The kynurenine pathway: Role in neurodegeneration and effects on neuronal damage

Abstract

Recent studies have identified the kynurenine pathway, a main route of tryptophan metabolism, as an important role in both neurotoxic and neuroprotective pathways. Quinolinic acid, a neurotoxic metabolite, and kynurenic acid, a neuroprotective metabolite, have opposite effects on neurons and are critical for understanding how the kynurenine pathway affects neuronal health. Imbalances in these metabolites are linked to cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration. Modulation of the kynurenine pathway provides prospective treatment methods by boosting kynurenic acid or decreasing quinolinic acid levels in order to reduce neuronal damage and decrease disease development. This review examines the significance of the kynurenine pathway in neuronal degeneration, the disorders linked with it, and existing therapy treatments, as well as prospective treatment directions.

Cite this article as: Akgeyik F, Demirezen A, Erbaş O. The kynurenine pathway: Role in neurodegeneration and effects on neuronal damage. D J Tx Sci 2024;9(1-2):10-16. doi: 10.5606/dsufnjt.2024.19.

Idea/concept, critical review: F.A.; Design, data collection and/or processing, analysis and/or interpretation, literature review, materials: A.D.; Control/supervision:O.E.; Writing the article, references and fundings: F.A., A.D.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/ or publication of this article.

The authors received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article.

Data sharing statement:
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.