Decreased brain tryptophan availability as a partial determinant of post-partum blues

Genetic variants in the tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene (TPH2) and depression during and after pregnancy

“…This fits well with previous studies that have shown that the early puerperium is associated with a decrease in serum tryptophan, most likely due to increased catabolism of tryptophan into kynurenine, a phenomenon that probably results from immune activation (Maes et al, 2002). This decrease in peripheral tryptophan also leads to a decrease in brain tryptophan availability and has been associated with the development of postpartum blues and depressive symptoms (Bailara et al, 2006;Kohl et al, 2005;Maes et al, 2001;Scrandis et al, 2008). Women with a genetic predisposition for lower TPH2 activity e i.e., carriers of the rare variants of the associated TPH2 promoter haplotypes e would thus have an even greater reduction in brain tryptophan and thus of serotonergic neurotransmission, and in consequence depressive symptoms.…”

Role of mother's genes and environment in postpartum depression

“…The serotonergic system may be under particular stress during peripartum and postpartum periods as a result of reductions of tryptophan (a metabolite of serotonin), inducing increased rates of depression (23,24). Two studies have found that both the 5-HTTLPR and STin2 polymorphisms of the 5-HTT gene are associated with variations in PPD (25,26).…”

An Investigation of the Role of Non–Work-Time Behavior in Buffering the Effects of Work Strain

“…These chemicals have effects within the brain (broadly), which are almost the exact opposite of allostatic load. [65][66][67][68][69][70] It is thus arguable that if a worker's response to acute work stress and fatigue includes a progressive reduction in exercise and creative and social activities, there is a commensurate loss of important sources of personal fulfillment, which might otherwise stimulate the release of pleasure-reward neurotransmitters with their stress-reducing, allostatic load-opposing potential. This behavioral change may lead to a prolongation of work stress spillover effects in non-work time, thereby increasing the overall period of allostatic load in any 24-hour sequence.…”