Tryptophan Degradation in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Author Information
Author(s): Clarke Gerard, Fitzgerald Peter, Cryan John F, Cassidy Eugene M, Quigley Eamonn M, Dinan Timothy G
Primary Institution: University College Cork
Hypothesis
Is tryptophan degradation altered in male patients with irritable bowel syndrome compared to healthy controls?
Conclusion
The study found that tryptophan degradation is enhanced in male IBS patients, suggesting a potential immune-mediated mechanism.
Supporting Evidence
- Kynurenine levels were significantly higher in IBS patients compared to controls.
- Neopterin levels were also elevated in IBS patients, indicating immune activation.
- The kynurenine:tryptophan ratio was increased in IBS patients, suggesting enhanced tryptophan degradation.
Takeaway
This study shows that men with irritable bowel syndrome have higher levels of certain substances related to tryptophan breakdown, which might help understand their condition better.
Methodology
Plasma samples were analyzed for tryptophan and its metabolites using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and neopterin levels were measured with an ELISA assay.
Potential Biases
The reliance on a male-only sample may not represent the broader IBS population, which is predominantly female.
Limitations
The study was limited to a small male cohort and could not analyze differences based on IBS symptom types.
Participant Demographics
26 healthy male controls (mean age 32.2) and 10 male IBS patients (mean age 47.5).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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