The Intersection between Tryptophan-Kynurenine Pathway Metabolites and Immune Inflammation, Hormones, and Gut Microbiota in Perinatal Depression

• Huiyan Liu ^[1] ; Kuangyi Zhu ^[2] ; Cheng Yang ^[3]
  1. [1] Department of Anesthesiology, Liuyang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Liuyang, Hunan, China
  2. [2] Department of Neonatology, Liuyang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Liuyang, Hunan, China
  3. [3] Department of Obstetrical, Liuyang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Liuyang, Hunan, China

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• Localización: Actas españolas de psiquiatría, ISSN 1139-9287, Vol. 52, Nº. 5, 2024, págs. 733-740
• Idioma: inglés
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  • Perinatal depression is a prevalent mental disorder among pregnant women, characterized by sleep disturbances, appetite changes, negative emotions, cognitive impairment, and suicidal or homicidal tendencies. These symptoms severely compromise personal well-being, disrupt family life, and burden society. Early detection and intervention are thus crucial. The tryptophan-kynurenine (TRP-KYN) pathway is central to the inflammatory hypothesis of depression and has gained significant attention in perinatal depression research. This pathway encompasses numerous metabolic enzymes and neuroactive metabolites that interact with other physiological systems, influencing neurotransmitter synthesis and neuronal development. Through these interactions, the TRP-KYN pathway exerts psychotropic effects. This article reviews the key metabolites and enzymes of the TRP-KYN pathway and examines its intersection with immune inflammation, hormones, and gut microbiota.