Kynurenine and serotonin pathways of tryptophan metabolism: The etiology and pathogenesis of depression

Sang Won Jeon, Yong Ku Kim

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

    Abstract

    In a recent perspective, with highlighted role of serotonin in depression, the tryptophan as a precursor of serotonin also became of interest in the pathogenesis of depression. The depletion of tryptophan has been discussed in the etiology of depression. Many studies proposed that serotonin deficiency of depression was caused by the tryptophan shunt towards formation of kynurenine (kynurenine shunt). The inflammatory response system in depression also became of interest. The connection between immune/ neuroendocrine system and tryptophan metabolism through kynurenine pathway is considered as important pathophysiology of depression. In this chapter, we reviewed the changes of tryptophan metabolism under immunological challenges and physiological conditions like stress.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationNew Developments in Tryptophan Research
    PublisherNova Science Publishers, Inc.
    Pages29-48
    Number of pages20
    ISBN (Electronic)9781634830652
    ISBN (Print)9781634830256
    Publication statusPublished - 2015 Jul 1

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)

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