Comparison of Plasma Levels of Tryptophan Metabolites between Healthy People and Patients of Bipolar Depression at Various Age and Gender

Abstract

Background: It is not well analyzed whether there are differences in plasma levels of tryptophan (TRP) metabolites between healthy control people (HC) and patients of type II bipolar depression (BDII). Methods: Ultra high-speed liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry has been used for the simultaneous determination of plasma levels of tryptophan metabolites in depressive patients. Results: Plasma levels of TRP are not different between HC and patients of BDII. Serotonin (5-HT) levels are higher in BDII than HC. Plasma levels of 5-HIAA of HC are higher than those of old women of BDII, but lower in young women of BDII. Plasma levels of kynurenine (KYN) of HC are not different from those of patients of BDII. Conclusion: Plasma levels of 5-HT are higher in patients of BDII than those of HC, which may suggest that use of drugs inhibiting the 5-HT transportation and lower transporter biding may increase plasma levels of 5-HT in patients of BD.