups while controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics. Canonical correlation analyses were conducted to explore multidimensional relationships between frontostriatal circuits-KP and KP-cognitive features. RESULTS Patient groups shared hypoconnectivity between bilateral ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) and left insula, with disorder-specific dysconnectivity in SCZ related to PFC, left dorsal striatum hypoconnectivity. The BD group had higher anthranilic acid and lower xanthurenic acid levels than the other groups. KP metabolites and ratios related to disrupted frontostriatal dysconnectivity in a transdiagnostic manner. The SCZ group and MDD group separately had high-dimensional associations between KP metabolites and cognitive measures. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that KP may influence cognitive performance across psychiatric conditions via frontostriatal dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sugai Liang
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Centre & Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liansheng Zhao
- Mental Health Centre & Psychiatric Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Peiyan Ni
- Mental Health Centre & Psychiatric Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Mental Health Centre & Psychiatric Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wanjun Guo
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Centre & Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Centre & Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jia Cai
- Mental Health Centre & Psychiatric Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Shiwan Tao
- Mental Health Centre & Psychiatric Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaojing Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Centre & Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Deng
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Centre & Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lena Palaniyappan
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H4H1R3, Canada.
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A5K8, Canada.
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Centre & Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013, Zhejiang, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 310000, Hangzhou, China.
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 310063, Hangzhou, China.
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Heng B, Pires AS, Chow S, Krishnamurthy S, Bonnell B, Bustamante S, Guillemin GJ. Stability Studies of Kynurenine Pathway Metabolites in Blood Components Define Optimal Blood Processing Conditions. Int J Tryptophan Res 2023; 16:11786469231213521. [PMID: 38106464 PMCID: PMC10725091 DOI: 10.1177/11786469231213521] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) is the main pathway of tryptophan (TRP) metabolism that generates energy for multiple cellular processes. The activity of this pathway has been shown to be dysregulated in multiple human diseases. The resultant modulation of metabolites has been suggested to comprise biomarkers to track disease progression or could identify new therapeutic targets. While metabolite changes can be measured readily in blood, there is limited knowledge on the effect of blood matrices and sample processing time may have on the stability of KP metabolites. Understanding the stability of KP metabolites in blood is integral to obtaining accurate KP data to correlate with clinical pathology. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the concentration of KP metabolites in matched whole blood, plasma and serum. The impact of pre-analytical sample processing time in the various blood matrices was also analysed. Serum and plasma had the higher concentration of KP metabolites compared to whole blood. Furthermore, concentrations of KP metabolites declined when the collected blood was processed after 24 hours storage at 4°C. Our study shows that that type of blood matrix and the time to processing have an impact on the stability of the KP metabolites. Serum or plasma are the preferred choice of matrix and the isolation of these matrices from whole blood is best performed immediately after collection for optimal analytical KP data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Heng
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ananda Staats Pires
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sharron Chow
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Shivani Krishnamurthy
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brooke Bonnell
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sonia Bustamante
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Kuuskmäe C, Philips MA, Kilk K, Haring L, Kangro R, Seppo I, Zilmer M, Vasar E. Kynurenine pathway dynamics in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders across the disease trajectory. Psychiatry Res 2023; 328:115423. [PMID: 37639988 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate how schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) and applied long-term (5.1 years) antipsychotic (AP) treatment affect the serum levels of tryptophan (Trp) metabolites. A total of 112 adults (54 first-episode psychosis [FEP] patients and 58 control subjects [CSs]) participated in the study. The investigated changes in the metabolite levels appeared against a background of persistent increase in BMI and waist circumference among the patients. Regarding the kynurenine (KYN) pathway, the strongest changes were seen in AP-naïve FEP patients. Trp, KYN, kynurenic acid (KYNA), and anthranilic acid (ANT) levels were significantly reduced in blood samples from patients in the early stage of the disease. Furthermore, 3-OH-kynurenine (3-HK) and quinolinic acid (QUIN) levels were somewhat lower in these patients. Most of these changes in the KYN pathway became weaker with AP treatment. The levels of serotonin and its metabolite 5-HIAA tended to be higher at 5.1 years in patients showing the relation of elevated serotonin turnover to increased BMI and waist circumference. The similar trend was evident for the ratio between xanthurenic acid (XA) and KYNA with strong link to the elevated BMI. Altogether, the present study supports the role of Trp-metabolites in the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome in SSD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Kuuskmäe
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Centre of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Mari-Anne Philips
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Centre of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kalle Kilk
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Centre of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Estonia
| | - Liina Haring
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Estonia; Psychiatry Clinic of Tartu University Hospital, Estonia
| | - Raul Kangro
- Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Tartu, Estonia
| | - Indrek Seppo
- School of Economics and Business Administration, University of Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mihkel Zilmer
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Centre of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Estonia
| | - Eero Vasar
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Centre of Excellence for Genomics and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Estonia
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Wang Y, Fang X, Wang G, Tang W, Liu S, Yang Y, Chen J, Ling Y, Zhou C, Zhang X, Zhang C, Su KP. The association between inflammation and kynurenine pathway metabolites in electroconvulsive therapy for schizophrenia: Implications for clinical efficacy. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 113:1-11. [PMID: 37353059 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan has been implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and its interaction with the immune system has been suggested to play a role. In this study, 28 schizophrenia patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited and divided into different inflammatory subgroups using a two-step recursive clustering analysis. Cytokine gene expression and plasma KP metabolites were measured before, during and after treatment. Our findings indicated that schizophrenia patients had lower levels of Tryptophan (TRP), N-formylkynurenine (NFK), xanthinic acid (XA), quinolinic acid (QA), kynurenic acid (KYNA), KYNA/KYN and QA/KYNA, but higher levels of IL-18 mRNA, KYN/TRP compared to healthy controls (all p < 0.05). After electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), patients with low inflammation achieved better clinical improvement (PANSS scores) compared to those with high inflammation (F = 5.672, P = 0.025), especially in negative symptoms (F = 6.382, P = 0.018, η2 = 0.197). While IL-18 mRNA (F = 32.910, P < 0.0001) was significantly decreased following ECT, the KYN/TRP (F = 3.455, p = 0.047) and KYNA/TRP (F = 4.264, P = 0.026) only significantly decreased in patients with low inflammation. Correlation analyses revealed that baseline IL-18 gene expression significantly correlated with pre- (r = 0.537, p = 0.008) and post-KYNA/TRP (r = 0.443, p = 0.034), post-KYN/TRP (r = 0.510, p = 0.013), and post-negative symptoms (r = 0.525, p = 0.010). Moreover, baseline TRP (r = -0.438, p = 0.037) and XA (r = -0.516, p = 0.012) were negatively correlated with baseline PANSS, while post-KYN (r = -0.475, p = 0.022), 2-AA (r = -0.447, p = 0.032) and KYN/TRP (r = -0.566, p = 0.005) were negatively correlated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) following ECT. Overall, these findings suggested that the association between inflammation and kynurenine pathway plays an essential role in mechanism of ECT for schizophrenia and that the regulation of ECT on KP is influenced by inflammatory characteristics, which may relate to clinical efficacy in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinyu Fang
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guangfa Wang
- The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Wei Tang
- The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Shasha Liu
- The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Yujing Yang
- The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Jin Chen
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Yuru Ling
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chao Zhou
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangrong Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China.
| | - Caiyi Zhang
- The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China.
| | - Kuan-Pin Su
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; An-Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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Jovanovic F, Jovanovic V, Knezevic NN. Glucocorticoid Hormones as Modulators of the Kynurenine Pathway in Chronic Pain Conditions. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081178. [PMID: 37190087 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of chronic pain entails a series of complex interactions among the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. Defined as pain lasting or recurring for more than 3 months, chronic pain is becoming increasingly more prevalent among the US adult population. Pro-inflammatory cytokines from persistent low-grade inflammation not only contribute to the development of chronic pain conditions, but also regulate various aspects of the tryptophan metabolism, especially that of the kynurenine pathway (KP). An elevated level of pro-inflammatory cytokines exerts similar regulatory effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, an intricate system of neuro-endocrine-immune pathways and a major mechanism of the stress response. As the HPA axis counters inflammation through the secretion of endogenous cortisol, we review the role of cortisol along with that of exogenous glucocorticoids in patients with chronic pain conditions. Considering that different metabolites produced along the KP exhibit neuroprotective, neurotoxic, and pronociceptive properties, we also summarize evidence rendering them as reliable biomarkers in this patient population. While more in vivo studies are needed, we conclude that the interaction between glucocorticoid hormones and the KP poses an attractive venue of diagnostic and therapeutic potential in patients with chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Jovanovic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Merit Health Wesley, Hattiesburg, MS 39402, USA
| | - Visnja Jovanovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60657, USA
| | - Nebojsa Nick Knezevic
- Department of Anesthesiology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60657, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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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.
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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
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10
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Farup PG, Hamarsland H, Mølmen KS, Ellefsen S, Hestad K. The Kynurenine Pathway in Healthy Subjects and Subjects with Obesity, Depression and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030351. [PMID: 36986451 PMCID: PMC10053928 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Changes in tryptophan metabolism through the kynurenine pathway (KP) are observed in several disorders and coupled with pathophysiological deviations. Methods: This study retrospectively compared the KP in serum in healthy subjects (108) with subjects with obesity (141), depression (49), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (22) participating in four clinical studies and explored predictors of the changes in the KP metabolites. Results: Compared with the healthy group, the KP was upregulated in the disease groups with high kynurenine, quinolinic acid (QA), kynurenine/tryptophan-ratio and QA/xanthurenic acid-ratio and low kynurenic acid/QA-ratio. Tryptophan and xanthurenic acid were upregulated in the depressed group compared with the groups with obesity and COPD. The covariates BMI, smoking, diabetes, and C-reactive protein explained the significant differences between the healthy group and the group with obesity but not between the healthy group and the groups with depression and COPD, indicating that different pathophysiological conditions result in the same changes in the KP. Conclusions: The KP was significantly upregulated in the disease groups compared with the healthy group, and there were significant differences between the disease groups. Different pathophysiological abnormalities seemed to result in the same deviations in the KP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per G. Farup
- Department of Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, N-2381 Brumunddal, Norway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Correspondence:
| | - Håvard Hamarsland
- Section for Health and Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, N-2624 Lillehammer, Norway
| | - Knut Sindre Mølmen
- Section for Health and Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, N-2624 Lillehammer, Norway
| | - Stian Ellefsen
- Department of Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, N-2381 Brumunddal, Norway
- Section for Health and Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, N-2624 Lillehammer, Norway
| | - Knut Hestad
- Department of Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, N-2381 Brumunddal, Norway
- Department of Health and Nursing Science, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, N-2418 Elverum, Norway
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11
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Lai W, Huang Z, Li S, Li XG, Luo D. Kynurenine pathway metabolites modulated the comorbidity of IBD and depressive symptoms through the immune response. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 117:109840. [PMID: 36827928 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is defined as chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Notably, more than 20% of people with IBD experience depressive symptoms. Understanding the immunological mechanism of chronic intestinal inflammation on cognitive behavior has become a key research focus. Previous studies have shown that a dysregulated immune response contributes to chronic inflammation and depressive symptoms. The tolerant phenotype exhibited by immune cells regulates the course of chronic inflammation in distinct ways. In addition, neuroglia, such as microglia and astrocytes specific to the brain, are also influenced by deregulated inflammation to mediate the development of depressive symptoms. The kynurenine pathway (KP), a significant tryptophan metabolic pathway, transforms tryptophan into a series of KP metabolites that modulate chronic inflammation and depressive symptoms. In particular, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), a rate-limiting enzyme in the KP, is activated by chronic inflammation and leads to the production of kynurenine. In addition, disruption of the brain-gut axis induced by IBD allows kynurenine to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and form a series of neuroactive kynurenine metabolites in glial cells. Among them, quinolinic acid continuously accumulates in the brain, indicating depression. Thus, KP metabolites are critical for driving the comorbidity of IBD and depressive symptoms. In this review, the pathological mechanism of KP metabolite-mediated chronic intestinal inflammation and depressive symptoms by regulating the immune response is summarized according to the latest reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiming Lai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ziheng Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Sheng Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xiang-Guang Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Ding Luo
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China.
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12
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Pharmacological Inhibition of Membrane Signaling Mechanisms Reduces the Invasiveness of U87-MG and U251-MG Glioblastoma Cells In Vitro. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041027. [PMID: 36831372 PMCID: PMC9954756 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Impairing the motility of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells is a compelling goal for new approaches to manage this highly invasive and rapidly lethal human brain cancer. Work here characterized an array of pharmacological inhibitors of membrane ion and water channels, alone and in combination, as tools for restraining glioblastoma spread in human GBM cell lines U87-MG and U251-MG. Aquaporins, AMPA glutamate receptors, and ion channel classes (shown to be upregulated in human GBM at the transcript level and linked to mechanisms of motility in other cell types) were selected as pharmacological targets for analyses. Effective compounds reduced the transwell invasiveness of U87-MG and U251-MG glioblastoma cells by 20-80% as compared with controls, without cytotoxicity. The compounds and doses used were: AqB013 (14 μM); nifedipine (25 µM); amiloride (10 µM); apamin (10 µM); 4-aminopyridine (250 µM); and CNQX (6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione; 30 µM). Invasiveness was quantified in vitro across transwell filter chambers layered with extracellular matrix. Co-application of each of the ion channel agents with the water channel inhibitor AqB013 augmented the inhibition of invasion (20 to 50% greater than either agent alone). The motility impairment achieved by co-application of pharmacological agents differed between the GBM proneural-like subtype U87-MG and classical-like subtype U251-MG, showing patterns consistent with relative levels of target channel expression (Human Protein Atlas database). In addition, two compounds, xanthurenic acid and caelestine C (from the Davis Open Access Natural Product-based Library, Griffith University QLD), were discovered to block invasion at micromolar doses in both GBM lines (IC50 values from 0.03 to 1 µM), without cytotoxicity, as measured by full mitochondrial activity under conditions matching those in transwell assays and by normal growth in spheroid assays. Mechanisms of action of these agents based on published work are likely to involve modulation of glutamatergic receptor signaling. Treating glioblastoma by the concurrent inhibition of multiple channel targets could be a powerful approach for slowing invasive cell spread without cytotoxic side effects, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of clinical interventions focused on eradicating primary tumors.
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The Peripheral Kynurenine Pathway and Psychosomatic Comorbidity in Subjects with Morbid Obesity Undergoing Bariatric Surgery. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12052648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: The Kynurenine pathway (KP) is involved in various disorders, but little is known about the KP and psychosomatic complaints. The aim was to study the peripheral KP and psychosomatic comorbidity in subjects with morbid obesity. Methods: Psychosomatic comorbidity (perceived general health, muscle-skeletal pain, well-being, mood disorders, fatigue, self-esteem, sleepiness, and sense of humour) was registered, and serum samples were collected six months before and after bariatric surgery. Results: A total of 141 subjects (men/women, 116/25) with a mean age of 43.0 (SD 8.7) years and BMI of 42.1 (SD 3.8) kg/m2 were included. No significant associations were seen between the psychosomatic disorders and the KP. There was a significant downregulation of all KP metabolites after surgery, a reduction in CRP, and strong associations between CRP and the KP, particularly with the ratios of Kynurenine/Tryptophan and Quinolinic acid (QA)/Xanthurenic acid (XA). The QA/XA ratio was negatively associated with diabetes. Conclusions: The peripheral KP seemed to be of minor importance for the psychosomatic comorbidity in subjects with morbid obesity. The downregulation of all KP metabolites after bariatric surgery indicated reduced inflammation. The QA/XA ratio seemed to be a marker of insulin sensitivity and favourable glucose control.
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Sathyasaikumar KV, Pérez de la Cruz V, Pineda B, Vázquez Cervantes GI, Ramírez Ortega D, Donley DW, Severson PL, West BL, Giorgini F, Fox JH, Schwarcz R. Cellular Localization of Kynurenine 3-Monooxygenase in the Brain: Challenging the Dogma. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020315. [PMID: 35204197 PMCID: PMC8868204 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO), a key player in the kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan degradation, regulates the synthesis of the neuroactive metabolites 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) and kynurenic acid (KYNA). KMO activity has been implicated in several major brain diseases including Huntington’s disease (HD) and schizophrenia. In the brain, KMO is widely believed to be predominantly localized in microglial cells, but verification in vivo has not been provided so far. Here, we examined KP metabolism in the brain after depleting microglial cells pharmacologically with the colony stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor PLX5622. Young adult mice were fed PLX5622 for 21 days and were euthanized either on the next day or after receiving normal chow for an additional 21 days. Expression of microglial marker genes was dramatically reduced on day 22 but had fully recovered by day 43. In both groups, PLX5622 treatment failed to affect Kmo expression, KMO activity or tissue levels of 3-HK and KYNA in the brain. In a parallel experiment, PLX5622 treatment also did not reduce KMO activity, 3-HK and KYNA in the brain of R6/2 mice (a model of HD with activated microglia). Finally, using freshly isolated mouse cells ex vivo, we found KMO only in microglia and neurons but not in astrocytes. Taken together, these data unexpectedly revealed that neurons contain a large proportion of functional KMO in the adult mouse brain under both physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korrapati V. Sathyasaikumar
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA;
| | - Verónica Pérez de la Cruz
- Neurobiochemistry and Behavior Laboratory, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico; (V.P.d.l.C.); (G.I.V.C.); (D.R.O.)
| | - Benjamín Pineda
- Neuroimmunology Department, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico;
| | - Gustavo Ignacio Vázquez Cervantes
- Neurobiochemistry and Behavior Laboratory, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico; (V.P.d.l.C.); (G.I.V.C.); (D.R.O.)
| | - Daniela Ramírez Ortega
- Neurobiochemistry and Behavior Laboratory, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico; (V.P.d.l.C.); (G.I.V.C.); (D.R.O.)
| | - David W. Donley
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA; (D.W.D.); (J.H.F.)
| | - Paul L. Severson
- Plexxikon Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (P.L.S.); (B.L.W.)
| | - Brian L. West
- Plexxikon Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (P.L.S.); (B.L.W.)
| | - Flaviano Giorgini
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7JA, UK;
| | - Jonathan H. Fox
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA; (D.W.D.); (J.H.F.)
| | - Robert Schwarcz
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-410-402-7635
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15
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Kynurenine Pathway Metabolites as Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s Disease. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:9484217. [PMID: 35096208 PMCID: PMC8791723 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9484217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that deteriorates cognitive function. Patients with AD generally exhibit neuroinflammation, elevated beta-amyloid (Aβ), tau phosphorylation (p-tau), and other pathological changes in the brain. The kynurenine pathway (KP) and several of its metabolites, especially quinolinic acid (QA), are considered to be involved in the neuropathogenesis of AD. The important metabolites and key enzymes show significant importance in neuroinflammation and AD. Meanwhile, the discovery of changed levels of KP metabolites in patients with AD suggests that KP metabolites may have a prominent role in the pathogenesis of AD. Further, some KP metabolites exhibit other effects on the brain, such as oxidative stress regulation and neurotoxicity. Both analogs of the neuroprotective and antineuroinflammation metabolites and small molecule enzyme inhibitors preventing the formation of neurotoxic and neuroinflammation compounds may have potential therapeutic significance. This review focused on the KP metabolites through the relationship of neuroinflammation in AD, significant KP metabolites, and associated molecular mechanisms as well as the utility of these metabolites as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AD. The objective is to provide references to find biomarkers and therapeutic targets for patients with AD.
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