The tryptophan depletion theory in delirium: not confirmed in elderly hip fracture patients
A de Jonghe, BC van Munster, D Fekkes… - Psychosomatics, 2012 - Elsevier
Background The tryptophan depletion theory assumes that low tryptophan levels are present
in delirium. These lower levels may be regarded as a biochemical marker for cellular
immune activation, which may lead to increased catabolism of tryptophan into kynurenine
via stimulation of the enzyme indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) by interferon-γ. Objective
To compare plasma tryptophan and kynurenine levels, and IDO activity in hospitalized
patients with and without delirium. Methods Repeated plasma samples were prospectively …
in delirium. These lower levels may be regarded as a biochemical marker for cellular
immune activation, which may lead to increased catabolism of tryptophan into kynurenine
via stimulation of the enzyme indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) by interferon-γ. Objective
To compare plasma tryptophan and kynurenine levels, and IDO activity in hospitalized
patients with and without delirium. Methods Repeated plasma samples were prospectively …
