What's new in KYNA? A review of current literature
Keywords:
kynurenic acid, mental disordersAbstract
The present article reviews current research on the role of the metabolites and enzymes of the kynurenine pathway in the pathogenesis, and potential new trends in the therapy, of diseases of the central nervous system. The authors present reports on the regulatory role of the kynurenine pathway in the activity of the immune system and the relationships between the activity of the kynurenine pathway and parameters of inflammation. Also discussed is the role of the kynurenine pathway in the pathomechanisms underlying the development of neurodegenerative diseases, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and migraine. The article presents research on the role of the kynurenine pathway in the body's response to the action of antipsychotic drugs. An interesting line of research in this area concerns the possibilities of influencing the activity of the kynurenine pathway using synthetic compounds. Another new problem in KYNA research is related to changes in the expression of kynurenine 3-monooxygenase, which may turn out to be a risk factor for neurocognitive deficits in schizophrenic patients. Increased prenatal levels of KYNA may be associated with an increased risk of cognitive deficits in adult life. The kynurenine pathway may also play a regulatory role in the physiology of behavior.
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