Anthranilic Acid, a GPR109A Agonist, and Schizophrenia.

Introduction: Limited clinical efficiency of current medications warrants search for new antipsychotic agents. Deorphanized G-protein coupled receptor (GPR)109A has not attracted much of attention of schizophrenia researchers. We analyzed literature and our data on endogenous agonists of GPR109A, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), anthranilic (AA), butyric (BA), and nicotinic (NA) acids, in individuals with schizophrenia. Data: Sex specific differences: plasma AA levels were 27% higher in female than in male patients and correlated with PANSS before 6 weeks of antipsychotics treatment (r = .625, P < .019, Spearman's test). There was no sex specific differences of plasma AA levels after treatment. AA plasma levels inversely correlated (-.58, P < .005) with PANSS scores in responders to treatment (at least, 50% improvement) but not in nonresponders. Preclinical studies suggested antipsychotic effect of BHB and BA. Clinical studies observed antipsychotic effect of NA; benzoate sodium, an AA precursor; and interventions associated with BHB upregulation (eg, fasting and ketogenic diets). Discussion: Upregulation of GPR109A, an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective receptor, inhibits cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), an enzyme that breakdown myelin, lipid-based insulating axonal sheath that protects and promotes nerve conduction. Brain cPLA2 is upregulated in individuals with schizophrenia and subjects at high-risk for development of psychosis. Lower myelin content is associated with cognitive decline in individuals with schizophrenia. Therefore, GPR109A might exert antipsychotic effect via suppression of cPLA2, and, consequently, preservation of myelin integrity. Future research might explore antipsychotic effects of (1) human pegylated kynureninase, an enzyme that catalyzes formation of AA from kynurenine (Kyn); (2) inhibitors of Kyn conversion into kynurenic acid, for example, KYN5356, to patients with already impaired Kyn conversion into 3-hydroxykynurenine; (3) synthetic GPR 109A agonists, for example, MK-1903 and SCH900271 and GSK256073, that underwent clinical trials as anti-dyslipidemia agents. GPR109A expression, that might be a new endophenotype of schizophrenia, especially associated with cognitive impairment, needs thorough assessment.

Extension of life span by down-regulation of enzymes catalyzing tryptophan conversion into kynurenine: Possible implications for mechanisms of aging.

The end products of catabolism of tryptophan (Trp), an essential amino acid, are known to affect mechanism(s) of aging, a neurodegenerative condition. This review focuses on the possible role of the initial step of Trp catabolism, kynurenine (Kyn) formation from Trp, in aging mechanism(s). Rate-limiting enzymes of Trp conversion into Kyn are tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (TDO) or indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Aging is associated with up-regulated production of cortisol, an activator of TDO, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, inducers of IDO. The other rate-limiting enzyme of Kyn formation from Trp is ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter that regulates Trp availability as a substrate for TDO. Inhibitors of TDO (alpha-methyl tryptophan) and ABC transporter (5-methyltryptophan) extended life span of wild-type Drosophila. Life span prolongation was observed in TDO knockdown of Caenorhabditis elegans and in TDO or ABC transporter-deficient Drosophila mutants. Down-regulation of enzymes catalyzing Kyn conversion into kynurenic acid (KYNA) and 3-hydroxykynurenine decreases life span. Considering that down-regulation of Methuselah (MTH) gene prolonged life span, aging-accelerating effect of KYNA, a GPR35/MTH agonist, might depend on MTH gene activation. Mice treated with TDO inhibitor, benserazide, an ingredient of anti-Parkinson medication carbidopa, and TDO-deficient Drosophila mutants were resistant to inducement of aging-associated Metabolic Syndrome by high-sugar or high-fat diets. Up-regulation of Kyn formation was associated with accelerated aging and increased mortality in human subjects. Trp-Kyn pathway is evolutionary conserved (from yeasts, through insects, worms, vertebrates to humans). Further studies might explore possible antiaging effect of down-regulation of Kyn formation from Trp by dietary, pharmacological, and genetic interventions.

The tryptophan catabolite or kynurenine pathway in major depressive and bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: There is now evidence that affective disorders including major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) are mediated by immune-inflammatory and nitro-oxidative pathways. Activation of these pathways may be associated with activation of the tryptophan catabolite (TRYCAT) pathway by inducing indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO, the rate-limiting enzyme) leading to depletion of tryptophan (TRP) and increases in tryptophan catabolites (TRYCATs). Aims: To systematically review and meta-analyze central and peripheral (free and total) TRP levels, its competing amino-acids (CAAs) and TRYCATs in MDD and BD. Methods: This review searched PubMed, Google Scholar and SciFinder and included 121 full-text articles and 15470 individuals, including 8024 MDD/BD patients and 7446 healthy controls. Results: TRP levels (either free and total) and the TRP/CAAs ratio were significantly decreased (p < 0.0001) in MDD/BD as compared with controls with a moderate effect size (standardized mean difference for TRP: SMD = -0.513, 95% confidence interval, CI: -0.611; -0.414; and TRP/CAAs: SMD = -0.558, CI: -0.758; -0.358). Kynurenine (KYN) levels were significantly decreased in patients as compared with controls with a small effect size (p < 0.0001, SMD = -0.213, 95%CI: -0.295; -0.131). These differences were significant in plasma (p < 0.0001, SMD = -0.304, 95%CI: -0.415, -0.194) but not in serum (p = 0.054) or the central nervous system (CNS, p = 0.771). The KYN/TRP ratio, frequently used as an index of IDO activity, and neurotoxicity indices based on downstream TRYCATs were unaltered or even lowered in MDD/BD. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that MDD and BD are accompanied by TRP depletion without IDO and TRYCAT pathway activation. Lowered TRP availability is probably the consequence of lowered serum albumin during the inflammatory response in affective disorders.

The Tryptophan Catabolite or Kynurenine Pathway in a Major Depressive Episode with Melancholia, Psychotic Features and Suicidal Behaviors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) with melancholia and psychotic features and suicidal behaviors are accompanied by activated immune-inflammatory and oxidative pathways, which may stimulate indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), the first and rate-limiting enzyme of the tryptophan catabolite (TRYCAT) pathway resulting in increased tryptophan degradation and elevated tryptophan catabolites (TRYCTAs). The purpose of the current study is to systematically review and meta-analyze levels of TRP, its competing amino acids (CAAs) and TRYCATs in patients with severe affective disorders. Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar and SciFinder were searched in the present study and we recruited 35 studies to examine 4647 participants including 2332 unipolar (MDD) and bipolar (BD) depressed patients and 2315 healthy controls. Severe patients showed significant lower (p < 0.0001) TRP (standardized mean difference, SMD = -0.517, 95% confidence interval, CI: -0.735; -0.299) and TRP/CAAs (SMD = -0.617, CI: -0.957; -0.277) levels with moderate effect sizes, while no significant difference in CAAs were found. Kynurenine (KYN) levels were unaltered in severe MDD/BD phenotypes, while the KYN/TRP ratio showed a significant increase only in patients with psychotic features (SMD = 0.224, CI: 0.012; 0.436). Quinolinic acid (QA) was significantly increased (SMD = 0.358, CI: 0.015; 0.701) and kynurenic acid (KA) significantly decreased (SMD = -0.260, CI: -0.487; -0.034) in severe MDD/BD. Patients with affective disorders with melancholic and psychotic features and suicidal behaviors showed normal IDO enzyme activity but a lowered availability of plasma/serum TRP to the brain, which is probably due to other processes such as low albumin levels.

The Tryptophan Catabolite or Kynurenine Pathway in Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is characterized by progressive brain dysfunction and memory loss, is one of the most significant global health concerns for older adults. Neuroinflammation and increased oxidative stress contribute to the pathophysiology of AD, thereby presumably inducing tryptophan (TRP) degradation through the TRP catabolite (TRYCAT) pathway. OBJECTIVE: To delineate the activity of the TRYCAT pathway along with levels of TRP and tryptophan catabolites (TRYCATs) in AD patients. METHODS: We used PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and SciFinder during the month of January 2022 to gather the pertinent publications. We found 19 eligible articles which involved 738 patients and 665 healthy controls. RESULTS: Our results revealed a significant difference (p = 0.008) in the kynurenine (KYN)/TRP ratio (standardized mean difference, SMD = 0.216, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.057; 0.376), and a significant decrease in TRP in AD patients (SMD = -0.520, 95% CI: -0.738; -0.302, p < 0.0001). Moreover, we also found a significant increase in the central nervous system (CNS), brain, and cerebrospinal fluid kynurenic acid (KA)/KYN ratio but not in peripheral blood, as well as a significant decrease in plasma KA and xanthurenic acid in the CNS and blood. CONCLUSION: AD is characterized by TRP depletion but not by an overactivity of the TRYCAT pathway. IDO-induced production of neurotoxic TRYCATs is not a key factor in the pathophysiology of AD.

Plasma Anthranilic Acid and Leptin Levels Predict HAM-D Scores in Depressed Women.

OBJECTIVES: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with dysregulations of leptin and tryptophan-kynurenine (Trp-Kyn) (TKP) pathways. Leptin, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, activates Trp conversion into Kyn. However, leptin association with down-stream Kyn metabolites in MDD is unknown. METHODS: Fasting plasma samples from 29 acutely ill drug-naïve (n = 16) or currently non-medicated (⩾6 weeks; n = 13) MDD patients were analyzed for leptin, Trp, Kyn, its down-stream metabolites (anthranilic [AA], kynurenic [KYNA], xanthurenic [XA] acids and 3-hydroxykynurenine [3HK]), C-reactive protein (CRP), neopterin, body mass index (BMI), and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Depression severity was assessed by HAM-D-21. RESULTS: In female (n = 14) (but not in male) patients HAM-D-21 scores correlated with plasma levels of AA (but not other Kyn metabolites) (rho = -0.644, P = .009) and leptin (Spearman's rho = -0.775, P = .001). Inclusion of AA into regression analysis improved leptin prediction of HAM-D from 48.5% to 65.9%. Actual HAM-D scores highly correlated with that calculated by formula: HAM-D = 34.8518-(0.5660 × leptin [ng/ml] + 0.4159 × AA [nmol/l]) (Rho = 0.84, P = .00015). In male (n = 15) (but not in female) patients leptin correlated with BMI, waist circumference/hip ratio, CRP, and HOMA-IR. CONCLUSIONS: Present findings of gender specific AA/Leptin correlations with HAM-D are important considering that AA and leptin are transported from plasma into brain, and that AA formation is catalyzed by kynureninase-the only TKP gene associated with depression according to genome-wide analysis. High correlation between predicted and actual HAM-D warrants further evaluation of plasma AA and leptin as an objective laboratory test for the assessment of depression severity in female MDD patients.

Benserazide, an Inhibitor of Peripheral Kynurenine Metabolism, Attenuates Olanzapine-Induced Weight Gain, Insulin Resistance, and Dyslipidemia in C57Bl/6j Mice.

Schizophrenia (Sz) patients, especially treated with atypical antipsychotics, are at high risk of the development of metabolic syndrome that increases morbidity and mortality and impairs compliance with treatment. Mechanism of the high association of metabolic syndrome with the use of atypical antipsychotics is not clear. Literature and our data suggest that chronic inflammation- or stress-induced dysregulation of the peripheral down-stream kynurenine (Kyn) metabolism, shared by both Sz and metabolic syndrome, contributes to the development of metabolic syndrome in Sz patients treated with atypical antipsychotics. Correction of dysregulation of the peripheral down-stream metabolism of Kyn would prevent/treat metabolic syndrome. This is a pre-clinical trial of the effect of benserazide (BRZ), an inhibitor of the key enzymes of Kyn metabolism, on olanzapine-induced mouse model of metabolic syndrome. Olanzapine is one of the most effective atypical antipsychotics but has high potential to induce metabolic syndrome. Olanzapine (4 mg/kg, p.o) and/or BRZ (100 mg/day, p.o.) were administered to 6-week-old C57Bl/6 female mice, 5 days/week, for 10 weeks. The study was approved by the Tufts Medical Center Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. BRZ attenuated olanzapine-induced excessive weight gain, impairment of glucose tolerance, and elevation of plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. Present results suggest that peripheral down-stream Kyn metabolism is a new target for prevention/treatment of olanzapine-induced metabolic syndrome. BRZ has a high translational potential as medication already approved for human use.

Effect of Kynurenic Acid on Pupae Viability of Drosophila melanogaster cinnabar and cardinal Eye Color Mutants with Altered Tryptophan-Kynurenine Metabolism.

Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is one of the metabolites of evolutionary conserved tryptophan (Trp)/kynurenine (Kyn) metabolic pathway. Elevation of KYNA contributes to development of psychosis in schizophrenia but attenuates neurodegeneration in Drosophila model of Huntington's disease. We have reported that KYNA increased lethality of pupae of wild-type flies, but not of vermilion (v) mutants with impaired formation of Kyn from Trp, suggesting that KYNA toxicity depends on its interaction with downstream Kyn metabolites [i.e., 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) and/or xanthurenic acid (XA)]. The present study aimed to further explore the mechanisms of KYNA-induced lethality by the assessment of KYNA effect on pupae of two Drosophila mutants: cinnabar (cn), characterized by higher KYNA and lower 3-HK production, and cardinal (cd), characterized by higher 3-HK and XA levels compared to wild-type flies. Our microarray datamining revealed that the gene expression pattern of enzymes forming Trp/Kyn pathway stands in line with previously reported developmental changes in KYNA, 3-HK, and XA concentrations in wild-type and mutant flies. Administration of KYNA increased pupae lethality in cd, but not in cn mutants. Present data suggest that toxic effect of exogenous KYNA depends on the presence of 3-HK and/or XA. This is further supported by our finding that early stages of Drosophila development are associated with a positive expression pattern of genes encoding sulfotransferases, enzymes that are inhibited by KYNA and are involved in detoxification of XA. Alternatively, the toxic effect of KYNA might depend on anti-proliferative effects of KYNA.

Peripheral kynurenine-3-monooxygenase deficiency as a potential risk factor for metabolic syndrome in schizophrenia patients.

Increased predisposition of schizophrenia patients (SP) to development of obesity and insulin resistance suggested common signaling pathway between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and schizophrenia. Deficiency of kynurenine-3-monooxygenase (KMO), enzyme catalyzing formation of 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) from kynurenine (Kyn), a tryptophan (Trp) metabolite, might contribute to development of MetS as suggested by non-expression of KMO genes in human fat tissue and elevated serum concentrations of Kyn and its metabolites, kynurenic (KYNA) and anthranilic (ANA) acids, in diabetic patients and Zucker fatty rats (ZFR). Markers of KMO deficiency: decreased 3-HK and elevated Kyn, KYNA and ANA, were observed in brains and spinal fluids of SP, and in brains and serum of experimental animals with genetically- or pharmacologically-induced KMO deficiency. However, elevated concentrations of ANA and decreased 3-HK were reported in serum of SP without concurrent increase of Kyn and KYNA. Present study aimed to re-assess serum Kyn metabolites (HPLC-MS) in a sub-group of SP with elevated KYNA. We found increased Kyn concentrations (by 30%) and Kyn:Trp ratio (by 20%) in serum of SP with elevated KYNA concentrations (by 40%). Obtained results and our previous data suggest that peripheral KMO deficiency might be manifested by, at least, two different patterns: elevated ANA with decreased 3-HK; and elevated KYNA and KYN. The latter pattern was previously described in type 2 diabetes patients and might underline increased predisposition of SP to development of MetS. Assessment of peripheral KMO deficiency might identify SP predisposed to MetS. Attenuation of the consequences of peripheral KMO deficiency might be a new target for prevention/treatment of obesity and diabetes in SP.

Regulating the balance between the kynurenine and serotonin pathways of tryptophan metabolism.

Tryptophan is metabolized along the kynurenine and serotonin pathways, resulting in formation of kynurenine metabolites, neuroactive serotonin and melatonin. Each pathway is critical for maintaining healthy homeostasis. However, the two pathways are extremely unequal in their ability to degrade tryptophan, and little is known about the mechanisms maintaining the balance between them. Here, we demonstrated that in PC12 cells, a change of expression of key genes of one pathway resulted in a change of expression of key genes of the other. Melatonin, the end product of the serotonin pathway, played an important role in tryptophan metabolism by affecting both key enzymes of the two pathways. Melatonin treatment induced the expression of indole-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and enhanced the activity of the IDO1 promoter while decreasing the expression of arylalkylamine N-acetyl transferase. Melatonin treatment up-regulated the expression of forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) and enhanced the binding of FoxO1 to the IDO1 promoter. FoxO1 was shown to be a new regulator for IDO1 expression. Melatonin treatment decreased the phosphorylation of FoxO1 by extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 and protein kinase B (Akt) and increased the phosphorylation of binding protein 14-3-3 by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and thus the complex of FoxO1-14-3-3 in the cytoplasm was disassembled and FoxO1 was relocated to the nucleus to induce IDO1 expression. The JNK signaling pathway played an important role in melatonin-induced IDO1 up-regulation. In conclusion, this study suggests a link between melatonin, JNK, FoxO1 and IDO1 that acts as a potential balance regulator of tryptophan metabolism, and offers a new approach to treat diseases related to dysregulation of tryptophan metabolism.

Peripheral Tryptophan - Kynurenine Metabolism Associated with Metabolic Syndrome is Different in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Diseases.

Insulin resistance (IR), obesity and other components of metabolic syndrome [MetS] are highly associated with Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) diseases. Dysregulation of kynurenine (Kyn) pathway (KP) of tryptophan (Trp) metabolism was suggested as major contributor to pathogenesis of AD and PD and MetS. KP, the major source of NAD+ in humans, occurs in brain and peripheral organs. Considering that some, but not all, peripherally originated derivatives of Kyn penetrate blood brain barrier, dysregulation of central and peripheral KP might have different functional impact. Up-regulated Kyn formation from Trp was discovered in central nervous system of AD and PD while assessments of peripheral KP in these diseases yield controversial results. We were interested to compare peripheral kynurenines in AD and PD with emphasis on MetS-associated kynurenines, i.e., kynurenic (KYNA) and anthranilic (ANA) acids and 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK). Serum concentrations of KP metabolites were evaluated (HPLC-MS method). In PD patients Trp concentrations were lower, and Kyn: Trp ratio, Kyn, ANA and KYNA were higher than in controls. 3-HK concentrations of PD patients were below the sensitivity threshold of the method. In AD patients. ANA serum concentrations were approximately 3 fold lower, and KYNA concentrations were approximately 40% higher than in controls. Our data suggest different patterns of KP dysregulation in PD and AD: systemic chronic subclinical inflammation activating central and peripheral KP in PD, and central, rather than peripheral, activation of KP in AD triggered by Aß1-42. Dysregulation of peripheral KP in PD and AD patients might underline association between neurodegenerative diseases and MetS.

Attenuation of high sucrose diet-induced insulin resistance in ABC transporter deficient white mutant of Drosophila melanogaster.

Exposure to high sugar diet (HSD) is an experimental model of insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in mammals and insects. In Drosophila, HSD-induced IR delays emergence of pupae from larvae and eclosion of imago from pupae. Understanding of mechanisms of IR/T2D is essential for refining T2D prevention and treatment strategies. Dysregulation of tryptophan (Trp)-kynurenine (Kyn) pathway was suggested as one of the mechanisms of IR/T2D development. Rate-limiting enzyme of Trp-Kyn pathway in Drosophila is Trp 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), an evolutionary conserved ortholog of human TDO. We previously reported attenuation of HSD-induced IR in vermilion mutants with inactive TDO. Conversion of Trp to Kyn is regulated not only by TDO activity but by intracellular Trp transport via ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter encoded by white gene in Drosophila. In order to evaluate the possible impact of deficient intracellular Trp transport on the inducement of IR by HSD, we compared the effect of HSD on pre-imago development in wild type flies, Canton-Special (C-S), and C-S flies containing white gene, white (C-S). Presence of white gene attenuated (by 50%) HSD-induced delay of pupae emergence from larvae and female and male imago eclosion from pupae. Present study together with our earlier report reveals that both decreased TDO activity (due to vermilion gene mutation) or deficient Trp transport into cell without affecting TDO levels (due to white gene mutation) attenuate HSD-induced development of IR in Drosophila model of T2D. Our data provide further support for hypothesis that dysregulation of Trp-Kyn pathway is one of the pathophysiological mechanisms and potential target for early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of IR/T2D.

Anthranilic Acid: A Potential Biomarker and Treatment Target for Schizophrenia.

Dysregulation of Trp-Kyn pathway is the most recent hypothesis of mechanisms of schizophrenia. In particular, over-production of kynurenic acid (KYNA), one of the three immediate downstream metabolites of kynurenine (Kyn) along tryptophan (Trp): Kyn pathway, has been considered as a new target for therapeutic intervention in schizophrenia. Up-regulation of KYNA formation was suggested to occur at the expense of down-regulated production of 3-hydroxyKyn (3-HK), the second immediate downstream metabolite of Kyn. We were interested to assess the third immediate downstream Kyn metabolite, anthranilic acid (AA). Serum AA concentrations were evaluated in schizophrenia patients and control subjects by HPLC-mass spectrometry method. We found 2-fold increase of AA and 3-fold decrease of 3-HK concentrations in serum of schizophrenia patients. Up regulated formation of AA might contribute to mechanisms of schizophrenia considering experimental evidences of AA augmentation of autoimmune processes in rat and mice; clinical findings of AA elevation in rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes, autoimmune diseases diametrical to schizophrenia; and involvement of autoimmunity in development of schizophrenia. Present data warrant further studies of AA as biological marker in, at least, a subgroup (associated with autoimmune mechanisms) of schizophrenia patients and as a new target for therapeutic intervention.

Effect of kynurenic acid on development and aging in wild type and vermilion mutants of Drosophila melanogaster.

BACKGROUND: Up-regulation of tryptophan (Trp) conversion into kynurenine (Kyn) and increased formation of down-stream metabolites of Kyn is one of the mechanisms of aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Kyn is an immediate precursor of kynurenic acid (KYNA), an antagonist to NMDA and α7nAChR receptors and activator of aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Increased formation of KYNA ameliorates neurodegeneration and eclosion defect in Drosophila model of Huntington's Disease. AIMS: Effect of KYNA on pupae viability and life span was evaluated in wild type (Canton-S, CS) and vermilion Drosophila mutants with deficient formation of Kyn due to mutation of vermilion gene (v) that encodes the Trp-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), enzyme catalyzing Trp conversion into Kyn. METHODS: Vermilion mutants were transferred into the Canton-S genetic background (v-CS). KYNA effect on viability (number of filial generation pupae and %% of their lethality) was assessed in pupae maintained at standard temperature (23°C). KYNA effect on life span was evaluated in adult (imago) flies maintained at 28°C (accelerated aging). RESULTS: KYNA drastically increased (4 fold from 8.36 to 33.62) %% of dead pupae in Canton-S but not in v-CS flies (p=0.0001). KYNA did not affect life span of female Canton-S flies but decreased life span of v-CS female flies (from 17.15 to 14.29 days). KYNA increased life span of male Canton-S (from 17.92 to 19.96 days) and v-CS flies (14.52 to 17.75 days). DISCUSSION: This the first (to the best of our knowledge) observation of the toxic effect of KYNA in Drosophila pupae. KYNA effect on high-temperature induced aging acceleration was gender dependent. Present data support the role of downstream Kyn metabolites in aging mechanisms.

Elevated anthranilic acid plasma concentrations in type 1 but not type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Experimental data suggested involvement of tryptophan (Trp) - kynurenine (Kyn) pathway (TKP) in mechanisms of autoimmune, type 1 (T1D), and metabolic, type 2 (T2D), diabetes. However, clinical evaluations of TKP metabolites were limited to T2D. We assessed Trp, Kyn and TKP metabolites: anthranilic (AA), kynurenic (KYNA) and xanthurenic (XA) acids, in plasma samples of fifteen T1D, thirty T2D patients and twenty eight non-diabetic subjects by HPLC-mass spectrometry. Trp concentrations were higher in T1D than in T2D and controls while Kyn concentrations were not changed suggesting down-regulation of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), a rate-limiting enzyme of TKP, in T1D. AA concentrations were 2.3-fold higher in T1D than in T2D and in controls. KYNA and XA concentrations were higher in T1D than in controls, and in previously reported T2D. AA elevation might be a specific feature of T1D. TKP shift towards AA formation in T1D may result from riboflavin deficiency, that increases AA in rats and baboons, and is highly associated with T1D but not T2D. AA augments autoimmune-induced apoptosis of pancreatic cells (PC) by increasing formation of antibodies to PC auto-antigen. Marked increase of AA was reported in rheumatoid arthritis, another autoimmune disorder. Trp, an essential amino acid for humans, is synthesized from AA by diabetogenic intestinal microbiome. AA down-regulates IDO by inhibition of Trp entry into cells. Resulting elevation of Trp attenuates Trp depletion-induced protection of PC against autoimmunity. Further studies of TKP might offer new tools for prevention and treatment of T1D and other autoimmune disorders.

Attenuation of high sucrose diet-induced insulin resistance in tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase deficient Drosophila melanogaster vermilion mutants.

Exposure to high sugar diet (HSD) serves as an experimental model of insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in mammals and insects. Peripheral IR induced by HSD delays emergence of pupae from larvae and decreases body weight of Drosophila imago. Understanding of mechanisms of IR/T2D is essential for refining T2D prevention and treatment strategies. Dysregulation of tryptophan (TRP) - kynurenine (KYN) pathway was suggested as one of the mechanisms of IR development. Rate-limiting enzyme of TRP - KYN pathway in Drosophila is TRP 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), an evolutionary conserved ortholog of human TDO. In insects TDO is encoded by vermilion gene. TDO is not active in vermilion mutants. In order to evaluate the possible impact of deficient formation of KYN from TRP on the inducement of IR by HSD, we compared the effect of HSD in wild type (Oregon) and vermilion mutants of Drosophila melanogaster by assessing the time of white pupae emergence from larva and body weight of imago. Delay of emergence of pupae from larvae induced by high sucrose diet was less pronounced in vermilion (1.4 days) than in Oregon flies (3.3 days) in comparison with flies maintained on standard diet. Exposure to high sucrose diet decreased body weight of Oregon (but not vermilion) imago. Attenuation of high sucrose diet-induced IR/T2D in vermilion flies might depend on deficiency of TRP - KYN pathway. Besides IR/T2D, HSD induces obesity in Drosophila. Future studies of HSD-induced obesity and IR/T2D in TDO deficient vermilion mutants of Drosophila might help to understand the mechanisms of high association between IR/T2D and obesity. Modulation of TRP - KYN metabolism might be utilized for prevention and treatment of IR/T2D.

Increased Plasma Levels of Xanthurenic and Kynurenic Acids in Type 2 Diabetes.

About 350 million people worldwide have type 2 diabetes (T2D). The major risk factor of T2D is impaired glucose tolerance (pre-diabetes) with 10 % of pre-diabetes subjects develop T2D every year. Understanding of mechanisms of development of T2D from pre-diabetes is important for prevention and treatment of T2D. Chronic stress and chronic low-grade inflammation are prominent risk factors for T2D development in pre-diabetic subjects. However, molecular mechanisms mediating effect of stress and inflammation on development of T2D from pre-diabetes remain unknown. One of such mechanisms might involve kynurenine (KYN) pathway (KP) of tryptophan (TRP) metabolism. We suggested that chronic stress- or chronic low-grade inflammation-induced upregulation of formation of upstream KTP metabolites, KYN and 3-hydroxyKYN, combined with chronic stress- or chronic low-grade inflammation-induced deficiency of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, a co-factor of downstream enzymes of KTP, triggers overproduction of diabetogenic downstream KYN metabolites, kynurenic acid (KYNA) and 3-hydroxyKYNA (also known as xanthurenic acid (XA)). As the initial assessment of our working hypothesis, we evaluated plasma levels of up- and downstream KP metabolites in the same samples of T2D patients. KYN, XA, and KYNA levels in plasma samples of T2D patients were higher than in samples of non-diabetic subjects. Our results provide further support of "kynurenine hypothesis of insulin resistance and its progression to T2D" that suggested that overproduction of diabetogenic KP metabolites, induced by chronic stress or chronic low-grade inflammation, is one of the mechanisms promoting development of T2D from pre-diabetes. Downstream metabolites of KP might serve as biomarkers of T2D and targets for clinical intervention.