1.
Bakker, Lieke; Ramakers, Inez H G B; van Greevenbroek, Marleen M J; Backes, Walter H; Jansen, Jacobus F A; Schram, Miranda T; van der Kallen, Carla J H; Schalkwijk, Casper G; Wesselius, Anke; Ulvik, Arve; Ueland, Per M; Verhey, Frans R J; Eussen, Simone J P M; Köhler, Sebastian
The kynurenine pathway and markers of neurodegeneration and cerebral small vessel disease: The Maastricht Study Journal Article
In: J Neurol Sci, vol. 474, pp. 123522, 2025, ISSN: 1878-5883.
@article{pmid40367835,
title = {The kynurenine pathway and markers of neurodegeneration and cerebral small vessel disease: The Maastricht Study},
author = {Lieke Bakker and Inez H G B Ramakers and Marleen M J van Greevenbroek and Walter H Backes and Jacobus F A Jansen and Miranda T Schram and Carla J H van der Kallen and Casper G Schalkwijk and Anke Wesselius and Arve Ulvik and Per M Ueland and Frans R J Verhey and Simone J P M Eussen and Sebastian Köhler},
doi = {10.1016/j.jns.2025.123522},
issn = {1878-5883},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-07-01},
journal = {J Neurol Sci},
volume = {474},
pages = {123522},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The kynurenine pathway, the main metabolic pathway of tryptophan degradation, has been mostly studied in neurodegenerative disorders, while its role in cerebrovascular pathology is less clear. We investigated whether kynurenines are associated with markers of neurodegeneration and cerebrovascular pathology in the general population.nnMETHODS: Cross-sectional data was used from 1589 individuals (60.0 ± 8.0 years, 54.3 % men) who participated in The Maastricht Study, an observational population-based cohort study. Plasma concentrations of tryptophan, kynurenines, and neopterin were quantified. Neurodegeneration was measured by volumes of intracranial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), while cerebrovascular pathology was measured by white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume and presence of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD), defined as the presence of lacunar infarcts, cerebral microbleeds or a Fazekas score ≥ 2, all derived from 3 T MRI. Associations of kynurenines with these markers were investigated using linear, logistic, and restricted cubic spline regression models adjusted for confounders.nnRESULTS: Fully adjusted analyses indicated that higher levels of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, kynurenine, kynurenic acid, quinolinic acid, and neopterin were associated with lower CSF volume. For the latter four, associations were non-linear and restricted to participants with already below average concentrations. Higher levels of tryptophan and anthranilic acid were associated with higher CSF volumes in participants with above-average levels. Higher levels of the kynurenine-tryptophan ratio were associated with a lower WMH volume. No evidence was found for associations between individual kynurenines and WMH volume or cSVD presence.nnCONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that several kynurenines are associated with neurodegeneration in community-dwelling older adults, but not with cerebrovascular damage.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
BACKGROUND: The kynurenine pathway, the main metabolic pathway of tryptophan degradation, has been mostly studied in neurodegenerative disorders, while its role in cerebrovascular pathology is less clear. We investigated whether kynurenines are associated with markers of neurodegeneration and cerebrovascular pathology in the general population.nnMETHODS: Cross-sectional data was used from 1589 individuals (60.0 ± 8.0 years, 54.3 % men) who participated in The Maastricht Study, an observational population-based cohort study. Plasma concentrations of tryptophan, kynurenines, and neopterin were quantified. Neurodegeneration was measured by volumes of intracranial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), while cerebrovascular pathology was measured by white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume and presence of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD), defined as the presence of lacunar infarcts, cerebral microbleeds or a Fazekas score ≥ 2, all derived from 3 T MRI. Associations of kynurenines with these markers were investigated using linear, logistic, and restricted cubic spline regression models adjusted for confounders.nnRESULTS: Fully adjusted analyses indicated that higher levels of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, kynurenine, kynurenic acid, quinolinic acid, and neopterin were associated with lower CSF volume. For the latter four, associations were non-linear and restricted to participants with already below average concentrations. Higher levels of tryptophan and anthranilic acid were associated with higher CSF volumes in participants with above-average levels. Higher levels of the kynurenine-tryptophan ratio were associated with a lower WMH volume. No evidence was found for associations between individual kynurenines and WMH volume or cSVD presence.nnCONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that several kynurenines are associated with neurodegeneration in community-dwelling older adults, but not with cerebrovascular damage.
2.
Holthuijsen, Daniëlle D B; van Roekel, Eline H; Bours, Martijn J L; Ueland, Per M; Breukink, Stéphanie O; Janssen-Heijnen, Maryska L G; Konsten, Joop L; Keulen, Eric T P; McCann, Adrian; Brezina, Stefanie; Gigic, Biljana; Kok, Dieuwertje E; Ulrich, Cornelia M; Weijenberg, Matty P; Eussen, Simone J P M
In: J Nutr Biochem, vol. 141, pp. 109910, 2025, ISSN: 1873-4847.
@article{pmid40158742,
title = {Modeling how iso-caloric macronutrient substitutions are longitudinally associated with plasma kynurenines in colorectal cancer survivors up to 12 months post-treatment},
author = {Daniëlle D B Holthuijsen and Eline H van Roekel and Martijn J L Bours and Per M Ueland and Stéphanie O Breukink and Maryska L G Janssen-Heijnen and Joop L Konsten and Eric T P Keulen and Adrian McCann and Stefanie Brezina and Biljana Gigic and Dieuwertje E Kok and Cornelia M Ulrich and Matty P Weijenberg and Simone J P M Eussen},
doi = {10.1016/j.jnutbio.2025.109910},
issn = {1873-4847},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-07-01},
journal = {J Nutr Biochem},
volume = {141},
pages = {109910},
abstract = {Dietary intake of several macronutrients is associated with plasma kynurenines after colorectal cancer (CRC), and kynurenines have been linked to health-related outcomes. It is unknown how macronutrient substitution affects plasma kynurenines, which may be relevant for developing guidelines to improve post-CRC quality of life through dietary changes. Using iso-caloric substitution models, we investigated how substituting one macronutrient with another is longitudinally associated with plasma tryptophan, kynurenines, and kynurenine ratios in CRC survivors. Measurements were performed at 6-weeks, 6-months, and 12-months post-treatment in 247 stage I-III CRC survivors. Macronutrient intake was measured by 7-d dietary records and plasma kynurenines by LC/MS-MS. For analysis, we applied linear mixed models with false discovery rate (FDR) to adjust for multiple testing. After FDR adjustment, substituting 100 kcal/d of total carbohydrates with 100 kcal/d of total protein was associated with higher plasma concentrations of kynurenic acid (KA), xanthurenic acid (XA), and a higher kynurenic acid-to-quinolinic acid (KA/QA) ratio. Substituting 100 kcal/d of total carbohydrates with 100 kcal/d of total fat was associated with higher tryptophan concentrations, higher KA/QA ratio, and a lower kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio (KTR) and hydroxykynurenine ratio (HKr). Substituting 100 kcal/d of total fat with 100 kcal/d of total protein was associated with higher XA concentrations. Altogether, iso-caloric macronutrient substitutions, particularly substituting carbohydrates with protein or fat, were longitudinally associated with higher concentrations of potentially favourable kynurenines and ratios (i.e., KA, XA, and KA/QA ratio) and lower ratios with pro-inflammatory or neurotoxic properties (i.e., KTR and HKr) in CRC survivors up to 12-months post-treatment.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Dietary intake of several macronutrients is associated with plasma kynurenines after colorectal cancer (CRC), and kynurenines have been linked to health-related outcomes. It is unknown how macronutrient substitution affects plasma kynurenines, which may be relevant for developing guidelines to improve post-CRC quality of life through dietary changes. Using iso-caloric substitution models, we investigated how substituting one macronutrient with another is longitudinally associated with plasma tryptophan, kynurenines, and kynurenine ratios in CRC survivors. Measurements were performed at 6-weeks, 6-months, and 12-months post-treatment in 247 stage I-III CRC survivors. Macronutrient intake was measured by 7-d dietary records and plasma kynurenines by LC/MS-MS. For analysis, we applied linear mixed models with false discovery rate (FDR) to adjust for multiple testing. After FDR adjustment, substituting 100 kcal/d of total carbohydrates with 100 kcal/d of total protein was associated with higher plasma concentrations of kynurenic acid (KA), xanthurenic acid (XA), and a higher kynurenic acid-to-quinolinic acid (KA/QA) ratio. Substituting 100 kcal/d of total carbohydrates with 100 kcal/d of total fat was associated with higher tryptophan concentrations, higher KA/QA ratio, and a lower kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio (KTR) and hydroxykynurenine ratio (HKr). Substituting 100 kcal/d of total fat with 100 kcal/d of total protein was associated with higher XA concentrations. Altogether, iso-caloric macronutrient substitutions, particularly substituting carbohydrates with protein or fat, were longitudinally associated with higher concentrations of potentially favourable kynurenines and ratios (i.e., KA, XA, and KA/QA ratio) and lower ratios with pro-inflammatory or neurotoxic properties (i.e., KTR and HKr) in CRC survivors up to 12-months post-treatment.
3.
Belen, Sergen; Patt, Nadine; Kupjetz, Marie; Ueland, Per M; McCann, Adrian; Gonzenbach, Roman; Bansi, Jens; Zimmer, Philipp
In: Am J Clin Nutr, vol. 121, no. 6, pp. 1403–1414, 2025, ISSN: 1938-3207.
@article{pmid40252731,
title = {Vitamin B status is related to disease severity and modulated by endurance exercise in individuals with multiple sclerosis: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial},
author = {Sergen Belen and Nadine Patt and Marie Kupjetz and Per M Ueland and Adrian McCann and Roman Gonzenbach and Jens Bansi and Philipp Zimmer},
doi = {10.1016/j.ajcnut.2025.04.014},
issn = {1938-3207},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-06-01},
journal = {Am J Clin Nutr},
volume = {121},
number = {6},
pages = {1403--1414},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Low circulating concentrations of B vitamins are linked to various chronic and neurodegenerative diseases. Notably, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (vitamin B) deficiency is linked to altered inflammatory responses and cellular immune function, both critical in multiple sclerosis (MS). Nevertheless, most MS research has focused on folate (vitamin B) and vitamin B, leaving other B vitamins understudied.nnOBJECTIVES: This secondary analysis investigated B-vitamin serum concentrations and related metabolites across MS phenotypes (primary progressive MS, relapsing-remitting MS, and secondary progressive MS) and disease severity levels. Additionally, the impact of endurance exercise on B-vitamin concentrations was investigated.nnMETHODS: In total, 106 individuals with MS participated in a randomized controlled trial, including different endurance exercise conditions. Serum B-vitamin concentrations were analyzed in 99 participants before and after 3 wk of intervention. Before analysis, participants were dichotomized to 1 of the 2 disability groups based on their expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score: EDSS (n = 47, EDSS: 5.86 ± 0.56) and EDSS (n = 52, EDSS: 3.59 ± 0.83).nnRESULTS: Higher EDSS scores were associated with lower pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (vitamin B-6) concentrations (r: -0.32; 95% CI: -0.49, -0.12; P = 0.011), with the EDSS group also showing lower baseline pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (vitamin B) concentrations (β: -0.18; 95% CI: -0.30, -0.07; P = 0.007) than the EDSS group. Significant time × EDSS group interactions were evident for pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (vitamin B; β: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.08; P = 0.011), pyridoxal (vitamin B; β: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.09; P = 0.005), and riboflavin (vitamin B; β: 0.06; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.09; P = 0.008), showing increases in these vitamers in the EDSS group postexercise. N1-Methylnicotinamide (vitamin B; β: -0.11; 95% CI: -0.15, -0.06; P < 0.001) decreased in both groups over time.nnCONCLUSIONS: Disease severity is associated with distinct B-vitamin profiles in individuals with MS, although endurance exercise appears to modify specific B-vitamin concentrations. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04356248.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
BACKGROUND: Low circulating concentrations of B vitamins are linked to various chronic and neurodegenerative diseases. Notably, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (vitamin B) deficiency is linked to altered inflammatory responses and cellular immune function, both critical in multiple sclerosis (MS). Nevertheless, most MS research has focused on folate (vitamin B) and vitamin B, leaving other B vitamins understudied.nnOBJECTIVES: This secondary analysis investigated B-vitamin serum concentrations and related metabolites across MS phenotypes (primary progressive MS, relapsing-remitting MS, and secondary progressive MS) and disease severity levels. Additionally, the impact of endurance exercise on B-vitamin concentrations was investigated.nnMETHODS: In total, 106 individuals with MS participated in a randomized controlled trial, including different endurance exercise conditions. Serum B-vitamin concentrations were analyzed in 99 participants before and after 3 wk of intervention. Before analysis, participants were dichotomized to 1 of the 2 disability groups based on their expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score: EDSS (n = 47, EDSS: 5.86 ± 0.56) and EDSS (n = 52, EDSS: 3.59 ± 0.83).nnRESULTS: Higher EDSS scores were associated with lower pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (vitamin B-6) concentrations (r: -0.32; 95% CI: -0.49, -0.12; P = 0.011), with the EDSS group also showing lower baseline pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (vitamin B) concentrations (β: -0.18; 95% CI: -0.30, -0.07; P = 0.007) than the EDSS group. Significant time × EDSS group interactions were evident for pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (vitamin B; β: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.08; P = 0.011), pyridoxal (vitamin B; β: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.09; P = 0.005), and riboflavin (vitamin B; β: 0.06; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.09; P = 0.008), showing increases in these vitamers in the EDSS group postexercise. N1-Methylnicotinamide (vitamin B; β: -0.11; 95% CI: -0.15, -0.06; P < 0.001) decreased in both groups over time.nnCONCLUSIONS: Disease severity is associated with distinct B-vitamin profiles in individuals with MS, although endurance exercise appears to modify specific B-vitamin concentrations. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04356248.
4.
Dahl, Tuva B; Aftab, Friha; Prebensen, Christian; Berdal, Jan-Erik; Ueland, Thor; Barratt-Due, Andreas; Riise, Anne Ma Dyrhol; Ueland, Per Magne; Hov, Johannes R; Trøseid, Marius; Aukrust, Pål; Gregersen, Ida; Myhre, Peder L; Omland, Torbjørn; Halvorsen, Bente
Imidazole propionate is increased in severe COVID-19 and correlates with cardiac involvement Miscellaneous
2025, ISSN: 1532-2742.
@misc{pmid40280497,
title = {Imidazole propionate is increased in severe COVID-19 and correlates with cardiac involvement},
author = {Tuva B Dahl and Friha Aftab and Christian Prebensen and Jan-Erik Berdal and Thor Ueland and Andreas Barratt-Due and Anne Ma Dyrhol Riise and Per Magne Ueland and Johannes R Hov and Marius Trøseid and Pål Aukrust and Ida Gregersen and Peder L Myhre and Torbjørn Omland and Bente Halvorsen},
doi = {10.1016/j.jinf.2025.106494},
issn = {1532-2742},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-06-01},
journal = {J Infect},
volume = {90},
number = {6},
pages = {106494},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {misc}
}
5.
Banjara, Sarala; Berggreen, Ellen; Igland, Jannicke; Åstrøm, Anne-Kristine; Midttun, Øivind; Bunæs, Dagmar; Sulo, Gerhard
In: Acta Odontol Scand, vol. 84, pp. 218–225, 2025, ISSN: 1502-3850.
@article{pmid40356307,
title = {Plasma levels of immune system activation markers Neopterin and Kynurenine-to-Tryptophan Ratio, and oral health among community-dwelling adults in Norway: a population-based, cohort study},
author = {Sarala Banjara and Ellen Berggreen and Jannicke Igland and Anne-Kristine Åstrøm and Øivind Midttun and Dagmar Bunæs and Gerhard Sulo},
doi = {10.2340/aos.v84.43535},
issn = {1502-3850},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-05-01},
journal = {Acta Odontol Scand},
volume = {84},
pages = {218--225},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Periodontitis is a condition characterised by inflammation. Neopterin and kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio (KTR) are markers of immune system activation in response to inflammation whose elevated levels are linked to higher incidence and poorer prognosis of various systemic diseases. Their potential association with oral health remains underexplored. The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the associations between these biomarkers and periodontal health status among community-dwelling adults in Hordaland County, Norway.nnMATERIALS AND METHODS: Neopterin and KTR were measured in 1,298 participants of the Hordaland Health Study, 1997-1999. Information on oral health indicators was obtained from the 'Hordaland-Oral Health Survey', 2020-2022. Ordinal logistic regression and negative binomial regression were used to explore the association between biomarkers and periodontitis, tooth loss, and current inflammation (extend of sites with pocket depth ≥4mm and bleeding on probing) and odds ratios (OR) and incidence rate ratios (IRR), along with respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported.nnRESULTS: No association was found between biomarker levels and periodontitis [neopterin: OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.69-1.33 for fourth (Q4) vs. first quartile (Q1); KTR: OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.61-1.18 for Q4 vs. Q1], tooth loss [neopterin: IRR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.94-1.06 for Q4 vs. Q1; KTR: IRR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.91-1.03 for Q4 vs. Q1) or extend of inflammation [neopterin: OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.70-1.09 for Q4 vs. Q1; KTR: OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.78-1.23 for Q4 vs. Q1].nnCONCLUSION: Plasma levels of neopterin and KTR were not prospectively associated with periodontal health and number of missing teeth.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
OBJECTIVE: Periodontitis is a condition characterised by inflammation. Neopterin and kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio (KTR) are markers of immune system activation in response to inflammation whose elevated levels are linked to higher incidence and poorer prognosis of various systemic diseases. Their potential association with oral health remains underexplored. The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the associations between these biomarkers and periodontal health status among community-dwelling adults in Hordaland County, Norway.nnMATERIALS AND METHODS: Neopterin and KTR were measured in 1,298 participants of the Hordaland Health Study, 1997-1999. Information on oral health indicators was obtained from the 'Hordaland-Oral Health Survey', 2020-2022. Ordinal logistic regression and negative binomial regression were used to explore the association between biomarkers and periodontitis, tooth loss, and current inflammation (extend of sites with pocket depth ≥4mm and bleeding on probing) and odds ratios (OR) and incidence rate ratios (IRR), along with respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported.nnRESULTS: No association was found between biomarker levels and periodontitis [neopterin: OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.69-1.33 for fourth (Q4) vs. first quartile (Q1); KTR: OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.61-1.18 for Q4 vs. Q1], tooth loss [neopterin: IRR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.94-1.06 for Q4 vs. Q1; KTR: IRR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.91-1.03 for Q4 vs. Q1) or extend of inflammation [neopterin: OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.70-1.09 for Q4 vs. Q1; KTR: OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.78-1.23 for Q4 vs. Q1].nnCONCLUSION: Plasma levels of neopterin and KTR were not prospectively associated with periodontal health and number of missing teeth.
6.
Holthuijsen, Daniëlle D B; Rijnhart, Judith J M; Bours, Martijn J L; van Roekel, Eline H; Ueland, Per M; Breukink, Stéphanie O; Janssen-Heijnen, Maryska L G; Konsten, Joop L; Keulen, Eric T P; McCann, Adrian; Brezina, Stefanie; Gigic, Biljana; Ulrich, Cornelia M; Weijenberg, Matty P; Eussen, Simone J P M
In: Brain Behav Immun, vol. 126, pp. 144–159, 2025, ISSN: 1090-2139.
@article{pmid39922470,
title = {Longitudinal associations of dietary intake with fatigue in colorectal cancer survivors up to 1Â year post-treatment, and the potential mediating role of the kynurenine pathway},
author = {Daniëlle D B Holthuijsen and Judith J M Rijnhart and Martijn J L Bours and Eline H van Roekel and Per M Ueland and Stéphanie O Breukink and Maryska L G Janssen-Heijnen and Joop L Konsten and Eric T P Keulen and Adrian McCann and Stefanie Brezina and Biljana Gigic and Cornelia M Ulrich and Matty P Weijenberg and Simone J P M Eussen},
doi = {10.1016/j.bbi.2025.02.003},
issn = {1090-2139},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-05-01},
journal = {Brain Behav Immun},
volume = {126},
pages = {144--159},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: A healthy diet may help to reduce cancer-related fatigue, but evidence is limited and mechanisms remain unclear. Both diet and fatigue following colorectal cancer (CRC) have been linked to metabolites (kynurenines) of the kynurenine pathway (KP). We investigated longitudinal associations between dietary intake and fatigue, and the potential mediating role of the KP, in CRC survivors up to 1Â year post-treatment.nnMETHODS: Measurements at 6Â weeks, 6Â months, and 1Â year post-treatment were performed in 209 stage I-III CRC survivors. Diet was assessed by 7-day food records. Plasma kynurenines were analyzed using LC-MS/MS. Fatigue, including subjective fatigue, was assessed using validated questionnaires. To analyse longitudinal associations between diet and fatigue and to explore potential mediation by the KP, we used confounder-adjusted multilevel parallel-multiple mediator models with all kynurenines included simultaneously, and simple mediator models with established KP ratios to estimate total (c: diet-fatigue), direct (c': diet-fatigue, while controlling for mediators), metabolite-specific indirect (ab: diet-metabolite-fatigue), and total indirect (ab: diet-metabolites-fatigue) effects.nnRESULTS: Higher intake of total carbohydrates and mono- and disaccharides was longitudinally associated with more subjective fatigue, while higher intake of plant protein, total fat, and unsaturated fats was associated with less subjective fatigue (c). Most associations remained statistically significant after controlling for KP metabolites, except for mono- and disaccharides (c'). All kynurenines simultaneously did not mediate longitudinal associations between diet and subjective fatigue (ab). The kynurenic acid-to-quinolinic acid (KA/QA) ratio significantly mediated associations of intakes of carbohydrate, mono- and disaccharides, alcohol, magnesium, and zinc with subjective fatigue, whereas the HKr significantly mediated the association between polysaccharide intake and subjective fatigue (ab).nnCONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that carbohydrate intake is associated with greater fatigue, while protein and fat intake are associated with lower fatigue in CRC survivors up to 1Â year post-treatment. While all KP metabolites simultaneously did not significantly mediate associations between diet and fatigue in our population, the KA/QA ratio and HKr were significant mediators in several diet-fatigue associations. These results should be repeated in larger observational studies.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
INTRODUCTION: A healthy diet may help to reduce cancer-related fatigue, but evidence is limited and mechanisms remain unclear. Both diet and fatigue following colorectal cancer (CRC) have been linked to metabolites (kynurenines) of the kynurenine pathway (KP). We investigated longitudinal associations between dietary intake and fatigue, and the potential mediating role of the KP, in CRC survivors up to 1Â year post-treatment.nnMETHODS: Measurements at 6Â weeks, 6Â months, and 1Â year post-treatment were performed in 209 stage I-III CRC survivors. Diet was assessed by 7-day food records. Plasma kynurenines were analyzed using LC-MS/MS. Fatigue, including subjective fatigue, was assessed using validated questionnaires. To analyse longitudinal associations between diet and fatigue and to explore potential mediation by the KP, we used confounder-adjusted multilevel parallel-multiple mediator models with all kynurenines included simultaneously, and simple mediator models with established KP ratios to estimate total (c: diet-fatigue), direct (c': diet-fatigue, while controlling for mediators), metabolite-specific indirect (ab: diet-metabolite-fatigue), and total indirect (ab: diet-metabolites-fatigue) effects.nnRESULTS: Higher intake of total carbohydrates and mono- and disaccharides was longitudinally associated with more subjective fatigue, while higher intake of plant protein, total fat, and unsaturated fats was associated with less subjective fatigue (c). Most associations remained statistically significant after controlling for KP metabolites, except for mono- and disaccharides (c'). All kynurenines simultaneously did not mediate longitudinal associations between diet and subjective fatigue (ab). The kynurenic acid-to-quinolinic acid (KA/QA) ratio significantly mediated associations of intakes of carbohydrate, mono- and disaccharides, alcohol, magnesium, and zinc with subjective fatigue, whereas the HKr significantly mediated the association between polysaccharide intake and subjective fatigue (ab).nnCONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that carbohydrate intake is associated with greater fatigue, while protein and fat intake are associated with lower fatigue in CRC survivors up to 1Â year post-treatment. While all KP metabolites simultaneously did not significantly mediate associations between diet and fatigue in our population, the KA/QA ratio and HKr were significant mediators in several diet-fatigue associations. These results should be repeated in larger observational studies.
7.
Joisten, Niklas; Reuter, Marcel; Rosenberger, Friederike; Venhorst, Andreas; Kupjetz, Marie; Walzik, David; Schenk, Alexander; McCann, Adrian; Ueland, Per Magne; Meyer, Tim; Zimmer, Philipp
Exercise training restores longevity-associated tryptophan metabolite 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid levels in middle-aged adults Journal Article
In: Acta Physiol (Oxf), vol. 241, no. 5, pp. e70041, 2025, ISSN: 1748-1716.
@article{pmid40178293,
title = {Exercise training restores longevity-associated tryptophan metabolite 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid levels in middle-aged adults},
author = {Niklas Joisten and Marcel Reuter and Friederike Rosenberger and Andreas Venhorst and Marie Kupjetz and David Walzik and Alexander Schenk and Adrian McCann and Per Magne Ueland and Tim Meyer and Philipp Zimmer},
doi = {10.1111/apha.70041},
issn = {1748-1716},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-05-01},
journal = {Acta Physiol (Oxf)},
volume = {241},
number = {5},
pages = {e70041},
abstract = {AIM: Recent pre-clinical evidence suggests that the tryptophan metabolite 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HAA) and the related enzyme activity along the kynurenine metabolic pathway (KP) are associated with lifespan extension. We aimed to translate these findings into humans and expose exercise training as a potential non-pharmacological intervention to modulate this metabolic hub.nnMETHODS: To explore whether recent pre-clinical findings might also be of relevance for humans, we analyzed the evolutionary conservation of KYNU and HAAO, the two core KP enzymes associated with 3-HAA. In a cross-sectional analysis of young-to-middle-aged adults (N = 84), we examined potential associations of serum 3-HAA and its precursor anthranilic acid with age. We then investigated whether 26 weeks of endurance exercise (increasing intensity (INC) during the intervention period (n = 17) vs. conventional moderate continuous training (CON) matched for energy expenditure (n = 17)) impacted 3-HAA levels, related metabolic ratios, and other KP metabolites.nnRESULTS: We demonstrate that the core KP enzymes associated with 3-HAA are evolutionarily conserved in humans. Serum 3-HAA and its precursor anthranilic acid were consistently associated with age in young-to-middle-aged adults. Both exercise modes tested induced an increase in 3-HAA levels of 134% (p < 0.001) and 85% (p < 0.001) compared with baseline, respectively, without a significant time*group interaction effect.nnCONCLUSION: We translate the association between systemic 3-HAA levels and age from animal models into humans and highlight longer-term exercise training as an efficient strategy to boost systemic 3-HAA levels in middle-aged adults. Our findings open promising research avenues concerning the mediating role of 3-HAA in training adaptations, health, and longevity.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
AIM: Recent pre-clinical evidence suggests that the tryptophan metabolite 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HAA) and the related enzyme activity along the kynurenine metabolic pathway (KP) are associated with lifespan extension. We aimed to translate these findings into humans and expose exercise training as a potential non-pharmacological intervention to modulate this metabolic hub.nnMETHODS: To explore whether recent pre-clinical findings might also be of relevance for humans, we analyzed the evolutionary conservation of KYNU and HAAO, the two core KP enzymes associated with 3-HAA. In a cross-sectional analysis of young-to-middle-aged adults (N = 84), we examined potential associations of serum 3-HAA and its precursor anthranilic acid with age. We then investigated whether 26 weeks of endurance exercise (increasing intensity (INC) during the intervention period (n = 17) vs. conventional moderate continuous training (CON) matched for energy expenditure (n = 17)) impacted 3-HAA levels, related metabolic ratios, and other KP metabolites.nnRESULTS: We demonstrate that the core KP enzymes associated with 3-HAA are evolutionarily conserved in humans. Serum 3-HAA and its precursor anthranilic acid were consistently associated with age in young-to-middle-aged adults. Both exercise modes tested induced an increase in 3-HAA levels of 134% (p < 0.001) and 85% (p < 0.001) compared with baseline, respectively, without a significant time*group interaction effect.nnCONCLUSION: We translate the association between systemic 3-HAA levels and age from animal models into humans and highlight longer-term exercise training as an efficient strategy to boost systemic 3-HAA levels in middle-aged adults. Our findings open promising research avenues concerning the mediating role of 3-HAA in training adaptations, health, and longevity.
8.
Jørgensen, Silje F; Braadland, Peder R; Ueland, Thor; Fraz, Mai S A; Michelsen, Annika E; Holm, Kristian; Osnes, Liv T; Trøseid, Marius; Ueland, Per Magne; Fevang, Børre; Aukrust, Pål; Hov, Johannes R
Tryptophan-kynurenine metabolites associate with inflammation and immunologic phenotypes in common variable immunodeficiency Journal Article
In: J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2025, ISSN: 1097-6825.
@article{pmid40378971,
title = {Tryptophan-kynurenine metabolites associate with inflammation and immunologic phenotypes in common variable immunodeficiency},
author = {Silje F Jørgensen and Peder R Braadland and Thor Ueland and Mai S A Fraz and Annika E Michelsen and Kristian Holm and Liv T Osnes and Marius Trøseid and Per Magne Ueland and Børre Fevang and Pål Aukrust and Johannes R Hov},
doi = {10.1016/j.jaci.2025.04.031},
issn = {1097-6825},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-05-01},
journal = {J Allergy Clin Immunol},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: A large proportion of patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) have autoimmune and inflammatory manifestations characterized by chronic T-cell- and monocyte/macrophage activation of unknown etiology. The tryptophan-kynurenine pathway has previously been linked to immune activation involving T cells and monocytes/macrophages, as well as with gut microbial dysbiosis in some inflammatory diseases.nnOBJECTIVE: We aimed to characterize the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway in CVID and its potential association with clinical/immunologic phenotype and gut microbial dysbiosis.nnMETHODS: Serum concentrations of a set of tryptophan-kynurenine pathway metabolites and neopterin were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in a discovery cohort (n = 40), a validation cohort (n = 53), and healthy controls (n = 60). B-cell phenotype was analyzed in both cohorts, whereas inflammatory markers (enzyme immunoassay), lipopolysaccharide, gut microbial composition, and food frequency questionnaire were measured in the discovery cohort.nnRESULTS: Compared to healthy controls, CVID patients had increased metabolism of the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway as assessed by increased kynurenine/tryptophan ratio, quinolinic acid, and 3-hydroxykynurenine in both the discovery and validation cohorts. The findings were most pronounced in the subgroup with autoimmune/inflammatory complications but was to some degree also observed in CVID patients with infection only. In CVID, the metabolites in the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway associated with soluble (s) markers of monocyte (sCD14, sCD163, neopterin) and T-cell (sCD25) activation as well as B-cell phenotype (eg, naïve B cells). Individual gut microbial taxa may influence tryptophan-kynurenine pathway metabolites, but not lipopolysaccharide or diet.nnCONCLUSION: We found altered levels of several metabolites in the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway in two different CVID cohorts associated with systemic inflammation and B-cell phenotype.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
BACKGROUND: A large proportion of patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) have autoimmune and inflammatory manifestations characterized by chronic T-cell- and monocyte/macrophage activation of unknown etiology. The tryptophan-kynurenine pathway has previously been linked to immune activation involving T cells and monocytes/macrophages, as well as with gut microbial dysbiosis in some inflammatory diseases.nnOBJECTIVE: We aimed to characterize the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway in CVID and its potential association with clinical/immunologic phenotype and gut microbial dysbiosis.nnMETHODS: Serum concentrations of a set of tryptophan-kynurenine pathway metabolites and neopterin were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in a discovery cohort (n = 40), a validation cohort (n = 53), and healthy controls (n = 60). B-cell phenotype was analyzed in both cohorts, whereas inflammatory markers (enzyme immunoassay), lipopolysaccharide, gut microbial composition, and food frequency questionnaire were measured in the discovery cohort.nnRESULTS: Compared to healthy controls, CVID patients had increased metabolism of the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway as assessed by increased kynurenine/tryptophan ratio, quinolinic acid, and 3-hydroxykynurenine in both the discovery and validation cohorts. The findings were most pronounced in the subgroup with autoimmune/inflammatory complications but was to some degree also observed in CVID patients with infection only. In CVID, the metabolites in the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway associated with soluble (s) markers of monocyte (sCD14, sCD163, neopterin) and T-cell (sCD25) activation as well as B-cell phenotype (eg, naïve B cells). Individual gut microbial taxa may influence tryptophan-kynurenine pathway metabolites, but not lipopolysaccharide or diet.nnCONCLUSION: We found altered levels of several metabolites in the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway in two different CVID cohorts associated with systemic inflammation and B-cell phenotype.
9.
Grytten, Elise; Laupsa-Borge, Johnny; Cetin, Kaya; Bohov, Pavol; Nordrehaug, Jan Erik; Skorve, Jon; Berge, Rolf K; Strand, Elin; Bjørndal, Bodil; Nygård, Ottar K; Rostrup, Espen; Mellgren, Gunnar; Dankel, Simon N
Inflammatory markers after supplementation with marine n-3 or plant n-6 PUFAs: A randomized double-blind crossover study Journal Article
In: J Lipid Res, vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 100770, 2025, ISSN: 1539-7262.
@article{pmid40058591,
title = {Inflammatory markers after supplementation with marine n-3 or plant n-6 PUFAs: A randomized double-blind crossover study},
author = {Elise Grytten and Johnny Laupsa-Borge and Kaya Cetin and Pavol Bohov and Jan Erik Nordrehaug and Jon Skorve and Rolf K Berge and Elin Strand and Bodil Bjørndal and Ottar K Nygård and Espen Rostrup and Gunnar Mellgren and Simon N Dankel},
doi = {10.1016/j.jlr.2025.100770},
issn = {1539-7262},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-04-01},
journal = {J Lipid Res},
volume = {66},
number = {4},
pages = {100770},
abstract = {Omega-3 (n-3) (e.g., EPA/DHA) and omega-6 (n-6) (e.g., linoleic acid [LA]) FAs are suggested to have opposite effects on inflammation, but results are inconsistent and direct comparisons of n-3 and n-6 are lacking. In a double-blind, randomized, and crossover study, females (n = 16) and males (n = 23) aged 30-70 years with abdominal obesity were supplemented with 3-4 g/d EPA/DHA (fish oil) or 15-20 g/d LA (safflower oil) for 7 weeks, with a 9-week washout phase. Cytokines and chemokines (multiplex assay), acute-phase proteins (MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry), endothelial function (vascular reaction index), blood pressure, FA composition (red blood cell membranes/serum/adipose tissue, GC-MS/MS), and adipose gene expression (microarrays, quantitative PCR) were measured. While significant differences between treatments in relative change scores were found for systolic blood pressure (n-3 vs. n-6: -1.81% vs. 2.61%, P = 0.003), no differences between n-3 and n-6 were found for any circulatory inflammatory markers. However, compared with baseline, n-3 was followed by reductions in circulating TNF (-24.9%, P < 0.001), regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (-12.1%, P < 0.001), and macrophage inflammatory protein 1-beta (-12.5%, P = 0.014), and n-6 by lowered TNF (-18.8%, P < 0.001), regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (-7.37%, P = 0.027), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (-7.81%, P = 0.020), and macrophage inflammatory protein 1-beta (-14.2%, P = 0.010). Adipose tissue showed significant treatment differences in weight percent of EPA (n-3 vs. n-6: 50.2%∗ vs. -1.38%, P < 0.001, ∗: significant within-treatment change score), DHA (16.0%∗ vs. -3.67%, P < 0.001), and LA (-0.033 vs. 4.91%∗, P < 0.001). Adipose transcriptomics revealed overall downregulation of genes related to inflammatory processes after n-3 and upregulation after n-6, partly correlating with changes in circulatory markers. These data point to tissue-specific proinflammatory effects of high n-6 intake, but a net systemic anti-inflammatory effect as for n-3.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Omega-3 (n-3) (e.g., EPA/DHA) and omega-6 (n-6) (e.g., linoleic acid [LA]) FAs are suggested to have opposite effects on inflammation, but results are inconsistent and direct comparisons of n-3 and n-6 are lacking. In a double-blind, randomized, and crossover study, females (n = 16) and males (n = 23) aged 30-70 years with abdominal obesity were supplemented with 3-4 g/d EPA/DHA (fish oil) or 15-20 g/d LA (safflower oil) for 7 weeks, with a 9-week washout phase. Cytokines and chemokines (multiplex assay), acute-phase proteins (MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry), endothelial function (vascular reaction index), blood pressure, FA composition (red blood cell membranes/serum/adipose tissue, GC-MS/MS), and adipose gene expression (microarrays, quantitative PCR) were measured. While significant differences between treatments in relative change scores were found for systolic blood pressure (n-3 vs. n-6: -1.81% vs. 2.61%, P = 0.003), no differences between n-3 and n-6 were found for any circulatory inflammatory markers. However, compared with baseline, n-3 was followed by reductions in circulating TNF (-24.9%, P < 0.001), regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (-12.1%, P < 0.001), and macrophage inflammatory protein 1-beta (-12.5%, P = 0.014), and n-6 by lowered TNF (-18.8%, P < 0.001), regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (-7.37%, P = 0.027), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (-7.81%, P = 0.020), and macrophage inflammatory protein 1-beta (-14.2%, P = 0.010). Adipose tissue showed significant treatment differences in weight percent of EPA (n-3 vs. n-6: 50.2%∗ vs. -1.38%, P < 0.001, ∗: significant within-treatment change score), DHA (16.0%∗ vs. -3.67%, P < 0.001), and LA (-0.033 vs. 4.91%∗, P < 0.001). Adipose transcriptomics revealed overall downregulation of genes related to inflammatory processes after n-3 and upregulation after n-6, partly correlating with changes in circulatory markers. These data point to tissue-specific proinflammatory effects of high n-6 intake, but a net systemic anti-inflammatory effect as for n-3.
10.
Trollebø, Marte A; Tangvik, Randi J; Skeie, Eli; Nygård, Ottar; Eagan, Tomas M L; McCann, Adrian; Dierkes, Jutta
Metabolic profiles and malnutrition in hospitalized adults: A metabolomic cohort study Journal Article
In: JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 365–372, 2025, ISSN: 1941-2444.
@article{pmid39961686,
title = {Metabolic profiles and malnutrition in hospitalized adults: A metabolomic cohort study},
author = {Marte A Trollebø and Randi J Tangvik and Eli Skeie and Ottar Nygård and Tomas M L Eagan and Adrian McCann and Jutta Dierkes},
doi = {10.1002/jpen.2728},
issn = {1941-2444},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-04-01},
journal = {JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr},
volume = {49},
number = {3},
pages = {365--372},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Malnutrition or risk of malnutrition is present in about one-third of patients admitted to Western hospitals and is identified by either screening for malnutrition or further nutrition assessment. To date, there are no commonly accepted biomarkers of malnutrition, which could expedite screening efforts, ease diagnosis, and hasten treatment. We aimed to investigate whether metabolomics could identify markers associated with malnutrition in hospitalized patients and performed a retrospective metabolomic cohort study in this patients' group.nnMETHODS: The study population included adult patients hospitalized in a medical unit. Malnutrition was identified by the second step of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria independently of the outcome of the screening step (nutritional risk screening 2002). Amino acids were determined by targeted metabolomics using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Logistic regression analyses with Benjamini-Hochberg procedure to reduce false discovery rate were used to identify biomarkers associated with malnutrition.nnRESULTS: In total, 218 patients were included in the final analysis, with 62 patients having a diagnosis of malnutrition. In crude analyses, 11 metabolites were associated with malnutrition, but further adjustment attenuated the associations. After multiple adjustment, neopterin and cystatin C were positively associated with malnutrition, whereas His, Cys, and kynurenine to tryptophan ratio were negatively associated.nnCONCLUSION: The observed associations require confirmation in a replication cohort before they can be recommended as biomarkers of malnutrition.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
BACKGROUND: Malnutrition or risk of malnutrition is present in about one-third of patients admitted to Western hospitals and is identified by either screening for malnutrition or further nutrition assessment. To date, there are no commonly accepted biomarkers of malnutrition, which could expedite screening efforts, ease diagnosis, and hasten treatment. We aimed to investigate whether metabolomics could identify markers associated with malnutrition in hospitalized patients and performed a retrospective metabolomic cohort study in this patients' group.nnMETHODS: The study population included adult patients hospitalized in a medical unit. Malnutrition was identified by the second step of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria independently of the outcome of the screening step (nutritional risk screening 2002). Amino acids were determined by targeted metabolomics using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Logistic regression analyses with Benjamini-Hochberg procedure to reduce false discovery rate were used to identify biomarkers associated with malnutrition.nnRESULTS: In total, 218 patients were included in the final analysis, with 62 patients having a diagnosis of malnutrition. In crude analyses, 11 metabolites were associated with malnutrition, but further adjustment attenuated the associations. After multiple adjustment, neopterin and cystatin C were positively associated with malnutrition, whereas His, Cys, and kynurenine to tryptophan ratio were negatively associated.nnCONCLUSION: The observed associations require confirmation in a replication cohort before they can be recommended as biomarkers of malnutrition.
11.
Valim, Valéria; Oliveira, FabÃola R; Miyamoto, Samira T; Serrano, Érica V; Balarini, Gabriela M; Tanure, Leandro A; Ferreira, Gilda A; Zandonade, Eliana; Brun, Johan G; Jonsson, Malin; Maeland, Elisabeth; Ulvik, Arve; Ueland, Per Magne; Jonsson, Roland; Mydel, Piotr M
Kynurenines and neopterin are interferon-gamma-inducible biomarkers for Sjögren's disease Journal Article
In: Rheumatology (Oxford), 2025, ISSN: 1462-0332.
@article{pmid40279290,
title = {Kynurenines and neopterin are interferon-gamma-inducible biomarkers for Sjögren's disease},
author = {Valéria Valim and FabÃola R Oliveira and Samira T Miyamoto and Érica V Serrano and Gabriela M Balarini and Leandro A Tanure and Gilda A Ferreira and Eliana Zandonade and Johan G Brun and Malin Jonsson and Elisabeth Maeland and Arve Ulvik and Per Magne Ueland and Roland Jonsson and Piotr M Mydel},
doi = {10.1093/rheumatology/keaf158},
issn = {1462-0332},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-04-01},
journal = {Rheumatology (Oxford)},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The aim was to investigate whether kynurenine pathway metabolites and neopterin increase probability for Sjögren's disease (SjD) and their associations with clinical parameters and inflammatory biomarkers.nnMETHODS: In this case-control study, 97 SjD patients and 63 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were enrolled. Clinical and immunological characteristics, EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) and the EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient-Report Index (ESSPRI) were evaluated. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP); cysteine; leptin; resistin; adiponectin; interleukins, chemokines, and TNF receptors I and II were analyzed using a multiplex system. The concentrations of cystatin-C, neopterin, tryptophan, vitamin B6, and kynurenine metabolites were assessed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.nnRESULTS: Tryptophan levels were lower in SjD (p= 0.012), and Kynurinine (p= 0.005), kynurenine/tryptophan ratio (KTR) (p= 0.001), and neopterin (p= 0.02) were higher. Kynurenine (OR 2.51, 95%CI 1.44-5.64), KTR (OR 3.45, 95% CI 1.76-6.74), neopterin (OR 4.28, 95% CI 1.95-9.42), and vitamin B6 metabolite (PAr) (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.19-9.39) increased the chances for SjD. They were associated with disease activity, longer disease duration, depression, impaired salivary flow, hypergammaglobulinemia, neutropenia, hypocomplementemia, and positive anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB. Neopterin correlated with kynurenines, and both were also associated with PAr and pro-inflammatory cytokines, mainly TNF-α, IL-1β, and TNF receptors I and II.nnCONCLUSION: Kynurenines and neopterin are interferon-gamma-inducible biomarkers associated with more chances for SjD and with disease activity, glandular dysfunction, autoantibodies, and immunological and inflammatory biomarkers.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
BACKGROUND: The aim was to investigate whether kynurenine pathway metabolites and neopterin increase probability for Sjögren's disease (SjD) and their associations with clinical parameters and inflammatory biomarkers.nnMETHODS: In this case-control study, 97 SjD patients and 63 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were enrolled. Clinical and immunological characteristics, EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) and the EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient-Report Index (ESSPRI) were evaluated. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP); cysteine; leptin; resistin; adiponectin; interleukins, chemokines, and TNF receptors I and II were analyzed using a multiplex system. The concentrations of cystatin-C, neopterin, tryptophan, vitamin B6, and kynurenine metabolites were assessed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.nnRESULTS: Tryptophan levels were lower in SjD (p= 0.012), and Kynurinine (p= 0.005), kynurenine/tryptophan ratio (KTR) (p= 0.001), and neopterin (p= 0.02) were higher. Kynurenine (OR 2.51, 95%CI 1.44-5.64), KTR (OR 3.45, 95% CI 1.76-6.74), neopterin (OR 4.28, 95% CI 1.95-9.42), and vitamin B6 metabolite (PAr) (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.19-9.39) increased the chances for SjD. They were associated with disease activity, longer disease duration, depression, impaired salivary flow, hypergammaglobulinemia, neutropenia, hypocomplementemia, and positive anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB. Neopterin correlated with kynurenines, and both were also associated with PAr and pro-inflammatory cytokines, mainly TNF-α, IL-1β, and TNF receptors I and II.nnCONCLUSION: Kynurenines and neopterin are interferon-gamma-inducible biomarkers associated with more chances for SjD and with disease activity, glandular dysfunction, autoantibodies, and immunological and inflammatory biomarkers.
12.
Wilson, Edward N; Umans, Jacob; Swarovski, Michelle S; Minhas, Paras S; Mendiola, Justin H; Midttun, Øivind; Ulvik, Arve; Shahid-Besanti, Marian; Linortner, Patricia; Mhatre, Siddhita D; Wang, Qian; Channappa, Divya; Corso, Nicole K; Tian, Lu; Fredericks, Carolyn A; Kerchner, Geoffrey A; Plowey, Edward D; Cholerton, Brenna; Ueland, Per M; Zabetian, Cyrus P; Gray, Nora E; Quinn, Joseph F; Montine, Thomas J; Sha, Sharon J; Longo, Frank M; Wolk, David A; Chen-Plotkin, Alice; Henderson, Victor W; Wyss-Coray, Tony; Wagner, Anthony D; Mormino, Elizabeth C; Aghaeepour, Nima; Poston, Kathleen L; Andreasson, Katrin I
Parkinson's disease is characterized by vitamin B6-dependent inflammatory kynurenine pathway dysfunction Journal Article
In: NPJ Parkinsons Dis, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 96, 2025, ISSN: 2373-8057.
@article{pmid40287426,
title = {Parkinson's disease is characterized by vitamin B6-dependent inflammatory kynurenine pathway dysfunction},
author = {Edward N Wilson and Jacob Umans and Michelle S Swarovski and Paras S Minhas and Justin H Mendiola and Øivind Midttun and Arve Ulvik and Marian Shahid-Besanti and Patricia Linortner and Siddhita D Mhatre and Qian Wang and Divya Channappa and Nicole K Corso and Lu Tian and Carolyn A Fredericks and Geoffrey A Kerchner and Edward D Plowey and Brenna Cholerton and Per M Ueland and Cyrus P Zabetian and Nora E Gray and Joseph F Quinn and Thomas J Montine and Sharon J Sha and Frank M Longo and David A Wolk and Alice Chen-Plotkin and Victor W Henderson and Tony Wyss-Coray and Anthony D Wagner and Elizabeth C Mormino and Nima Aghaeepour and Kathleen L Poston and Katrin I Andreasson},
doi = {10.1038/s41531-025-00964-7},
issn = {2373-8057},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-04-01},
journal = {NPJ Parkinsons Dis},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {96},
abstract = {Recent studies demonstrate that Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with dysregulated metabolic flux through the kynurenine pathway (KP), in which tryptophan is converted to kynurenine (KYN), and KYN is subsequently metabolized to neuroactive compounds quinolinic acid (QA) and kynurenic acid (KA). Here, we used mass-spectrometry to compare blood and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) KP metabolites between 158 unimpaired older adults and 177 participants with PD. We found increased neuroexcitatory QA/KA ratio in both plasma and CSF of PD participants associated with peripheral and cerebral inflammation and vitamin B deficiency. Furthermore, increased QA tracked with CSF tau, CSF soluble TREM2 (sTREM2) and severity of both motor and non-motor PD clinical symptoms. Finally, PD patient subgroups with distinct KP profiles displayed distinct PD clinical features. These data validate the KP as a site of brain and periphery crosstalk, integrating B-vitamin status, inflammation and metabolism to ultimately influence PD clinical manifestation.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Recent studies demonstrate that Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with dysregulated metabolic flux through the kynurenine pathway (KP), in which tryptophan is converted to kynurenine (KYN), and KYN is subsequently metabolized to neuroactive compounds quinolinic acid (QA) and kynurenic acid (KA). Here, we used mass-spectrometry to compare blood and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) KP metabolites between 158 unimpaired older adults and 177 participants with PD. We found increased neuroexcitatory QA/KA ratio in both plasma and CSF of PD participants associated with peripheral and cerebral inflammation and vitamin B deficiency. Furthermore, increased QA tracked with CSF tau, CSF soluble TREM2 (sTREM2) and severity of both motor and non-motor PD clinical symptoms. Finally, PD patient subgroups with distinct KP profiles displayed distinct PD clinical features. These data validate the KP as a site of brain and periphery crosstalk, integrating B-vitamin status, inflammation and metabolism to ultimately influence PD clinical manifestation.
13.
Ramos-RodrÃguez, Carla; Rojas-Gomez, Alejandra; Santos-Calderón, Luis A; Ceruelo, Santiago; RÃos, LÃdia; Ueland, Per M; Fernandez-Ballart, Joan D; Salas-Huetos, Albert; Murphy, Michelle M
The l-Arginine pathway may act as a mediator in the association between impaired one-carbon metabolism and hypertension Journal Article
In: Biochimie, vol. 230, pp. 86–94, 2025, ISSN: 1638-6183.
@article{pmid39549999,
title = {The l-Arginine pathway may act as a mediator in the association between impaired one-carbon metabolism and hypertension},
author = {Carla Ramos-RodrÃguez and Alejandra Rojas-Gomez and Luis A Santos-Calderón and Santiago Ceruelo and LÃdia RÃos and Per M Ueland and Joan D Fernandez-Ballart and Albert Salas-Huetos and Michelle M Murphy},
doi = {10.1016/j.biochi.2024.11.006},
issn = {1638-6183},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-03-01},
journal = {Biochimie},
volume = {230},
pages = {86--94},
abstract = {Elevated fasting plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) and the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism (rs1801133) have been associated with hypertension. Whether the l-Arginine pathway is involved, is unclear. We aimed to investigate whether the association between tHcy, the rs1801133 polymorphism and hypertension involves the l-Arginine pathway. THcy, plasma folate and cobalamin, erythrocyte glutathionine reductase activation coefficient, rs1801133 genotype, plasma l-Arginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) were determined in a cross-sectional study of 788 adults (aged 18 to 75), randomly selected from 2 town population registers. Participants participated in a medical checkup and provided a fasting blood sample. Associations between tHcy, rs1801133 genotype and l-Arginine pathway metabolites were assessed by multiple linear regression analysis and whether the tHcy and rs1801133 genotype are associated with hypertension via the l-Arginine pathway was investigated using mediation analysis. tHcy was positively associated with ADMA (BÂ =Â 0.003; SEÂ =Â 0.001; PÂ <Â 0.001) and SDMA (BÂ =Â 0.007; SEÂ =Â 0.002; PÂ <Â 0.001) and negatively associated with the l-Arginine/ADMA (BÂ =Â -1.140; SEÂ =Â 0.451; PÂ <Â 0.05) and ADMA/SDMA (BÂ =Â -0.006; SEÂ =Â 0.003; PÂ <Â 0.05) ratios. The MTHFR 677 CT vs CC genotype was negatively associated with ADMA (BÂ =Â -0.013; SEÂ =Â 0.007; PÂ <Â 0.05) and with SDMA (BÂ =Â -0.029; SEÂ =Â 0.013; PÂ <Â 0.05) in participants under 50 years. Each standard deviation increase (37.6) in the l-Arginine/ADMA ratio was associated with reduced hypertension risk (OR [95%CI], 0.6 [0.5, 0.8]). Mediation analysis showed that tHcy and ADMA were mediators in the association between the rs1801133 TT vs CC genotypes and hypertension. Our results support the l-Arginine pathway as a mediator in the association of impaired One-Carbon metabolism and hypertension.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Elevated fasting plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) and the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism (rs1801133) have been associated with hypertension. Whether the l-Arginine pathway is involved, is unclear. We aimed to investigate whether the association between tHcy, the rs1801133 polymorphism and hypertension involves the l-Arginine pathway. THcy, plasma folate and cobalamin, erythrocyte glutathionine reductase activation coefficient, rs1801133 genotype, plasma l-Arginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) were determined in a cross-sectional study of 788 adults (aged 18 to 75), randomly selected from 2 town population registers. Participants participated in a medical checkup and provided a fasting blood sample. Associations between tHcy, rs1801133 genotype and l-Arginine pathway metabolites were assessed by multiple linear regression analysis and whether the tHcy and rs1801133 genotype are associated with hypertension via the l-Arginine pathway was investigated using mediation analysis. tHcy was positively associated with ADMA (BÂ =Â 0.003; SEÂ =Â 0.001; PÂ <Â 0.001) and SDMA (BÂ =Â 0.007; SEÂ =Â 0.002; PÂ <Â 0.001) and negatively associated with the l-Arginine/ADMA (BÂ =Â -1.140; SEÂ =Â 0.451; PÂ <Â 0.05) and ADMA/SDMA (BÂ =Â -0.006; SEÂ =Â 0.003; PÂ <Â 0.05) ratios. The MTHFR 677 CT vs CC genotype was negatively associated with ADMA (BÂ =Â -0.013; SEÂ =Â 0.007; PÂ <Â 0.05) and with SDMA (BÂ =Â -0.029; SEÂ =Â 0.013; PÂ <Â 0.05) in participants under 50 years. Each standard deviation increase (37.6) in the l-Arginine/ADMA ratio was associated with reduced hypertension risk (OR [95%CI], 0.6 [0.5, 0.8]). Mediation analysis showed that tHcy and ADMA were mediators in the association between the rs1801133 TT vs CC genotypes and hypertension. Our results support the l-Arginine pathway as a mediator in the association of impaired One-Carbon metabolism and hypertension.
14.
Svenningsson, Mads M; Svingen, Gard Ft; Ueland, Per M; Sulo, Gerhard; Bjørnestad, Espen Ø; Pedersen, Eva R; Dhar, Indu; Nilsen, Dennis W; Nygård, Ottar
Elevated plasma trimethyllysine is associated with incident atrial fibrillation Journal Article
In: Am J Prev Cardiol, vol. 21, pp. 100932, 2025, ISSN: 2666-6677.
@article{pmid39906357,
title = {Elevated plasma trimethyllysine is associated with incident atrial fibrillation},
author = {Mads M Svenningsson and Gard Ft Svingen and Per M Ueland and Gerhard Sulo and Espen Ø Bjørnestad and Eva R Pedersen and Indu Dhar and Dennis W Nilsen and Ottar Nygård},
doi = {10.1016/j.ajpc.2025.100932},
issn = {2666-6677},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-03-01},
journal = {Am J Prev Cardiol},
volume = {21},
pages = {100932},
abstract = {BACKGROUND/AIM: Trimethyllysine (TML) is a methylated amino acid, which is linked to epigenetic regulation and can serve as a precursor of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO). TMAO is a microbiota-derived metabolite and a potential risk factor of cardiovascular disease. TML has recently been linked to atherosclerosis, acute myocardial infarction and prevalent atrial fibrillation (AF). However, any association between circulating TML and incident AF has not yet been reported and was the aim of the current study in a large community based cohort.nnMETHODS: Information regarding AF was obtained by linking patient data to national health registries. Risk associations were explored by logistic regression. Potential improvements in risk reclassification were calculated by the continuous net reclassification index (NRI˃0) and the Receiver Operating Curve Area Under the Curve (ROC-AUC).nnRESULTS: At baseline 3117 patients were included. During a median (25th-75th percentile) follow-up of 10.8 (9.4 - 11.2) years, 492 patients (15.8 %) developed AF. Higher plasma TML was associated with incident AF per 1 SD log-transformed TML (OR (95 % CI) 1.30 (1.16-1.46) < 0.01). Further analyses also showed an increase in NRI>0 (95 % CI) of 0.24 (0.14-0.33) < 0.001 and ROC-AUC (95 % CI) of 0.013 (0.004-0.022) = 0.006.nnCONCLUSION: TML was associated with, and improved risk classification of, new-onset AF in this large cohort of community dwelling adults. Our results motivate further studies on the association between TML and cardiac arrhythmias.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
BACKGROUND/AIM: Trimethyllysine (TML) is a methylated amino acid, which is linked to epigenetic regulation and can serve as a precursor of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO). TMAO is a microbiota-derived metabolite and a potential risk factor of cardiovascular disease. TML has recently been linked to atherosclerosis, acute myocardial infarction and prevalent atrial fibrillation (AF). However, any association between circulating TML and incident AF has not yet been reported and was the aim of the current study in a large community based cohort.nnMETHODS: Information regarding AF was obtained by linking patient data to national health registries. Risk associations were explored by logistic regression. Potential improvements in risk reclassification were calculated by the continuous net reclassification index (NRI˃0) and the Receiver Operating Curve Area Under the Curve (ROC-AUC).nnRESULTS: At baseline 3117 patients were included. During a median (25th-75th percentile) follow-up of 10.8 (9.4 - 11.2) years, 492 patients (15.8 %) developed AF. Higher plasma TML was associated with incident AF per 1 SD log-transformed TML (OR (95 % CI) 1.30 (1.16-1.46) < 0.01). Further analyses also showed an increase in NRI>0 (95 % CI) of 0.24 (0.14-0.33) < 0.001 and ROC-AUC (95 % CI) of 0.013 (0.004-0.022) = 0.006.nnCONCLUSION: TML was associated with, and improved risk classification of, new-onset AF in this large cohort of community dwelling adults. Our results motivate further studies on the association between TML and cardiac arrhythmias.
15.
Damerell, Victoria; Klaassen-Dekker, Niels; Brezina, Stefanie; Ose, Jennifer; Ulvik, Arve; van Roekel, Eline H; Holowatyj, Andreana N; Baierl, Andreas; Böhm, Jürgen; Bours, Martijn J L; Brenner, Hermann; de Wilt, Johannes H W; Grady, William M; Habermann, Nina; Hoffmeister, Michael; Keski-Rahkonen, Pekka; Lin, Tengda; Schirmacher, Peter; Schrotz-King, Petra; Ulrich, Alexis B; van Duijnhoven, Fränzel J B; Warby, Christy A; Shibata, David; Toriola, Adetunji T; Figueiredo, Jane C; Siegel, Erin M; Li, Christopher I; Gsur, Andrea; Kampman, Ellen; Schneider, Martin; Ueland, Per M; Weijenberg, Matty P; Ulrich, Cornelia M; Kok, Dieuwertje E; and, Biljana Gigic
Circulating tryptophan-kynurenine pathway metabolites are associated with all-cause mortality among patients with stage I-III colorectal cancer Journal Article
In: Int J Cancer, vol. 156, no. 3, pp. 552–565, 2025, ISSN: 1097-0215.
@article{pmid39308420,
title = {Circulating tryptophan-kynurenine pathway metabolites are associated with all-cause mortality among patients with stage I-III colorectal cancer},
author = {Victoria Damerell and Niels Klaassen-Dekker and Stefanie Brezina and Jennifer Ose and Arve Ulvik and Eline H van Roekel and Andreana N Holowatyj and Andreas Baierl and Jürgen Böhm and Martijn J L Bours and Hermann Brenner and Johannes H W de Wilt and William M Grady and Nina Habermann and Michael Hoffmeister and Pekka Keski-Rahkonen and Tengda Lin and Peter Schirmacher and Petra Schrotz-King and Alexis B Ulrich and Fränzel J B van Duijnhoven and Christy A Warby and David Shibata and Adetunji T Toriola and Jane C Figueiredo and Erin M Siegel and Christopher I Li and Andrea Gsur and Ellen Kampman and Martin Schneider and Per M Ueland and Matty P Weijenberg and Cornelia M Ulrich and Dieuwertje E Kok and Biljana Gigic and },
doi = {10.1002/ijc.35183},
issn = {1097-0215},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-02-01},
journal = {Int J Cancer},
volume = {156},
number = {3},
pages = {552--565},
abstract = {Alterations within the tryptophan-kynurenine metabolic pathway have been linked to the etiology of colorectal cancer (CRC), but the relevance of this pathway for prognostic outcomes in CRC patients needs further elucidation. Therefore, we investigated associations between circulating concentrations of tryptophan-kynurenine pathway metabolites and all-cause mortality among CRC patients. This study utilizes data from 2102 stage I-III CRC patients participating in six prospective cohorts involved in the international FOCUS Consortium. Preoperative circulating concentrations of tryptophan, kynurenine, kynurenic acid (KA), 3-hydroxykynurenine (HK), xanthurenic acid (XA), 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (HAA), anthranilic acid (AA), picolinic acid (PA), and quinolinic acid (QA) were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Using Cox proportional hazards regression, we examined associations of above-mentioned metabolites with all-cause mortality, adjusted for potential confounders. During a median follow-up of 3.2 years (interquartile range: 2.2-4.9), 290 patients (13.8%) deceased. Higher blood concentrations of tryptophan, XA, and PA were associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (per doubling in concentrations: tryptophan: HR = 0.56; 95%CI:0.41,0.76, XA: HR = 0.74; 95%CI:0.64,0.85, PA: HR = 0.76; 95%CI:0.64,0.92), while higher concentrations of HK and QA were associated with an increased risk of death (per doubling in concentrations: HK: HR = 1.80; 95%CI:1.47,2.21, QA: HR = 1.31; 95%CI:1.05,1.63). A higher kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio, a marker of cell-mediated immune activation, was associated with an increased risk of death (per doubling: HR = 2.07; 95%CI:1.52,2.83). In conclusion, tryptophan-kynurenine pathway metabolites may be prognostic markers of survival in CRC patients.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Alterations within the tryptophan-kynurenine metabolic pathway have been linked to the etiology of colorectal cancer (CRC), but the relevance of this pathway for prognostic outcomes in CRC patients needs further elucidation. Therefore, we investigated associations between circulating concentrations of tryptophan-kynurenine pathway metabolites and all-cause mortality among CRC patients. This study utilizes data from 2102 stage I-III CRC patients participating in six prospective cohorts involved in the international FOCUS Consortium. Preoperative circulating concentrations of tryptophan, kynurenine, kynurenic acid (KA), 3-hydroxykynurenine (HK), xanthurenic acid (XA), 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (HAA), anthranilic acid (AA), picolinic acid (PA), and quinolinic acid (QA) were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Using Cox proportional hazards regression, we examined associations of above-mentioned metabolites with all-cause mortality, adjusted for potential confounders. During a median follow-up of 3.2 years (interquartile range: 2.2-4.9), 290 patients (13.8%) deceased. Higher blood concentrations of tryptophan, XA, and PA were associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (per doubling in concentrations: tryptophan: HR = 0.56; 95%CI:0.41,0.76, XA: HR = 0.74; 95%CI:0.64,0.85, PA: HR = 0.76; 95%CI:0.64,0.92), while higher concentrations of HK and QA were associated with an increased risk of death (per doubling in concentrations: HK: HR = 1.80; 95%CI:1.47,2.21, QA: HR = 1.31; 95%CI:1.05,1.63). A higher kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio, a marker of cell-mediated immune activation, was associated with an increased risk of death (per doubling: HR = 2.07; 95%CI:1.52,2.83). In conclusion, tryptophan-kynurenine pathway metabolites may be prognostic markers of survival in CRC patients.
16.
Fossdal, Guri; Braadland, Peder; Hov, Johannes Roksund; Husebye, Eystein Sverre; Folseraas, Trine; Ueland, Per Magne; Ulvik, Arve; Karlsen, Tom Hemming; Berge, Rolf Kristian; Vesterhus, Mette
Mitochondrial dysfunction and lipid alterations in primary sclerosing cholangitis Journal Article
In: Scand J Gastroenterol, vol. 60, no. 2, pp. 165–173, 2025, ISSN: 1502-7708.
@article{pmid39764583,
title = {Mitochondrial dysfunction and lipid alterations in primary sclerosing cholangitis},
author = {Guri Fossdal and Peder Braadland and Johannes Roksund Hov and Eystein Sverre Husebye and Trine Folseraas and Per Magne Ueland and Arve Ulvik and Tom Hemming Karlsen and Rolf Kristian Berge and Mette Vesterhus},
doi = {10.1080/00365521.2024.2447521},
issn = {1502-7708},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-02-01},
journal = {Scand J Gastroenterol},
volume = {60},
number = {2},
pages = {165--173},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Indications of mitochondrial dysfunction are commonly seen in liver diseases, but data are scarce in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Analyzing circulating and liver-resident molecules indirectly reflecting mitochondrial dysfunction, we aimed to comprehensively characterize this deficit in PSC, and whether this was PSC specific or associated with cholestasis.nnMATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively included plasma from 191 non-transplant patients with large-duct PSC and 100 healthy controls and explanted liver tissue extracts from 24 PSC patients and 18 non-cholestatic liver disease controls. Using mass spectroscopy, we profiled lipids and fatty acids, carnitine, acylcarnitines, and metabolites in the tryptophan-kynurenine-nicotinamide pathway.nnRESULTS: Hierarchal clustering of fatty acid levels identified patients with PSC and healthy controls as separate clusters. Compared to healthy controls, PSC patients had increased levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and palmitate (C16:0) in plasma, but reduced levels of long-chain saturated fatty acids (SFAs). These findings were more pronounced in PSC patients with cholestasis. Several n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were elevated in PSC but not associated with cholestasis. Acylcarnitine ratios C2/C5 and C2/C3 were elevated while C2/C16 was reduced in PSC, indicating impaired mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation of medium-long chained fatty acids. Levels of intermediates in the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway indicated impaired NAD biosynthesis, suggesting impaired energy supply to mitochondria in PSC.nnCONCLUSIONS: We found that mitochondrial dysfunction was prominent in PSC and associated with increasing cholestasis. Whether this is merely a marker of liver disease and severity, or an underlying driver and potential therapeutic target in PSC remains to be explored.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
OBJECTIVES: Indications of mitochondrial dysfunction are commonly seen in liver diseases, but data are scarce in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Analyzing circulating and liver-resident molecules indirectly reflecting mitochondrial dysfunction, we aimed to comprehensively characterize this deficit in PSC, and whether this was PSC specific or associated with cholestasis.nnMATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively included plasma from 191 non-transplant patients with large-duct PSC and 100 healthy controls and explanted liver tissue extracts from 24 PSC patients and 18 non-cholestatic liver disease controls. Using mass spectroscopy, we profiled lipids and fatty acids, carnitine, acylcarnitines, and metabolites in the tryptophan-kynurenine-nicotinamide pathway.nnRESULTS: Hierarchal clustering of fatty acid levels identified patients with PSC and healthy controls as separate clusters. Compared to healthy controls, PSC patients had increased levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and palmitate (C16:0) in plasma, but reduced levels of long-chain saturated fatty acids (SFAs). These findings were more pronounced in PSC patients with cholestasis. Several n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were elevated in PSC but not associated with cholestasis. Acylcarnitine ratios C2/C5 and C2/C3 were elevated while C2/C16 was reduced in PSC, indicating impaired mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation of medium-long chained fatty acids. Levels of intermediates in the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway indicated impaired NAD biosynthesis, suggesting impaired energy supply to mitochondria in PSC.nnCONCLUSIONS: We found that mitochondrial dysfunction was prominent in PSC and associated with increasing cholestasis. Whether this is merely a marker of liver disease and severity, or an underlying driver and potential therapeutic target in PSC remains to be explored.
17.
Walzik, David; Joisten, Niklas; Schenk, Alexander; Trebing, Sina; Schaaf, Kirill; Metcalfe, Alan J; Spiliopoulou, Polyxeni; Hiefner, Johanna; McCann, Adrian; Watzl, Carsten; Ueland, Per Magne; Gehlert, Sebastian; Worthmann, Anna; Brenner, Charles; Zimmer, Philipp
Acute exercise boosts NAD metabolism of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells Journal Article
In: Brain Behav Immun, vol. 123, pp. 1011–1023, 2025, ISSN: 1090-2139.
@article{pmid39500416,
title = {Acute exercise boosts NAD metabolism of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells},
author = {David Walzik and Niklas Joisten and Alexander Schenk and Sina Trebing and Kirill Schaaf and Alan J Metcalfe and Polyxeni Spiliopoulou and Johanna Hiefner and Adrian McCann and Carsten Watzl and Per Magne Ueland and Sebastian Gehlert and Anna Worthmann and Charles Brenner and Philipp Zimmer},
doi = {10.1016/j.bbi.2024.11.004},
issn = {1090-2139},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
journal = {Brain Behav Immun},
volume = {123},
pages = {1011--1023},
abstract = {Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) coenzymes are the central electron carriers in biological energy metabolism. Low NAD levels are proposed as a hallmark of ageing and several diseases, which has given rise to therapeutic strategies that aim to tackle these conditions by boosting NAD levels. As a lifestyle factor with preventive and therapeutic effects, exercise increases NAD levels across various tissues, but so far human trials are mostly focused on skeletal muscle. Given that immune cells are mobilized and redistributed in response to acute exercise, we conducted two complementary trials to test the hypothesis that a single exercise session alters NAD metabolism of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In a randomized crossover trial (DRKS00017686) with 24 young adults (12 female) we show that acute exercise increases gene expression and protein abundance of several key NAD metabolism enzymes with high conformity between high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). In a longitudinal exercise trial (DRKS00029105) with 12 young adults (6 female) we confirm these results and reveal that - similar to skeletal muscle - NAD salvage is pivotal for PBMCs in response to exercise. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), the rate-limiting enzyme of NAD salvage pathway, displayed a pronounced increase in gene expression during exercise, which was accompanied by elevated intracellular NAD levels and reduced serum levels of the NAD precursor nicotinamide. These results demonstrate that acute exercise triggers NAD biosynthesis of human PBMCs with potential implications for immunometabolism, immune effector function, and immunological exercise adaptions.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) coenzymes are the central electron carriers in biological energy metabolism. Low NAD levels are proposed as a hallmark of ageing and several diseases, which has given rise to therapeutic strategies that aim to tackle these conditions by boosting NAD levels. As a lifestyle factor with preventive and therapeutic effects, exercise increases NAD levels across various tissues, but so far human trials are mostly focused on skeletal muscle. Given that immune cells are mobilized and redistributed in response to acute exercise, we conducted two complementary trials to test the hypothesis that a single exercise session alters NAD metabolism of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In a randomized crossover trial (DRKS00017686) with 24 young adults (12 female) we show that acute exercise increases gene expression and protein abundance of several key NAD metabolism enzymes with high conformity between high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). In a longitudinal exercise trial (DRKS00029105) with 12 young adults (6 female) we confirm these results and reveal that - similar to skeletal muscle - NAD salvage is pivotal for PBMCs in response to exercise. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), the rate-limiting enzyme of NAD salvage pathway, displayed a pronounced increase in gene expression during exercise, which was accompanied by elevated intracellular NAD levels and reduced serum levels of the NAD precursor nicotinamide. These results demonstrate that acute exercise triggers NAD biosynthesis of human PBMCs with potential implications for immunometabolism, immune effector function, and immunological exercise adaptions.
18.
Santos-Calderón, Luis A; Cavallé-Busquets, Pere; Ramos-RodrÃguez, Carla; Grifoll, Carme; Rojas-Gómez, Alejandra; Ballesteros, Mónica; Ueland, Per M; Murphy, Michelle M
In: Am J Clin Nutr, vol. 120, no. 5, pp. 1269–1283, 2024, ISSN: 1938-3207.
@article{pmid39326699,
title = {Folate and cobalamin status, indicators, modulators, interactions, and reference ranges from early pregnancy until birth: the Reus-Tarragona birth cohort study},
author = {Luis A Santos-Calderón and Pere Cavallé-Busquets and Carla Ramos-RodrÃguez and Carme Grifoll and Alejandra Rojas-Gómez and Mónica Ballesteros and Per M Ueland and Michelle M Murphy},
doi = {10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.09.015},
issn = {1938-3207},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-11-01},
journal = {Am J Clin Nutr},
volume = {120},
number = {5},
pages = {1269--1283},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Folate and cobalamin status, although essential for pregnancy, are not routinely monitored in prenatal care.nnOBJECTIVES: To investigate folate and cobalamin status and determinants throughout pregnancy, in the absence of mandatory folic acid (FA) fortification.nnMETHODS: In a cohort study of 831 mothers recruited at <12 gestational weeks (GW), plasma folate, total homocysteine (tHcy), cobalamin, holotranscobalamin (holoTC), methylmalonic acid (MMA), red blood cell folate (RBCF), and the combined cobalamin status indicator (cB12) were determined at ≤12, 15, 24-27, 34 GW, labor and in the cord. Single nucleotide polymorphisms affecting folate and cobalamin status were determined. FA, cobalamin, micronutrient supplement use, and dietary folate and cobalamin intake (food frequency questionnaire) were recorded. Folate and cobalamin status predictors were assessed by multiple linear regression analysis.nnRESULTS: Only 36.1% of the participants took FA preconceptionally and 47.4% and 7.3% had suboptimal RBCF (<906 nmol/L) and plasma cobalamin status (≤221 pmol/L), respectively, at ≤12 GW. RBCF determinants included planned pregnancy, FA supplementation, plasma cobalamin, and methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHFR) 677C>T genotype. Cobalamin supplementation was positively associated with plasma cobalamin and early holoTC. Smoking and BMI were inversely associated with plasma cobalamin and early holoTC, but none were associated with MMA. Only participants with the MTHFR 677TT genotype, exceeding FA supplement recommendations, improved their folate status (interaction term: B (95% CI):0.15 (0.01, 0.29), P = 0.032). Smoking was inversely associated with plasma cobalamin status in participants with the methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) 524CC genotype only (interaction term:0.07 (0.01, 0.04), P = 0.014). Mothers with low early pregnancy cobalamin status and also those with bigger newborns, had lower cobalamin status at labor.nnCONCLUSIONS: Suboptimal early pregnancy folate or cobalamin status affected 47.4% and 7.3% of the participants, respectively. The MTHFR 677TT genotype predicted folate status throughout pregnancy. Smoking and BMI were negatively associated with cobalamin status throughout pregnancy. Clinical Trial Registry number and website where it was obtained: NCT01778205. www.nnCLINICALTRIALS: gov.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
BACKGROUND: Folate and cobalamin status, although essential for pregnancy, are not routinely monitored in prenatal care.nnOBJECTIVES: To investigate folate and cobalamin status and determinants throughout pregnancy, in the absence of mandatory folic acid (FA) fortification.nnMETHODS: In a cohort study of 831 mothers recruited at <12 gestational weeks (GW), plasma folate, total homocysteine (tHcy), cobalamin, holotranscobalamin (holoTC), methylmalonic acid (MMA), red blood cell folate (RBCF), and the combined cobalamin status indicator (cB12) were determined at ≤12, 15, 24-27, 34 GW, labor and in the cord. Single nucleotide polymorphisms affecting folate and cobalamin status were determined. FA, cobalamin, micronutrient supplement use, and dietary folate and cobalamin intake (food frequency questionnaire) were recorded. Folate and cobalamin status predictors were assessed by multiple linear regression analysis.nnRESULTS: Only 36.1% of the participants took FA preconceptionally and 47.4% and 7.3% had suboptimal RBCF (<906 nmol/L) and plasma cobalamin status (≤221 pmol/L), respectively, at ≤12 GW. RBCF determinants included planned pregnancy, FA supplementation, plasma cobalamin, and methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHFR) 677C>T genotype. Cobalamin supplementation was positively associated with plasma cobalamin and early holoTC. Smoking and BMI were inversely associated with plasma cobalamin and early holoTC, but none were associated with MMA. Only participants with the MTHFR 677TT genotype, exceeding FA supplement recommendations, improved their folate status (interaction term: B (95% CI):0.15 (0.01, 0.29), P = 0.032). Smoking was inversely associated with plasma cobalamin status in participants with the methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) 524CC genotype only (interaction term:0.07 (0.01, 0.04), P = 0.014). Mothers with low early pregnancy cobalamin status and also those with bigger newborns, had lower cobalamin status at labor.nnCONCLUSIONS: Suboptimal early pregnancy folate or cobalamin status affected 47.4% and 7.3% of the participants, respectively. The MTHFR 677TT genotype predicted folate status throughout pregnancy. Smoking and BMI were negatively associated with cobalamin status throughout pregnancy. Clinical Trial Registry number and website where it was obtained: NCT01778205. www.nnCLINICALTRIALS: gov.
19.
Anfinsen, Åslaug Matre; Myklebust, Vilde Haugen; Johannesen, Christina Osland; Christensen, Jacob Juel; Laupsa-Borge, Johnny; Dierkes, Jutta; Nygård, Ottar; McCann, Adrian; Rosendahl-Riise, Hanne; Lysne, Vegard
In: Br J Nutr, vol. 132, no. 7, pp. 851–861, 2024, ISSN: 1475-2662.
@article{pmid39422147,
title = {Serum concentrations of lipids, ketones and acylcarnitines during the postprandial and fasting state: the Postprandial Metabolism (PoMet) study in healthy young adults},
author = {Åslaug Matre Anfinsen and Vilde Haugen Myklebust and Christina Osland Johannesen and Jacob Juel Christensen and Johnny Laupsa-Borge and Jutta Dierkes and Ottar Nygård and Adrian McCann and Hanne Rosendahl-Riise and Vegard Lysne},
doi = {10.1017/S0007114524001934},
issn = {1475-2662},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-10-01},
journal = {Br J Nutr},
volume = {132},
number = {7},
pages = {851--861},
abstract = {To improve the interpretation and utilisation of blood lipids, ketones and acylcarnitine concentrations as biomarkers in clinical assessments, more information is needed on their dynamic alterations in response to dietary intake and fasting. The aim of this intervention study was to characterise the changes in serum lipid, ketone and acylcarnitine concentrations 24 h after a standardised breakfast meal. Thirty-four healthy subjects (eighteen males and sixteen females) aged 20-30 years were served a breakfast meal (∼500 kcal, 36 E% fat, 46 E% carbohydrates, 16 E% protein, 2E% fibre), after which they consumed only water for 24 h. Blood samples were drawn before and at thirteen standardised timepoints after the meal. Metabolite concentrations were plotted as a function of time since the completion of the breakfast meal. Results demonstrated that concentrations of HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol decreased until ∼2 h (-4 % for both), while TAG concentrations peaked at 3 h (+27 %). Acetoacetate and -hydroxybutyrate were highest 24 h after the meal (+433 and +633 %, respectively). Acetylcarnitine, butyrylcarnitine, hexanoylcarnitine, octanoylcarnitine, decanoylcarnitine and dodecanoylcarnitine reached the lowest values at 60 min (decreases ranging from -47 to -70 %), before increasing and peaking at 24 h after the meal (increases ranging from +86 to +120 %). Our findings suggest that distinguishing between fasting and non-fasting blood samples falls short of capturing the dynamics in lipid, ketone, carnitine and acylcarnitine concentrations. To enhance the utility of serum acylcarnitine analyses, we strongly recommend accounting for the specific time since the last meal at the time of blood sampling.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
To improve the interpretation and utilisation of blood lipids, ketones and acylcarnitine concentrations as biomarkers in clinical assessments, more information is needed on their dynamic alterations in response to dietary intake and fasting. The aim of this intervention study was to characterise the changes in serum lipid, ketone and acylcarnitine concentrations 24 h after a standardised breakfast meal. Thirty-four healthy subjects (eighteen males and sixteen females) aged 20-30 years were served a breakfast meal (∼500 kcal, 36 E% fat, 46 E% carbohydrates, 16 E% protein, 2E% fibre), after which they consumed only water for 24 h. Blood samples were drawn before and at thirteen standardised timepoints after the meal. Metabolite concentrations were plotted as a function of time since the completion of the breakfast meal. Results demonstrated that concentrations of HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol decreased until ∼2 h (-4 % for both), while TAG concentrations peaked at 3 h (+27 %). Acetoacetate and -hydroxybutyrate were highest 24 h after the meal (+433 and +633 %, respectively). Acetylcarnitine, butyrylcarnitine, hexanoylcarnitine, octanoylcarnitine, decanoylcarnitine and dodecanoylcarnitine reached the lowest values at 60 min (decreases ranging from -47 to -70 %), before increasing and peaking at 24 h after the meal (increases ranging from +86 to +120 %). Our findings suggest that distinguishing between fasting and non-fasting blood samples falls short of capturing the dynamics in lipid, ketone, carnitine and acylcarnitine concentrations. To enhance the utility of serum acylcarnitine analyses, we strongly recommend accounting for the specific time since the last meal at the time of blood sampling.
20.
Holthuijsen, Daniëlle D B; van Roekel, Eline H; Bours, Martijn J L; Ueland, Per M; Breukink, Stéphanie O; Janssen-Heijnen, Maryska L G; Keulen, Eric T P; Brezina, Stefanie; Gigic, Biljana; Peoples, Anita R; Ulrich, Cornelia M; Ulvik, Arve; Weijenberg, Matty P; Eussen, Simone J P M
In: Int J Cancer, vol. 155, no. 7, pp. 1172–1190, 2024, ISSN: 1097-0215.
@article{pmid38783597,
title = {Longitudinal associations of plasma kynurenines and ratios with fatigue and quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors up to 12 months post-treatment},
author = {Daniëlle D B Holthuijsen and Eline H van Roekel and Martijn J L Bours and Per M Ueland and Stéphanie O Breukink and Maryska L G Janssen-Heijnen and Eric T P Keulen and Stefanie Brezina and Biljana Gigic and Anita R Peoples and Cornelia M Ulrich and Arve Ulvik and Matty P Weijenberg and Simone J P M Eussen},
doi = {10.1002/ijc.34992},
issn = {1097-0215},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-10-01},
journal = {Int J Cancer},
volume = {155},
number = {7},
pages = {1172--1190},
abstract = {Fatigue is prevalent in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors, impacting their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Inflammation-induced activation of the kynurenine pathway may play a role in cancer-related fatigue and HRQoL, but evidence is scarce. Therefore, we aimed to investigate longitudinal associations of plasma tryptophan, kynurenines, and ratios with fatigue and HRQoL in CRC survivors up to 12 months post-treatment. Repeated measurements at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months post-treatment were performed in 249 stage I-III CRC survivors. Plasma tryptophan and eight kynurenines were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). Fatigue and HRQoL outcomes were evaluated using validated questionnaires. Confounder-adjusted linear mixed models were conducted to analyze longitudinal associations, with false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Higher tryptophan (Trp), kynurenic acid (KA), and xanthurenic acid (XA) concentrations, as well as a higher kynurenic acid-to-quinolinic acid ratio (KA/QA), were associated with less fatigue and better functioning, while a higher kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio (KTR) and 3-hydroxykynurenine ratio (HKr) were associated with more fatigue and worse functioning. Finally, higher KA and XA concentrations and a higher KA/QA ratio were associated with a higher overall HRQoL summary score, while a higher HKr was associated with a lower overall HRQoL summary score. In conclusion, we observed that tryptophan and several kynurenines were longitudinally associated with fatigue and HRQoL in CRC survivors up to 12 months post-treatment. Future research is needed to validate our findings and explore the potential of the kynurenine pathway as intervention target for reducing fatigue and enhancing HRQoL after CRC treatment.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Fatigue is prevalent in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors, impacting their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Inflammation-induced activation of the kynurenine pathway may play a role in cancer-related fatigue and HRQoL, but evidence is scarce. Therefore, we aimed to investigate longitudinal associations of plasma tryptophan, kynurenines, and ratios with fatigue and HRQoL in CRC survivors up to 12 months post-treatment. Repeated measurements at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months post-treatment were performed in 249 stage I-III CRC survivors. Plasma tryptophan and eight kynurenines were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). Fatigue and HRQoL outcomes were evaluated using validated questionnaires. Confounder-adjusted linear mixed models were conducted to analyze longitudinal associations, with false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Higher tryptophan (Trp), kynurenic acid (KA), and xanthurenic acid (XA) concentrations, as well as a higher kynurenic acid-to-quinolinic acid ratio (KA/QA), were associated with less fatigue and better functioning, while a higher kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio (KTR) and 3-hydroxykynurenine ratio (HKr) were associated with more fatigue and worse functioning. Finally, higher KA and XA concentrations and a higher KA/QA ratio were associated with a higher overall HRQoL summary score, while a higher HKr was associated with a lower overall HRQoL summary score. In conclusion, we observed that tryptophan and several kynurenines were longitudinally associated with fatigue and HRQoL in CRC survivors up to 12 months post-treatment. Future research is needed to validate our findings and explore the potential of the kynurenine pathway as intervention target for reducing fatigue and enhancing HRQoL after CRC treatment.