Kynurenine Pathway Activation in Human African Trypanosomiasis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The kynurenine pathway of tryptophan oxidation is associated with central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory pathways. Inhibition of this pathway ameliorates CNS inflammation in rodent models of the late (meningoencephalitic) stage of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). In this study, we evaluate whether the kynurenine pathway is activated in clinical HAT and associated with CNS inflammatory responses.

Methods

We measured cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tryptophan and kynurenine metabolite concentrations in patients infected with Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Results

Kynurenine concentration in CSF was increased in both the early and late stages of disease, with a progressive increase in tryptophan oxidation associ

SUBMITTER: Sternberg JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5388295 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature