Kynurenine pathway

Kynurenine pathway. Source:

The kynurenine pathway or tryptophan kynurenine pathway is the primary route for metabolizing the essential amino acid tryptophan in humans and other mammals in order to generate cellular energy in the form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+).

If the kynurenine pathway becomes dysregulated or overactive, it can activate the immune system and result in a build-up of potentially neurotoxic compounds in the body.

Function

Schematic representation of the kynurenine pathway. Source:

The kynurenine pathway

ME/CFS

The metabolic trap hypothesis suggests that a metabolic problem exists in one or more areas of a person with ME/CFS, with a defect in the IDO2 enzyme of the tryptophan kynurenine pathway being identified as a possible metabolic trap.

See also

Metabolic trap.

See also

• Metabolic trap
• Kynurenine
• Metabolism
• Tryptophan
• Kynurenine pathway hypothesis

enzyme a substance produced by a living organism which acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.

metabolic trap hypothesis An hypothesis which proposes that the normal metabolic functioning of the cell has become "trapped" in an abnormal state, which may lead to body-wide symptoms.