BEVITAL AS
Targeted Metabolomics Services
Tryptophan, kynurenine and the KTR
Updated 21/12/2022
What is the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio (KTR)?
Kynurenine (Kyn) is formed from the essential amino acid tryptophan (Trp). One enzyme involved in this reaction is indolamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), which is upregulated by various cytokines, in particular INF-gamma. This explains why immune activation leads to formation of kynurenine and depletion of tryptophan. Thus, the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio (KTR) is a marker of cellular (Th-1 type) immune response (3).
Method: LC-MS/MS
Indication(s)
Assessment of cellular immune response.
Specimen, collection and processing
Patient/subject: Reduced kynurenine levels are observed after reduced dietary intake of tryptophan.
Matrix: EDTA plasma and serum.
Volume: Minimum volume is 60 µL, but 200 µL is optimal and allows reanalysis.
Preparation and stability: The blood sample must be centrifuged and the plasma/serum fraction put on ice, and frozen. Kynurenine and tryptophan are stable.
Transportation
Frozen, on dry ice. (for general instruction on transportation, click here)
Reported values, interpretation
Reported values: Kyn: 1.0-3.3 µmol/L; Trp: 40-90 µmol/L.
Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) (Kyn/Trp/KTR): 0.68/0.51/0.67.
Literature
1. Midttun, Ø., McCann, A., Aarseth, O., Krokeide, M., Kvalheim, G., Meyer, K., and Ueland, P.M. (2016). Combined measurement of 6 fat-soluble vitamins and 26 water-soluble functional vitamin markers and amino acids in 50 μL of serum or plasma by high-throughput mass spectrometry. Anal Chem 88, 10427-436.
2. Midttun, O., Hustad, S., and Ueland, P.M. (2009). Quantitative profiling of biomarkers related to B-vitamin status, tryptophan metabolism and inflammation in human plasma by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Rapid Commun Mass Sp 23, 1371-79.
3. Ueland, P. M., A. McCann, O. Midttun and A. Ulvik (2017) Inflammation, vitamin B6 and related pathways. Mol Aspects Med 53:10-27.