Abstract
Actions of symbiotic gut microbiota are in dynamic balance with the host’s organism to maintain homeostasis. Many different factors have an impact on this relationship, including bacterial metabolites. Several substrates for their synthesis have been established, including tryptophan, an exogenous amino acid. Many biological processes are influenced by the action of tryptophan and its endogenous metabolites, serotonin, and melatonin. Recent research findings also provide evidence that gut bacteria-derived metabolites of tryptophan share the biological effects of their precursor. Thus, this review aims to investigate the biological actions of indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), a gut microbiota-derived metabolite of tryptophan. We searched PUBMED and Google Scholar databases to identify pre-clinical and clinical studies evaluating the impact of IPA on the health and pathophysiology of the immune, nervous, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular system in mammals. IPA exhibits a similar impact on the energetic balance and cardiovascular system to its precursor, tryptophan. Additionally, IPA has a positive impact on a cellular level, by preventing oxidative stress injury, lipoperoxidation and inhibiting synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines. Its synthesis can be diminished in the presence of different risk factors of atherosclerosis. On the other hand, protective factors, such as the introduction of a Mediterranean diet, tend to increase its plasma concentration. IPA seems to be a promising new target, linking gut health with the cardiovascular system.
Highlights
Over the past two decades, research interest on the interactions between diet, gut microbiota and their host organism has grown
The aim of our study is to provide a comprehensive review of the physiological roles of indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), and changes in its synthesis in neurological, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases
IPA belongs to the wide group of indoles, microbiota derived affect functions of the host
Summary
Over the past two decades, research interest on the interactions between diet, gut microbiota and their host organism has grown. The findings bring new information on the correlation between the activity of symbiotic gut microbiota and the pathophysiology of lifestyle diseases, including obesity [1], diabetes [2] and hypertension [3,4]. Research focused mainly on the role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) [3,5] and carnitinederived metabolites [6,7,8]. The new data suggest that tryptophan, the essential amino acid, can be metabolized by microbiota, leading to the synthesis of biologically active group of indoles [9]. Research projects on bacterial metabolism of tryptophan focused mainly on actions of indole [10,11], and its liver metabolite, indoxyl sulfate (IS) [12,13]. IS is proposed to be one of the factors linking kidney dysfunction with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease [12,16,17]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
