Abstract
During pregnancy, tryptophan (Trp) is required for several purposes, and Trp metabolism varies over time in the mother and fetus. Increased oxidative stress (OS) with high metabolic, energy and oxygen demands during normal pregnancy or in pregnancy-associated disorders has been reported. Taking the antioxidant properties of Trp and its metabolites into consideration, we made four hypotheses. First, the use of Trp and its metabolites is optional based on their antioxidant properties during pregnancy. Second, dynamic Trp metabolism is an accommodation mechanism in response to OS. Third, regulation of Trp metabolism could be used to control/attenuate OS according to variations in Trp metabolism during pregnancy. Fourth, OS-mediated injury could be alleviated by regulation of Trp metabolism in pregnancy-associated disorders. Future studies in normal/abnormal pregnancies and in associated disorders should include measurements of free Trp, total Trp, Trp metabolites, and activities of Trp-degrading enzymes in plasma. Abnormal pregnancies and some associated disorders may be associated with disordered Trp metabolism related to OS. Mounting evidence suggests that the investigation of the use of Trp and its metabolites in pregnancy will be meanful.
Highlights
Pregnancy can be characterized by increased basal oxygen consumption and a state of high oxidative stress (OS) [1]
kynurenic acid (KYNA) synthesis is catalyzed by kynurenine aminotransferases (KATs), and KYNA is irreversibly derived from kynurenine in the brain and peripheral tissues [37]
Strong evidence is accumulating in support of the use of Trp and its metabolites based on its antioxidant properties
Summary
Pregnancy can be characterized by increased basal oxygen consumption and a state of high oxidative stress (OS) [1]. Trp metabolites containing 5-HT, melatonin, kynurenic acid (KYNA), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) and others are essential for normal metabolism and organ functions [5]. Trp and some metabolites (melatonin, KYNA and xanthurenic acid (XA)) may act as antioxidants that can remove reactive oxygen species (ROS) effectively and enhance resistance of the damage caused by free radicals [6,7,8]. We review evidence to identify the underlying correlation between Trp metabolism and OS during gestation, how it may help to attenuate OS through modification of the intake and metabolism of Trp, and how feeding strategies can be adjusted and chosen according to the redox states to enhance an appropriate antioxidant status during gestation
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