Title:Neuroinflammation and the Immune-Kynurenine Pathway in Anxiety Disorders
VOLUME: 16 ISSUE: 5
Author(s):Yong-Ku Kim and Sang Won Jeon*
Affiliation:Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Ansan, Department of Psychiatry, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul
Keywords:Anxiety, kynurenine, tryptophan catabolites, serotonin, psychoimmunology, neuroinflammation.
Abstract:Background: Recently, neuroinflammation and the immune-kynurenine pathway have
received increased attention in the psychoimmunology field of major depressive disorder (MDD),
while studies related to anxiety disorders have been very limited.
Objective: This study reviewed possible mechanisms by which stress or inflammation modulate
anxiety through tryptophan metabolism and the kynurenine pathway.
Methods: Relevant literature was identified through a search of MEDLINE via PubMed.
Results: Accumulating evidence has indicated the modulatory effects of the immune-kynurenine
pathway on anxiety. The tryptophan catabolites (TRYCATs) in the kynurenine pathway imbalanced
by stress or inflammation induce serotonin and melatonin deficiency, making anxiety reactions
more sensitive. In addition, TRYCATs cause or sustain anxiety by acting as endogenous anxiogens
or anxiolytics, an NMDA agonist or antagonist, or a free radical generator.
Conclusion: We hope that our understanding of the psychoimmunological mechanisms of anxiety
will be expanded and anxiety-related studies will receive greater attention.
