Quantification of Plasma Kynurenine Metabolites Following One Bout of Sprint Interval Exercise

Abstract

The kynurenine pathway of tryptophan degradation produces several neuroactive metabolites suggested to be involved in a wide variety of diseases and disorders, however, technical challenges in reliably detecting these metabolites hampers cross-comparisons. The main objective of this study was to develop an accurate, robust and precise bioanalytical method for simultaneous quantification of ten plasma kynurenine metabolites. As a secondary aim, we applied this method on blood samples taken from healthy subjects conducting 1 session of sprint interval exercise (SIE). It is well accepted that physical exercise is associated with health benefits and reduces risks of psychiatric illness, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease, but also influences the peripheral and central concentrations of kynurenines. In line with this, we found that in healthy old adults ( n = 10; mean age 64 years), levels of kynurenine increased 1 hour ( P = .03) after SIE, while kynurenic acid (KYNA) concentrations were elevated after 24 hours ( P = .02). In contrast, no significant changes after exercise were seen in young adults ( n = 10; mean age 24 years). In conclusion, the described method performs well in reliably detecting all the analyzed metabolites in plasma samples. Furthermore, we also detected an age-dependent effect on the degree by which a single intense training session affects kynurenine metabolite levels.

Effects of Tryptophan Supplementation and Exercise on the Fate of Kynurenine Metabolites in Mice and Humans

“…Although we did not measure peripheral or central serotonin levels, it is tempting to speculate that the TRP supplementation could have affected serotonin levels, and thus increasing wheel running activity. On the other hand, the number of studies addressing the effects of exercise on TRP catabolism through the KP are constantly increasing [ 14 , 15 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ]. Once again, it is important to consider how the studies were planned when comparing data from the different sources.…”

Impact of Early-Commenced and Continued Sports Training on the Precuneus in Older Athletes

“…Moreover, several studies have demonstrated that central fatigue may influence the reduction in the GMV in the cortical and subcortical regions (de Lange et al, 2005 ; Riccitelli et al, 2011 ; Arm et al, 2019 ). Higher concentrations of tryptophan and kynurenine have been observed in younger and older adults during prolonged physical exercise (Melancon et al, 2012 ; Strasser et al, 2016 ; Trepci et al, 2020 ). Prolonged physical activity and its high load in older athletes may be associated with structural deterioration due to central fatigue.…”

Vitamin C and E Treatment Blocks Changes in Kynurenine Metabolism Triggered by Three Weeks of Sprint Interval Training in Recreationally Active Elderly Humans

“…186005662CV). Vials were transferred to an autosampler (set to 5 °C) that injected 1.5 μL into the ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) system [ 36 ].…”

“…The flow rate used was 0.3 mL/min and the run time for each sample was 13.0 min. For more detailed and method validation see [ 36 ].…”

“…KP metabolites show large variations between individuals at rest and over time in connection with exercise [ 36 , 37 ]; individual data of KP metabolites in association with the first SIT session in the placebo group have been published [ 36 ]. Here we focused on KP metabolite levels under resting conditions and to get robust values, we use the mean of measurements preformed in each individual before and 24 h after SIT sessions in the untrained and trained state, respectively.…”