Significance of kynurenine,kynurenic acid and trptophane in patients with Parkinson′s disease

Objective To evaluate the serum kynurenine(KYN),kynurenic acid(KYNA) and trptophane(TRP) in Parkinson′s disease(PD) patients and healthy controls. Methods The serum KYN,KYNA and TRP levels in 16 first episode PD patients,36 PD patients treated by Madopar and 20 age-matched healthy controls were measured by high performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence(HPLC-FLD).KYNA/KYN and KYN/TRP ratios were calculated. Results The serum KYNA level and KYNA/KYN in PD patients treated by Madopar were significantly higher than those in first episode PD patients and controls(P0.01).The serum TRP levels in first episode or Madopar treated PD patients was significantly higher than that in controls(P0.01). Conclusion The serum KYN,KYNA and TRP levels in PD patients may be used for the diagnosis and treatment of PD.