SAMPLE REPORT
1276 Neuroinflammation-META® (Urine)
The kynurenine metabolic pathway is closely linked to inflammatory responses, the immune system, and neurological disorders, and has received increasing clinical attention in recent years. It represents the primary route of tryptophan catabolism in the liver and serves as the starting point for NAD synthesis in mammals. Dysregulation or overactivation of this pathway may lead to immune system activation and the accumulation of potentially neurotoxic compounds.
SAMPLE REPORT
Testing Content
Tryptophan
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that cannot be synthesized by the human body. Naturally found in both plant and animal proteins, it plays important roles in the functioning and development of various organs. In the body, tryptophan is converted into 5-HTP, which is then further converted into serotonin. Serotonin helps constrict blood vessels and influences the transmission of nerve signals. The concentration of serotonin in the brain is known to affect mood.
| The benefits of tryptophan include | |
|---|---|
| Regulating appetite | Enhancing immunity |
| Improving symptoms of insomnia | Relieving headache symptoms |
| Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease | Stabilizing mood |
Kynurenine Pathway
The kynurenine pathway metabolizes the essential amino acid tryptophan to produce nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺). This metabolic route is associated with certain genetic disorders and inflammatory conditions in the body. Key metabolites involved include kynurenic acid (KYNA), 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), and quinolinic acid (QUIN). The enzymes participating in this pathway are widely distributed throughout the human body, with high concentrations found in the liver and kidneys, and major enzymatic activity also detected in the brain.
Kynurenine metabolism occurs in all brain cell types and is regulated by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO). In the brain, most kynurenine metabolism takes place within glial cells. During this process, quinolinic acid acts as an agonist of the NMDA-type glutamate receptor and can work synergistically with 3-HK to generate oxidative stress. The kynurenine metabolic pathway is influenced by inflammatory mediators such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). By analyzing these metabolites, it is possible to assess inflammation in the brain or other parts of the body
| Abnormal kynurenine metabolism is associated with various diseases and symptoms | |
|---|---|
| Inflammation | Parkinson's Disease |
| Alzheimer's Disease | Multiple Sclerosis |
| Autoimmune disease | Arthritis |
| Asthma | |
The important information provided by Neuroinflammation-META® is as follows
- Tryptophan plays a role in intestinal health by helping to regenerate the intestinal mucosa and inhibiting potential pathogenic bacteria through IL-22. It also serves as a precursor for serotonin synthesis in enterochromaffin cells of the gut. Tryptophan deficiency has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and gastrointestinal pain symptoms.
- Once converted by the enzyme IDO into kynurenine, tryptophan can be further metabolized by the KAT enzyme into kynurenic acid, which functions as an NMDA receptor antagonist with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. When kynurenine crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and enters the brain, it can be metabolized by macrophages and microglia into quinolinic acid under inflammatory conditions, which then acts as an NMDA receptor agonist to promote excitatory signaling.
- Antioxidant capacity is essential for maintaining immune and neurological function, and for neutralizing inflammation. Nutritional antioxidants help eliminate excess free radicals, support the balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses, and reduce inflammation. Recommendations include：
- Increasing intake of brightly colored vegetables and fruits—such as carrots, spinach, broccoli, and almonds—that are rich in carotenoids. Supplementation with antioxidants such as vitamins C and E may also be beneficial.
- Consuming more asparagus, onions, garlic, cruciferous vegetables (like kale, broccoli, and cabbage), grapes, blueberries, melons, and citrus fruits.
- Ensuring adequate intake of antioxidant-supporting minerals such as copper, zinc, manganese, and organic selenium, which are found in whole grains, shellfish, legumes, brewer’s yeast, and vegetables.
